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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, Wadport, Yachats & Florence.

12/13/06

Secrets of the Season

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. www.tradewinds-motel.com

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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Where the Columbia meets the Pacific, Land of Lewis & Clark and loads of atmosphere & history


SEASIDE
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LINCOLN CITY & THE CORRIDOR OF MYSTERY
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DEPOE BAY
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NEWPORT
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UPPER LANE COUNTY
25 miles of deserted beaches & oodles of wonders

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A lighthouse, ancient bayfront and miles and miles of fluffy dunes

 

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