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Locals: Storm A 'Visual Symphony,' Good for Oregon Coast |
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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.
01/04/08
Secrets of the Season |
Locals: Storm A 'Visual Symphony,' Good for Oregon Coast
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| Saturday morning will mean enormous swells of around 30 feet, which will mean spectacular but dangerous conditions. |
(Oregon Coast) – The Thursday and Friday set of storms are brewing up some interesting visuals along the Oregon coast, and locals are welcoming it with open arms while expressing a little frustration with coverage of the event.
Thursday already saw some high winds, with peak wind gusts around 50 mph in some areas of the coastline. The second and bigger storm is poised to pounce on the region on Friday, causing the National Weather Service to issue a high wind warning and possibly bringing gusts up as high as 70 mph. To top it off, Saturday morning will likely see some of the biggest surf conditions so far this season, with swells up to 30 feet, creating some wild but dangerous moments on the beaches.
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. |
It’s one of those glorious, tempestuous events that literally sucks hundreds of tourists out to the beaches to see the melee – normally. But misconceptions after early December’s storm remain, causing an economic lull on the coast during the month that was about as financially disastrous as anything Mother Nature had conjured. So, coastal business owners are looking at media coverage of these storms and bristling.
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| Storm begins to boil near Cannon Beach |
Angi Wildt works at the Depoe Bay Winery, which faces the ocean and provides her with magnificent views every day. She said this storm is a good thing.
“Anything that gives me huge waves and drama in the ocean,” Wildt said. “I love it here. It's like watching a visual symphony.”
Things were picking up steam on Thursday afternoon, said Seaside geologist Tom Horning. “Our Thursday storm was a non-starter,” Horning said around 5 p.m. “Just a band of rain with 30 mph winds and a peal of thunder. Now it is clearing.”
Earlier in the day, Oceanside was stirring up a frenzy, said Sea Sweet Vacation Rentals owner Sarah Reeder.
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| Oceanside in a calmer mood |
“Oceanside is having awesome waves on at Three Arch Rocks,” she said. “The waves are breaking over ‘Splash’ rock and crashing and spraying all over. It is awesome to watch. The wind gusts have been quite big. Just a little hazy out, visibility is quite good. The clouds are high but you can see them coming. There are breakers all over. The beach is high.”
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Down on the central coast, Michelle Franck is owner of Oregon Beach House Rentals, which has vacation homes in Lincoln City, Depoe Bay and Newport. She’s getting frustrated by the normal storms of the season apparently chasing people away, instead of coaxing them in.
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| Waves lashing at Yaquina Head in Newport (photo Guy DiTorrice) |
“We have to get people out to the coast for this,” Franck said. “Storms are great for watching. The news media makes it seem like such a traumatic event - and it is - but it costs us dearly when people won’t come.”
In Seaside, Mike Exinger is still on vacation from his ice cream store, Zinger’s Homemade Ice Cream. Exinger spent years working behind the scenes at various radio stations around the country and isn’t happy with how storms play out in regional press.
“Winter storms aren’t really anything new,” Exinger said. “They’ve just taken on an added dimension since the big one. Major problem is that it tends to scare people off, and there’s really no reason to delay or deny a trip to the coast because the weathercasters throw up their hands and wave ‘em around and shout ‘oooooh…big storm possible for the coast.’ Half the time it’s no big deal, and the other half it’s not that big of a deal. Sure, we had a doozy a while back. But that was then.”
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| Storm surges hitting the beach access below Starfish Point (photo Danielle Emerick) |
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 |
At Starfish Point in Newport, reservations are abnormally down for January.
“We have way too many openings this month,” said manager Danielle Emerick. “This isn’t that kind of storm. People: the roads have been open for a month now.”
Mitch Tracy, co-owner of Blue Water Grill in Rockaway Beach was quick to point out the benefits of his restaurant’s unusually close vantage point to Rockaway’s tideline. The windows there are quite large, too. “We have a front row seat for you,” Tracy said.
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| After the storms, hit the beaches on Sunday to find oddities the waves washed up, like this giant jellyfish |
“The power of the Pacific Ocean is awesome and even better from a cozy setting,” said Dianna Dunlap, who runs several hotels in Lincoln City, including the Starfish Manor Oceanfront Hotel. “Storms are a great reason to come to the coast. Here, you can relax in the jacuzzi for two, overlooking the huge waves and enjoy the gas fireplace at the same time. How romantic is that? Beats sitting home watching the rain any day.”
Subsequently, some hoteliers are pushing their specials for this coming weekend, including one at Franck’s Oregon Beach House Rentals. “I see it as an adventure not to be missed,” she said. “The surf’s are amazing, candle-light dinners are wonderful and snuggling in front of an oceanfront fireplace is romantic.
“It’s a perfect opportunity to runaway to the beach and pretend you never have to go home.”
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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. |
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. |
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. |
STARFISH
POINT Newport - Offers only the finest in luxury condominium
lodging. Every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the
beach. |
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
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 |
DIVE
INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years a favorite of Seaside visitors. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bed family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. Oceanview cottages sleep anywhere from two to eight, w/ two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens. Heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds w/ picnic tables - all at quiet southern end of Seaside. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com. |
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