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Published 12/13/2009
Oregon Coast Picks of the Week of December 14
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| Giant frozen squid are littering Oregon's beaches - for a little while longer (photo Seaside Aquarium) |
(Oregon Coast) – It's a week full of promise and frivolity in both the natural and manmade worlds. Nature has left some freaky stuff on the beaches in recent weeks, and there's tons of holiday fun, along with some fascinating events for those who love birds. Some lodgings and restaurants are joining hands for some powerfully enticing specials, and BeachConnection.net has randomly picked two lodging choices you must really check out (or rather, check into, if you’ll excuse the punning).
Weird Beachcombing. It’s no secret that hundreds of Humboldt squid have been washing up along the coast, but now it’s spread from reports on the north coast all the way down to Florence. You don’t want to touch these creatures, by any means (that can bring on disease), but they are interesting to look at.
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| Live crabs emerge from bundles beach grass found on the beach (photo Seaside Aquarium) |
Their days on the beaches are numbered, however.
Seaside Aquarium has been hauling them away on the north coast, and it won’t be long before other entities along the coastline start yanking them off beaches in Tillamook, Lincoln, Lane and Coos counties – and more. So get out there this week to catch sight of something rather rare and extraordinary on these shores.
Also, the large rush of storms in recent weeks has washed up all sorts of wacky treasures from the natural world. You may find living crabs among the oddball beach debris, as well as egg casings from one species or another.
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| It's like a Christmas party at a lighthouse, between Florence and Yachats |
December 19 and 20. 13th Annual Heceta Lightstation Victorian Christmas Open House. From 4 – 7 p.m. The Queen Ann-style keeper’s house will be decorated Victorian flourishes inside and out. Enjoy warm drinks and treats, and performances by local musicians. Santa Claus will be there, and Oregon State Parks volunteers will offer historic tours of the lighthouse.
There will be a holiday raffle with great prizes from local business. Coastal Journeys will offer shuttle service from the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Area parking lot to the front door. Or bring warm, rainproof clothing, a flashlight and enjoy a beautiful walk up from the parking lot/beach. Parking fee $3, or use Oregon Coast Passport. 541-547-3696. 14 miles from Yachats.
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| Culinary fireworks at Newman's at 988 |
Culinary Escape at Cannon Beach. Ocean Lodge and Newman’s at 988 have teamed up to offer some delicious discounts. If you stay at Ocean Lodge during the weekdays – Sunday through Thursday – you can experience Chef John Newman’s culinary fireworks for a special price. A three-course meal will go for $29 per person, to midweek guests at Ocean Lodge only. Newmans at 988 serves an ala carte menu as well as a chef’s prix fixe menu that changes nightly. This offer is good through January 17, 2010 and excludes holidays. Not valid with other coupons or gift certificates. 888-777-4047 or 503-436-2241. 2864 South Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.theoceanlodge.com
Birders Events, Newport
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| Newport and birds just seem to go together. |
Thursday, December 17 brings a special program about them to the Hatfield. Ram Papish presents "Bogoslof: The Island of Fire and Ice in the Bering Sea,” at 7 p.m. in the Education Wing Room 30/32, in the OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center.
Use the staff entrance (not the entrance to the Visitor's Center), follow the signs, and park near the Library. Cost is free.
This tiny, isolated island in the Bering Sea is experiencing a wildlife population boom even as other colonies decline. Ram and five other researchers had a rare opportunity to spend a summer on Bogoslof to study the predatory/prey dynamics that could be a key to explaining these dramatic ecosystem shifts.
Ram is a wildlife photographer and artist (http://www.rampapish.com/) as well as a biologist.
Hatfield Marine Science Center. 2030 Marine Science Dr. Newport, Oregon. 541-867-0167.
Saturday, Dec. 19. "Birds of Beaver Creek & Seal Rock." Laimons Osis will lead this Yaquina Birders & Naturalists field trip. Meet at the Ona Beach State Park parking lot by 8:30 AM. Duration: morning. Cost is free.
Contact Range Bayer at 541-265-2965 for more information on both events.
Schooner’s Cove Inn. You can literally walk out your door and onto the beach. All oceanfront rooms and suites have newly remodeled kitchens, and bathrooms. Take in the ocean air from your own deck, or relax on a beachfront lawn complete with picnic tables and barbecues, where you can dine next to the beach. There’s an oceanfront spa on the premises as well. Rooms have gas fireplaces, free wi-fi, DVD players with DVD rentals, HBO, in-room gourmet coffee and it has laundry facilities for guests. Handicapped access, and AAA diamond rating. Depending on the room, you may find a separate bedroom with a queen bed, living area and hide-a-bed; rooms with a king bed; some rooms host larger groups or families with a bedroom and a semi-private sleeping area. Some units cater to couples and romantic moments at the beach while others host families or multiple guests. 188 North Larch Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. (800) 843-0128. www.schoonerscove.com
Oceanfront Cottage, Oceanside. Three bedrooms and a deck in one magical cottage with a sensational view, not simply overlooking secretive Oceanside but right above the beach. The charming rental home comes with two baths with pedestal sinks, oversized soaking tub in the master bedroom, wood burning fireplace with wood provided, as well as an electric forced air furnace. There are down comforters on every bed, and electric blankets to help in those engaging coastal winters. Washer and dryer available for guests. A full chef’s kitchen for any of your cooking whims, including includes Jenn-Air range, disposal, dishwasher, microwave and more. A large deck lets you watch your kids play in the sand from the cottage, and there's also a gas barbecue. Also, enjoy TV with cable, DVD/VHF and wi-fi. It’s a nicely furnished oceanfront home - perfect retreat for family vacations or romantic get-away weekends. Oceanside, Oregon. 1-800-723-2383 or (877) 552-0514. (cell). www.oceanfrontcottage.net
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