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Ten-Mile Stretch of Oregon Coast Covered in Living, Dead Stuff |
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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.
12/12/07
Secrets of the Season |
Ten-Mile Stretch of Oregon Coast Covered in Living, Dead Stuff
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| Alien-like butterfly crab (photo Tiffany Boothe, Seaside Aquarium) |
(Seaside, Oregon) - Thanks to the storm of last week, there are some curious nuggets of nature for people to see – not to mention glimpses of damage of a historical nature.
More “ghost forests” have appeared on the beaches, odd finds on the central coast, and a ten-mile stretch between Gearhart and Warrenton is covered in a massive debris field of stuff the ocean coughed up – some of it still alive.
In Cape Lookout, 1200-year-old remnants of what many call a “ghost forest” have reappeared because of sand erosion. They show up each year, and this storm is what Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries geomorphologist Jonathon Allan believes was their debut this season.
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| Ancient stumps at Neskowin - known as the "ghost forest" |
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Last winter, sand levels were scoured to about six to ten feet below normal on the north coast, revealing ancient stumps at Hug Point that Seaside geologist Tom Horning said could be as old as 80,000 years old – although it’s likely they’re around 4,000 years old as well.
The most dramatic find was north of Seaside, where the Seaside Aquarium’s Keith Chandler and Tiffany Boothe say the beaches between Gearhart and Warrenton are literally littered with various types of marine life.
Boothe said this open tract of sandy beach is usually barren, with the exception of logs, seaweed, and small shells. But now it’s crawling with life.
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| Acorn barnacles (Photo Boothe) |
“The storm seemed to take its toll on the marine life community as well,” Boothe said. “The aquarium crew set out Monday morning to take a small survey. We counted 275 sunflower stars (Pycnopodia helianthoides), 25 giant pink stars (Pisaster brevispinus), 30 skate egg casings (most of which had already hatched), and tons of giant acorn barnacles (Balanus nubilus).”
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They collected as many specimens as they could on Monday.
“We did recover a few specimens; some larger barnacles, sunflower stars, leather stars (Dermasterias imbricate), and giant pink stars. We don't know if they will live or not; they have gone through quite an ordeal, being picked up off the bottom of the ocean and cast onto the shore.”
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| Moon jelly (photo Boothe) |
Boothe said another amazing find was an umbrella or butterfly crab (Cryptolithodes typicus). Although the crab was not alive, its alien-like appearance made it one of the best finds of the day.
Along with the numerous sea stars and egg casing were jellyfish, ascidians, various types of sponge, bryozoans, moon snail shells, hermit crabs, cockle clams, tubeworms, Dungeness crabs and black skate egg casings.
“Not very often do you come across a black skate egg casing,” Boothe said. “They are much smaller than the big skate egg casings, and hundreds of giant barnacles both dead and alive.”
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| Skate embryo |
Also
quite rare was the leather star, which is hardly ever seen above water
in this part of the Pacific Ocean.
“It was a beachcomber’s haven,” Boothe said. “All along the tide line were animals you just don't typically see stranded on shore.”
On the central coast, the erosion that took place has already been replaced because of calm seas, but there were some interesting finds.
Newport’s Guy DiTorrice found a couple of commercial crab pot marker floats and some larger driftwood immediately after the storm. Newport’s Terry Morse found several sea nettle jellies.
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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. |
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 |
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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 |
 Inn
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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 |
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Oregon coast mileage chart & map Day trips, suggested itineraries Search for Oregon Coast Subjects, Articles Oregon Coast Complete Guides (every beach access, attraction |
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