Monthly Archives: March 2010

30 Mar

NOAA Affirms Move to Newport

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) recently reconfirmed the plan to relocate Pacific Fleet Headquarters to Yaquina Bay at Newport from Seattle. Much speculation has occurred since NOAA’s plan was announced in the Fall of 2009 as to the suitability of the Newport site. After review by the General Accounting Office the Newport [...]

29 Mar

Dancing Loons on Alsea Bay

Today while having lunch by Alsea Bay in Waldport I was privileged to observe a  once in a lifetime event.  I saw a male Common Loon swimming placidly among the choppy, storm tossed water a few yards off the beach when he quickly dove under the surface on what appeared to be a fish hunt.
A few seconds [...]

27 Mar

Newport’s Port Renovation Will Bring A True International Terminal

Newport on Yaquina Bay is about to commence on a double winning project. The project is a full rebuilding and creation of a true international seaport, with completion anticipated in 2013.
This is a significant victory for Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition and Friends of Yaquina Bay. These two organization have dedicated sincere effort in [...]

22 Mar

Signs of Spring in South Beach

Sun showers between rain showers are a sure sign of Spring here on the Oregon Coast. In my front yard the Shiro Japanese plum is in full bloom perfuming the air. I wait with great anticipation for June when the wonderful delicate fruit is ready to drop into the hand. Nearby the daffodils and [...]

18 Mar

Name the Sea Lions

Two young female sea lions are nearing the end of their rehabilitation at the Oregon Coast Aquarium and are almost ready to join the penniped display where they will be well cared for and can interact with others of the species. Both of these youngsters were saved from a slow death in the ocean due [...]

10 Mar

Remembering a Lady on the Oregon Coast

The Helen McColl was a 65 foot Maine built wooden schooner which joined the New England cod fleet in 1911. Active in the fishery until 1974 when it was brought to Newport by George Morford. George fished from the schooner from Northern California to Cape Flattery Wahington in the pursuit of wild salmon. [...]

07 Mar

Oregon Beach Cleanup: One Man’s Daily Mission

I would like to introduce you to my neighbor, Bob. Bob is a retired gentleman in his 80’s who appears to be extremely fit.  In fact, up until the past few years, Bob was an avid runner. Well, hip problems have slowed him down some so now he does a daily beach walk of at [...]

05 Mar

Tough Times in Yachats, The Gem of the Oregon Coast

In the normal business cycle on the Oregon Coast we tend to see smaller gains as well as more modest declines. At present we are experiencing a somewhat steeper decline than usual with some very visible vacancies in Yachats. These include a closed grocery store, a real estate office and the well known Landmark Restaurant. This pattern [...]

03 Mar

Oregon Coast Real Estate Sales Data February 2010

Properties are selling on the Coast. The higher price ranges are continuing to be slow when compared to the $250,000 and under bracket. Bank owned homes are selling for lower prices compared to individually owned. We are seeing some welcome movement in the condo segment of the market.
The home I’m featuring from amongst those sold in February is [...]