Monthly Archives: May 2013

Why Squid? Why Knot?

Even though squid are one of the less-researched marine creatures, they sure have us curious.

For example, what’s with the crazy iridescence? That’s the question posed by this video and you’ll see how squid researchers have tried to answer it.

Most common off the Washington and Oregon coast is the market squid. Yes, they are the tasty ones and there is an established fishery.

You’ll also find plenty of Pacific squid but there have been some sightings of the larger, less friendly Humbolt squid, too.

In 2004 and 2010, the area from Westport to Cannon Beach was the scene of squid invasions. They tend not to last long because seagulls find them awesome. Even when the lemon wedges are running low.

If you’re interested in squid fishing, Puget Sound is the hot spot. Most squid fishers opt for the nighttime hours. You catch some, let me know. There’s some marinara sauce on the stove and fresh tzatziki in the ‘fridge.

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Road Tripping This Weekend?

It’s very, very easy to make a video to document a weekend trip.
All these photos were taken either on my iPhone or the iPad and produced on the free, or almost-free, iMovie app.
As you’ll notice, I like using Vimeo to host our squidknot videos.
Nephew Ryan Ball and his mom make their squidknot debut. They must be very proud.

Hear some of Ryan’s music here:

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Astoria’s Sunday Market: Come for the food and music

These guys were playing outside the Liberty Theater. Not only a great restored landmark for the city, but a hot spot on Sunday for Astoria‘s Market.
We also sampled some really good stuff. On the advice of Market regulars and a tip from our friends at Columbia River Coffee Roasters, we had the salmon crepes by Crepe Neptune from Cannon Beach. Also a four-pack cookie variety by Packer Family Orchards & Bakery from Hood River.
The market’s website is astoriasundaymarket.com.

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Shine On: Umpqua River Lighthouse

So think about it, if the intent of a lighthouse lens is to amplify the light going out, doesn’t it make sense that incoming sunlight will be amplified, too?

The answer if “yes” as you’ll see if you climb up into the lens of the Umpqua River Lighthouse. Your tour guide can point out an electrical component that got fried that way. Much the way kids with a magnifying glass can be an ant’s worst enemy.

English: Inside the top of the Umpqua River Li...

English: Inside the top of the Umpqua River Lighthouse. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Oregon State Parks maintain the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park. It’s open year-round three miles south of Reedsport.

At the nearby Discovery Point Resort is an RV park, cabins, and condos.

If you like oysters, be sure to check Upqua Triangle Oysters. They farm ’em, shuck ’em, and can give you some great ideas on serving them if you’re not a fan of eating them raw.

The Coast Guard no longer maintains the lighthouse. Volunteers and Douglas County rely on you’re generosity when you visit so do. Visit. And be generous.

Watch “The Politics of Sand”

100 years of open beaches. Enjoy.

Celebrate the Shore

A feature-length documentary about the social and political history of the Oregon coast is available for free viewing in five segments online at vimeo.com/album/2312981. The film, entitled The Politics of Sand, was made by Portland-based Anchor Pictures, directed by Tom Olsen, and produced by the Cannon Beach History Center and Museum. It covers about 150 years of history through engaging archival footage, photographs, and interviews, and is well worth watching for anyone who wants to understand the context of the legislative actions taken by Governors Oswald West and Tom McCall to protect public access to the shore.

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