Friday, March 9, 2012

Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition/Coastwatch

Saturday we were at the Tillamook Community College all day for lectures and workshops on a variety of topics. Everything from Be a Paleobotanist to watching for Snowy Plovers. We learned about tidepools, identification protocols for stranded animals, understanding climate change, the future of the Northwest's shoreline, tunicates and other invasive species and more. Very interesting stuff.
That evening found our tired brains trying to debrief at a little eatery called Fat Dog's Pizza.....had a excellent calzone and went back to the motel to shower/swim and kick back. After we got home Mike discovered his vest was missing and altho that was expendable our camera was not. After checking at the pizza place they did have it and offered to send it to us. We were amazed that no one had picked up the camera and that the owner was willing to do that. Small towns usually equal good folks and thanks for making me more confident in the human race!
A sunny morning found us at Cape Lookout State Park where Curt Peterson took us on a great walk along various beaches to explore coastal geology. Once again great info and something to ponder.
Home on Sunday evening and unpacked....early bed after a very nice four day holiday at the coast.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Sharing the Coast Conference March 3-4 2012

Had a very informative and interesting four day trip to the coast starting last Thursday. Went to the above conference which was sponsored by Oregon Shores and Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators held at Tillamook Community College. Leaving on a Thursday after our morning BOGS group we arrived at Cape Cod Cottages on a nice sunny day. Checking into our cabin we decided to go get something for dinner to enjoy that sun as long as possible and maybe we would be treated to a sunset.
Coming home with Enchiladas and a side dish as well as peanut butter pie slices, I had brought an old movie with us and we had decided to have a computer holiday and for me that means no FACEBOOK which was ok. Mike was able to walk down to Big Stump and do some measurements while I enjoyed getting us settled into the cabin.
Next morning we were on our way to Tillamook to attend our conference. We toured the Tillamook Pioneer Museum and an old WW11 hangar that housed blimps as a shore watch. Huge building with old fighter planes on display.......blimps had long been removed and they converted into a museum with a snazzy gift shop and a retro cafe. Watched a movie with old clips from the war and saw signage telling us that barn owls had taken up residence so we could see pellets here and there where we were walking or even messier stuff so we kept an eye out.
For a little while I felt like a big band could start playing boogie woogie swing music at any moment.........what a great sound that was and I still enjoy listening to music from the big band era.........now they could really play without all this electronic crap that passes for music now.
Checked into our Shilo Inn which also had a nice restaurant in a separate building as well as a gas station and a convenient store.....made it nice after a long day driving and sight seeing to just walk to the eatery and then home...oh, forgot to bring....no worry........walk to the store....
We also toured and tasted cheese at the Blue Heron French Cheese Factory. More tomorrow on the conference.