Fall is well underway here on the beautiful Central Oregon Coast and Winter is right around the corner.  This time of year presents viewing opportunity’s that are unsurpassed.  Many visitors travel to the Coast to watch spectacular storm and wave action.  This is also the time of [...]]]>

Fall is well underway here on the beautiful Central Oregon Coast and Winter is right around the corner.  This time of year presents viewing opportunity’s that are unsurpassed.  Many visitors travel to the Coast to watch spectacular storm and wave action.  This is also the time of year that many migratory birds can be observed close at hand as they travel South for the Winter.  This is made more enjoyable by our frequent weather breaks.  The same conditions that create great storm watching also bring us clear and sunny skies from now through February.  These are all on the plus side.  There are cautions however.

Winter storms bring exceptionally high tides and big wave action.  Floating debris such as logs and limbs are frequently tossed up on the beaches and present a real hazard to anyone caught by them.  Some words of caution when enjoying the storm season.  Stay off the rocky headlands  except for designated viewing areas.  Use established trails only.  Never go on the beach after dark.  Each year we have serious injuries and even fatalities when visitors attempt to use unmarked trails in the dark.  Always carry a cell phone so that if trouble occurs emergency responders such as the US Coast Guard and local Emergency Response Teams can locate and rescue.  Always dress for the weather with good outerwear and sturdy footwear.  Flashlights are a great idea as darkness comes quickly on the Central Oregon Coast.

Come often and enjoy our special part of the world and come back for more marvelous photo opportunities and life long memories.  Stay safe, however; we really don’t want to hear about your misadventures on the evening news!

My very favorite supplier of whole grain products for several years has been Bob’s Red Mill in Milwaukie, Oregon. The latest newsfrom the Mill is that on February 15, Bob turned 81 years old. As a gift to the employees of the Mill Bob presented them with an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) which [...]]]>

My very favorite supplier of whole grain products for several years has been Bob’s Red Mill in Milwaukie, Oregon. The latest newsfrom the Mill is that on February 15, Bob turned 81 years old. As a gift to the employees of the Mill Bob presented them with an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) which makes each of the employees an owner in the company.

This concept will allow a vital, thriving concern to grow and provide continuity of the quality and service for which Bob’s Red Mill famous. You may have seen Bob’s products in local stores here on the Coast and may be familiar with the variety and quality.

I first discovered Bob’s buckwheat pancake mix to which I add blueberries from my garden (they freeze well) and have never had a disappointed consumer. I then discovered Bob’s Scottish Oatmeal which makes a terrific morning cereal and is compliant with my diabetic food plan. Rather than drive the 1 1/2 hours from Newport to Milwaukie, I now order online. However, if you happen to be in the Portland area, you should stop by the mill’s store or even take the mill tour if you’re there by 10 am on a weekday. During  my first visit to the store, I was really impressed with the friendliness and courtesy of the staff and the wide variety of products available for purchase. The selection is not limited to baking supplies. All sorts of dried goods and healthy eating items are offered at very reasonable prices.

Bob’s Red Mill products are a wonderful addition to the varied food we enjoy on the Central Oregon Coast.

There are old shroomers and bold shroomers
– but no old, bold shroomers.

Knowledge and experience are the keys to this fascinating [...]]]> Dedicated and knowledgeable mushroom hunters call themselves shroomers. The mycological wonders of our coastal environment are amazing. A word of caution first, there is a saying among shroomers that goes like this:

There are old shroomers and bold shroomers
– but no old, bold shroomers.

Knowledge and experience are the keys to this fascinating hobby. Before you venture into the woods whether it is the Winter/Spring season or the Summer/Fall season it is an excellent idea to do research or take a class at your local county extension service or community college. One of the best ways is to team up with those who have wide experience. My late mother was an avid shroomer and did it by the book — such as, “when in doubt, don’t pick it”.

Yellow Chanterelle Mushroom

Several varieties grow in abundance on the coast and several are harvested commercially. For example the morel (morchella elata) is advertised for sale this year at $132.00 per pound dried. Native Americans gathered a few varieties. It was not until immigrants arrived here from Scandinavia and Russia that mushrooms began to be widely sought as people identified species familiar to them from their home countries.

My Mother was raised during the Great Depression and was taught by her father, a Swedish immigrant, how to find edible and delicious fungi to supplement the family diet. I am also fortunate to have relatives by marriage who are immigrants from Russia. They delight is shrooming here in season.  Good web sites include a local one and http://www.fsl.orst.edu.

Dark Morel Mushrooms

I had breakfast with out of town guests today at The Coffee House on Newport’s Bay Front. I was served the most delightful omelet of fresh, locally grown organic spinach and local wild mushrooms. Yummmm!