Winter Solstice Wishes

May the peace of the ocean on a cold winter's day bring love and light to each of you throughout the coming year!

Fast Ships and Pirates

I am still fascinated with our local shipwreck, The Emily G. Reed. A little further research tells me that she was an American Bark Ship similar to the one in this picture.

These ships were said to be the favorite of pirates as they were very fast. Note: I am also still fascinated with pirates--but that is a story for another time.

Anyway, the community newspaper finally figured out it was a story worth writing about and this article describes a little of the history.
http://tillamookheadlightherald.com/news/article_1877578e-07c9-11e0-8cf2-001cc4c03286.html

Meanwhile, another sunny winter's day on the beach reveals even more of the ship's hull. There is now 72 feet exposed. As you can see by the photo below, the excited crowd of shipwreck enthusiasts has yet to arrive. Fine by me. We are quite happy to examine, ponder and experience such a piece of history all alone!

Emily Shows Herself

The shipwreck we discovered appears, in fact, to be the Emily G. Reed. She came ashore in 1908 during a storm. At 219 feet long, there she lay and was eventually submerged in sand.

She stayed there until 1938, when winter storms washed away the sand and this photo was taken. Once again the Emily G. Reed was covered in sand thanks to Mother Nature.

There was mention in the local paper that the shipwreck was visible in 1954, but no photos were available.

And then again yesterday. Emily showed herself to those of us lucky enough to be there at the right moment. What a gift on a warm, winter's day!

Mystery Beneath Our Feet!

I took a long walk yesterday at low tide. The weather was warm, not a breath of wind and just one other couple on the beach. There were lots of pebbles but nothing else too exciting to report.

This morning, we took another walk on the beach across the same sand. The same sand we have walked crossed hundreds of times--once on the way to our wedding. Today the tide was slightly higher, the pebbles were still there, but so was this amazing sight...a shipwreck!

There--where the day before, I saw only sand--was definitely a section of the hull of a ship. A very old, wooden ship.

The beach was still fairly empty and no one seemed too interested in this incredible find. One couple passed by and matter-of-factly said they believed the ship to be the Emily G. Reed which came ashore in 1908.

My vivid imagination reels with colorful tales of pirates, gold and riches right here in Rockaway Beach. Time to search for the treasure map!!

Headin' Down The Highway

There was a black bear cruising up Highway 101 along Miami Cove as we came around the corner heading to Saltair Station last week. What a surprise! It was a pitch black evening with no moon. There he was, rolling along as fast has his short bear legs would carry him. We passed him like a couple of rubbernecking tourists as our jaws hit the floor.

We quickly pulled over in hopes of seeing him again or at least offering him a ride in the pickup to his final destination--perhaps Karla's Famous Smoked Fish Shop? But it appeared he made a right turn back into the forest. I think we were way more excited than he was.

Where Now, Green Cow?

Tillamook COWnty had this terrific idea to put these cow statues around the area. After all, there are more cows than people in the county--I'll give you that. Problem: there aren't any cows in Rockaway and folks don't really relate to the whole "cow theme". Perhaps if it were a fish or sea gull or a pirate, it might have a better chance.

Anyway, this poor cow (it was white at that time) was first placed on the front lawn of the high school. After much community unrest, it was agreed the cow must go and the search began for a new home. Not a lot of takers came forward.

Finally, the city council decided The Wayside--our town's "outdoor living room"-- would be a fitting place for it. So it was moved and painted. Painting apparently didn't help because once again this cow has become the subject of much controversy. The neighbors do not want it to stay and I have heard talk of a petition being circulated. To their point, it really looks out of place.

Perhaps it would make a great boat anchor at the bottom of Tillamook Bay? Just a suggestion.

Beware!

Yikes! Luckily, he is not as scary as he looks.

We have made it a tradition to be at the beach for Halloween. There are so many trick-or-treaters and scores of houses are vacant this time of year. It is very sad that so many of the older residents turn off their lights and bolt their doors instead of welcoming the little ones for good old-fashioned fun. All witches, pirates, princesses and sponge bobs welcome at our place--the more the merrier.

Note to self: Never grow old in spirit!

Happy Halloween!