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, Waldport, Yachats & Florence.
03/11/08
Oregon Coast Cannon Artifacts Open for Public
View March 18
|
Cannon stored at Nehalem Bay State Park |
(Manzanita, Oregon) - On Tuesday, March 18, staff at Nehalem
Bay State Park will be draining water from the storage vats that hold
two historic cannon found at Arch Cape in mid-February. Local residents
who would like to see the cannon up close and hear speculation about their
origins are welcome to visit the park. The public viewing will be held
in the state park maintenance yard from 11 a.m. to Noon, Tuesday, March
18. Nehalem Bay State Park is off Hwy 101 three miles south of Manzanita.
Cannon information web page: www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/cannon.shtml
The cannon are soaking in vats as the first step in what
is sure to be a long conservation process, said Oregon Parks and Recreation
Department communications director Chris Havel. “Oregon Department
of State Lands are working to assemble a team of local, state and federal
representatives to decide on the next steps (which will likely involve
getting the cannon into the hands of a qualified marine archaeologist
for study and further conservation before putting them on public display),”
he said.
|
Cannon found at Arch Cape in February (photo Tiffany Boothe, Seaside
Aquarium) |
More information will be released when Havel has it, he
said.
The cannon artifacts are thought to be from the USS Shark,
which wrecked off the Columbia River in the 1840’s. One of its carronade
cannon were found at Arch Cape about fifty years later, in 1898. That
cannon gave Cannon Beach its name.
The two cannon found in February made major news in media
around the region, the nation and the world, along with a variety of shipwrecks
found on the central coast, ghost forests (ancient stumps 1,000- to 4,000
years old) and geological oddities called red towers – all of which
emerged because of abnormally low sand levels along the Oregon coast.
|
Officials will drain the pool for the public as they have before |
The cannon are covered in a thick layer of natural concrete:
the product of the metals working with the salination of the water over
time beneath the sands. Havel said it will take a lot of painstaking peeling
off of each layer. There are polished stones embedded in the concretion,
and the shape of the cannon are barely discernible through the black casing.
Arch
Cape Property Services.
Dozens of homes in that dreamy,
rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch
Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the
sea.
All homes are immaculate and smoke free; some pet friendly (with
a fee). Some with broadband, indoor or outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces,
decks, and fire pits or barbecues. Call about tempting winter specials
that go until March (not valid holidays, however). www.archcaperentals.com
866-436-1607. |
“Estimates are this process could take six months
to two years,” Havel said. The process could involve various chemical
and even electrolysis processes.
Beach Ranger David Woody said the objects have been buried beneath 10
to 20 feet of sand – the amount of sand that is currently missing
from that area of beach because of massive winter storm action.
|
Red towers at Hug Point |
The cannon are immersed in fresh water and covered in burlap,
to keep the parts sticking out of the water wet as well. This helps preserve
them from corrosion and quick deterioration after decades of being in
an oxygen-free environment.
“They would fall apart in three months without this
method of preservation,” Woody said.
Plenty of other oddities are continually open to the public,
dependant only on the tides. Low tides in places like Hug Point, Arch
Cape (just south of Cannon Beach) and central coast spots like Thiel Creek
allow viewing of the ghost forests there. Low tides tend to be in early
morning, or around six p.m. You cannot see the Arch Cape ghost forest
at anything but low tides.
|
Neskowin's ghost forest |
Also
viewable at low tides at Hug Point are a plethora of surreal, reddish
shapes called “red towers,” which only emerge at such low
sand level events.
The ghost forest at Neskowin is the most spectacular of
all the ancient stump strands, and it is the most visible. A few miles
up the road, just north of the Pacific City limits, a hidden road leads
to the beach on the north face of Cape Kiwanda, where some small stumps
can be seen, as well as the bedrock on which that area sits.
The shipwreck sticking out of a cliff near Coos Bay
is accessible via a six-mile hike, although there are sometimes individuals
offering rides to the wreck for five dollars.
A1
Beach Rentals, Lincoln City. Perfect for large family
vacations all the way down to a getaway lodging for two - with
over 25 vacation rental homes to choose from. A breathtaking collection
of craftsman or traditional beachfront homes, or oceanview houses
– from one to seven bedrooms. In various areas of Lincoln
City and overlooking the beach, with some in Depoe Bay. All kinds
of amenities are available, like hot tubs, decks, BBQ, rock fireplaces,
beamed ceilings and more. Some are new, some are historic charmers.
Lincoln City, Oregon. 1-(503)-232-5984. www.a1beachrentals.com.
|
Tradewinds
Motel,
Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s
and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a
double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck.
Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person
romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate
oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed,
fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family
reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect
to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly.
523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938.
www.tradewinds-motel.com |
|
|
|
Inn
at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south
end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by
the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach
strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering
gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms.
Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly.
Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine
and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At
Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com. |
The
Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built
like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean
front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun
(nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent
smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood
burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive
book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet
breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select
rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies.
888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon.
www.theoceanlodge.com |
|
|
|
D
Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked
cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and
up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River.
Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and
balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players;
movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa,
and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four
to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial
occasion packages. www.dsandsmotel.com.
171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925. |
Weiss'
Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside
Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites,
1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people.
Rent entire property for 20-26. Close to beach, river and Broadway
St.
Suites are designed for two adults; vacation rental units for families.
All units have kitchen and many have fireplace, deck and jetted
tub. Comfy robes, slippers, luxury bath amenities, quality linens
and more. 741 S. Downing St., Seaside. 800-738-6691. www.SeasideSuites.com |
Lincoln
City Vacation Homes
Something for everyone: smaller homes
with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All are either oceanfront
or just a few steps away – 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: 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 allowed in some homes
– ask first. Each comes with complete kitchens. Most have
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. 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. Dine
in penthouse restaurant and bar, for casual meal or candlelight
dinner. An array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other
Northwest favorites, including decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range
from bedrooms to studios to 1-bedroom suites with microwaves and
refrigerators to full kitchens. Also, wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise
room and year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game
room and easy beach access. Full-service conference/meeting rooms
for that inspirational retreat; extensive wedding possibilities.
4009 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161.
www.spanishhead.com |
RELATED
STORIES
Click
here for video of Dec. storm aftermath
Oregon
Coast Best of Awards for the Year And the winners
are: best of Oregon coast restaurants, lodgings, science, odd events
in nature and stunning moments for 2007
Watching
Transformations of Oregon Coast Beaches Seasons change
and so do beaches, revealing different sides and a variety of eye-popping
sights
Staggeringly
Cool Ideas for Oregon Coast Romance Be it the season
of Valentine's or be it any time of the year, Oregon's coastline has
essentially cornered the market for cuddle-inducing possibilities and
gushy activities for the hand-holding set
Day
or Night Mysteries and Merriment on Oregon Coast It's
more than just nightlife that comes to life, but the beaches offer major
opportunities
Oregon
Coast Travel Site Goes Wireless Provides Lodging Reports
- Oregon Coast Beach Connection now has mobile lodging and dining listings,
along with weekly lodging availability reports
CONTACT
/ ADVERTISE ON BEACH CONNECTION
|
|
OREGON
COAST VIRTUAL TOURS
Explore Every Beach Spot |
|
|
|
Nehalem Bay
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|