The back eddy: a cool and sometimes useful tidal anomaly on the Columbia

Jun 16, 2023

I happened to be looking out over the Columbia River in Astoria this week and saw an interesting water anomaly that I’d never noticed before. It turned out to be an effect from a tidal eddy, something to watch out for if you’re in a small boat, and another sign of the power of our mighty river and the moon and sun, which conspire together to create our tides.

The back eddy: a cool and sometimes useful tidal anomaly on the Columbia

The back eddy: a cool and sometimes useful tidal anomaly on the Columbia

I happened to be looking out over the Columbia River in Astoria this week and saw an interesting water anomaly that I’d never noticed before. It turned out to be an effect from a tidal eddy, something to watch out for if you’re in a small boat, and another sign of the power of our mighty river and the moon and sun, which conspire together to create our tides.

Wind and the incredible advent of the ship’s engine

Jun 15, 2023

Today we’ll talk about wind and engines, and how they differ in their ability to get ships to where they want to go.

Wind and the incredible advent of the ship’s engine

Wind and the incredible advent of the ship’s engine

Today we’ll talk about wind and engines, and how they differ in their ability to get ships to where they want to go.

A look at our ship schedules, and a little about time and ships

Jun 14, 2023

Today we’ll talk about who’s on the river and take a quick look at the concept of a “ship schedule” on the river… it’s not like buses and trains. Ships depart and arrive according to a complex set of factors. We as the public get to see them as they go, when they go.

A look at our ship schedules, and a little about time and ships

A look at our ship schedules, and a little about time and ships

Today we’ll talk about who’s on the river and take a quick look at the concept of a “ship schedule” on the river… it’s not like buses and trains. Ships depart and arrive according to a complex set of factors. We as the public get to see them as they go, when they go.

Ship paint colors

Jun 13, 2023

Today we’ll talk about typical ship paint color schemes and some ideas on why they are that way. A big factor: visibility at sea.

Ship paint colors

Ship paint colors

Today we’ll talk about typical ship paint color schemes and some ideas on why they are that way. A big factor: visibility at sea.

The Rose Festival Fleet departs today

Jun 12, 2023

Today our visiting Rose Festival ships depart. We’ll talk about who is headed downriver and when you might be able to see them pass by.

The Rose Festival Fleet departs today

The Rose Festival Fleet departs today

Today our visiting Rose Festival ships depart. We’ll talk about who is headed downriver and when you might be able to see them pass by.

River Pilots – a look at their work

Jun 09, 2023

I got a listener question about river pilots and so I thought it would be fun to talk more specifically about their work, another seldom-seen aspect of river expertise and experience.

The back eddy: a cool and sometimes useful tidal anomaly on the Columbia

River Pilots – a look at their work

I got a listener question about river pilots and so I thought it would be fun to talk more specifically about their work, another seldom-seen aspect of river expertise and experience.