Covering
180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita,
Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City,
Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Wadport, Yachats & Florence.
12/13/06
Somewhat
Rare Stranding on North Oregon Coast
(Seaside,
Oregon) – Another somewhat rare occurrence happened on the Oregon
coast Wednesday, as two interesting specimens of sea life washed ashore
– and more are expected to beach in the coming stormy days.
Keith Chandler, manager of
the Seaside Aquarium, said a species of shark called a Salmon Shark rolled
onto the beach recently with the massive storm surges. A Harbor Porpoise
also washed ashore sometime in the last day or two.
The shark was found on the
north end of Cannon Beach; the porpoise at Sunset Beach, which is between
Gearhart and Warrenton.
While
the shark itself is not rare, as these sharks are common around Oregon
waters, their corpses only hit Oregon beaches about once every twelve
to fourteen months.
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The shark was about
three feet long, and most of these species reach as much as ten feet in
length.
“It looks like it died
of oxygen deprivation or something,” Chandler said. “It might’ve
been caught in someone’s fishing net. They’re called Salmon
Shark because they like salmon.”
The photos here, taken by Seaside
Aquarium’s Tiffany Boothe, show signs of some predation or being
knocked around by the tide, such as the missing eyes and chunk taken out
of the body. This is typical of marine corpses, however, and usually means
these intrusions on the body were made post mortem.
Tradewinds
Motel, Rockaway Beach
If expansive ocean views, close proximity to golfing,
fishing tours and quick access to seven miles of pristine beaches
is your thing, then this quintessential beauty in Rockaway Beach
is your ticket to vacation fun for families, couples or large groups.
Some rooms are pet friendly. All rooms at the Tradewinds Motel are
immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones with
data ports. The oceanfronts all have a queen bed, a double hide-a-bed,
kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and a private deck. Some oceanfront
units come with all those amenities but the kitchens. Both types
sleep up to four people. The non-oceanfront rooms are appointed
with a queen bed, small fridge, and coffee maker – sizable
for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on
a budget. There is an elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite that has
two bedrooms, coming with a kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace
and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For those wanting bigger
accommodations for family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings,
some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites.
523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938.
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Chandler said this
type of shark closely resembles the feared Great White Shark, with many
similarities in its body shape. “But the teeth are more pointy and
not as wide as the Great White,” Chandler said.
There has never been documentation
of a live Salmon Shark being seen and then mistaken for a Great White
or attacking a human, such as a surfer. But that wouldn’t stop Chandler
from fearing it in the water. “If I saw those dorsal fins coming,
I’d get out and wouldn’t take any chances,” he said.
“They do follow the salmon, so I imagine they can live fairly close
to shore.”
The coming storm is creating
larger and larger swells, as well as blowing winds in from the southwest.
Anytime winds come from the west, they bring objects onto the beach. When
you combine that with storm surges, you have objects and creatures coming
in great numbers.
“We expect a lot more
stuff to show up in the next day or so with this storm,” Chandler
said. “These winds from the west often blow things on shore. And
when dead things are just floating out there, they get washed up.”
The porpoise will
go to the Marine Mammal Stranding Network headquarters at Portland State
University for further study. The shark, however, will go to Astoria High
School for dissection by classes. The jaw and teeth are expected to be
salvaged for show as well, Chandler said.
DIVE
INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES
THE
TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years, The Tides has
been a favorite of Seaside visitors. History meets modern luxury
here. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Find
suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes,
one or two bedroom family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining
rooms. There are wonderful oceanview cottages that sleep anywhere
from two to eight people, with two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces
and kitchens.
Meanwhile, the heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds with picnic
tables and location at the quiet southern end of Seaside make for
some memorable means of play and repose. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846.
www.thetidesbythesea.com. |
D
Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Getting a free,
fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the beginning. Every room
is beachfront, and it's all right up against Lincoln City's most
famous stretch of beach, next to the D River. Each room, comes as
a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some
have gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players with movies available
for renting (and movie rentals come with free popcorn). There's
a heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night.
Rooms sleep anywhere from two, four to six - including a deluxe
fireplace suite. Gift certificates are available, and they offer
special occasion packages as well. To make a reservation and see
a virtual tour of the rooms, visit our website at www.dsandsmotel.com.
171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925. |
Lincoln
City Vacation Homes
There’s something for everyone
among this selection of wondrous homes: smaller homes with a view
to a large house that sleeps 15. All the homes are either oceanfront
or just a few steps away from the sand – all with a low
bank access and fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area;
one is close to the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies,
depending on the home: fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, dishwashers,
Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs, cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s
a loft in one, and another sprawling home has two apartments.
Pets are allowed in some homes – ask ahead. Each comes with
complete kitchens so you’ll have a home away from home.
Most have the seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85
to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com.
541-994-8778.
|
Inn
At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. It's Lincoln City’s only
resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms
- nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach.
Enjoy dining in the penthouse restaurant and bar - whether you’re
in the mood for a casual meal or a candlelight dinner. They offer
an array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest
favorites, including a decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from
bedrooms to studios to one-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators
to full kitchens. Hotel amenities include wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise
room and a year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game
room and easy beach access. Full-service conference and meeting
rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive, gorgeous wedding
possibilities. Near the south end of Lincoln City at 4009 SW Highway
101. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.com |
BREATHTAKING
CLIFFTOP IN NEWPORT
STARFISH
POINT is located on the Central Oregon Coast - in Newport
- and offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. At Starfish
Point, every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.
All of the units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens,
wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private
decks - surrounding you in soothing relaxation. We have a friendly
staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140
NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. www.starfishpoint.com |
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ASTORIA
Where the Columbia
meets the Pacific, Land of Lewis & Clark and loads of
atmosphere & history |
SEASIDE
The Promenade,
Tillamook Head, family fun & broad, sandy beaches
|
CANNON
BEACH
A mysterious
lighthouse, upscale yet earthy, a huge monolith, fine eateries
& an art mecca |
NEHALEM
BAY
Manzanita's
beaches, Nehalem and Wheeler's quirky beauty; laid back Rockaway
|
TILLAMOOK
BAY
Garibaldi,
Barview, Bay City, Tillamook & an oceanfront ghost town
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THREE
CAPES LOOP
The hidden
secret of the coast: Cape Meares, a lighthouse, Oceanside,
Netarts and Pacific City
|
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DEPOE
BAY
A spouting horn
downtown, freaky hidden cliffs and whales, whales, whales |
NEWPORT
Time-tripping Nye Beach, a bustling
bayfront, marine science-central and two lighthouses |
|
YACHATS
Constantly dramatic wave action, a mix
of the rugged & upscale |
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FLORENCE
A lighthouse, ancient bayfront and miles
and miles of fluffy dunes |
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