Where does the river end, and the ocean begin?

Sep 25, 2024

Today, a listener question about salt water intrusion on the Columbia River: Where does the salt water ocean end and the freshwater river begin? As with most things on the Columbia, it’s complicated. We’ll also talk about fish that call both river and ocean their home.

Where does the river end, and the ocean begin?

Where does the river end, and the ocean begin?

Today, a listener question about salt water intrusion on the Columbia River: Where does the salt water ocean end and the freshwater river begin? As with most things on the Columbia, it’s complicated. We’ll also talk about fish that call both river and ocean their home.

Interesting goings-on in the Astoria Anchorage show experts handling ship issues

Sep 24, 2024

This weekend a ship experienced some engine issues heading downriver. Observant folks near the Astoria Anchorage noticed some unusual activity – the actions of marine pilots and a tugboat crew at work keeping the ship safe until it could fix its problems and head out to sea, which it eventually did.

Interesting goings-on in the Astoria Anchorage show experts handling ship issues

Interesting goings-on in the Astoria Anchorage show experts handling ship issues

This weekend a ship experienced some engine issues heading downriver. Observant folks near the Astoria Anchorage noticed some unusual activity – the actions of marine pilots and a tugboat crew at work keeping the ship safe until it could fix its problems and head out to sea, which it eventually did.

The autumnal equinox, and a look at fall near the Arctic Circle

Sep 23, 2024

Today, a bit about the autumnal equinox, which happened yesterday in the Northern Hemisphere.

And if you’re feeling sad about the shorter days, consider the people of Barrow, Alaska (now called Utquiagvik), who endure 67 days of complete darkness between mid-November and late January.

The autumnal equinox, and a look at fall near the Arctic Circle

The autumnal equinox, and a look at fall near the Arctic Circle

Today, a bit about the autumnal equinox, which happened yesterday in the Northern Hemisphere.

And if you’re feeling sad about the shorter days, consider the people of Barrow, Alaska (now called Utquiagvik), who endure 67 days of complete darkness between mid-November and late January.

The USNS Henry J Kaiser heads downriver

Sep 19, 2024

Today we’ll talk about the USNS Henry J Kaiser heading downriver from Vancouver and out to sea. She’s a Military Sealift Command ship, a replenishment oiler. A tyoe of ship that’s like a sea-going fuel station. She’s got equipment on board that allows her to fuel other ships at sea. She also carries supplies like food and parts. Just the thing for supplying an active duty Navy ship that doesn’t have time to head to port

The USNS Henry J Kaiser heads downriver

The USNS Henry J Kaiser heads downriver

Today we’ll talk about the USNS Henry J Kaiser heading downriver from Vancouver and out to sea. She’s a Military Sealift Command ship, a replenishment oiler. A tyoe of ship that’s like a sea-going fuel station. She’s got equipment on board that allows her to fuel other ships at sea. She also carries supplies like food and parts. Just the thing for supplying an active duty Navy ship that doesn’t have time to head to port

Ship hull colors and why they look that way

Today I’ll talk about a really pretty ship in the Astoria Anchorage that has a beautiful turquoise hull. We’ll talk about ship hull colors, why they look the way they do, and why some paints have a special purpose that includes their color.

Ship hull colors and why they look that way

Ship hull colors and why they look that way

Today I’ll talk about a really pretty ship in the Astoria Anchorage that has a beautiful turquoise hull. We’ll talk about ship hull colors, why they look the way they do, and why some paints have a special purpose that includes their color.

White caps and white horses

Sep 18, 2024

Today we’ll talk about a specific sea state that you might see often off the downtown Astoria waterfront this time of year, and that’s: white caps. Also called “white horses” in the UK.

They’re the result of a specific set of circumstances involving wind and tide, and they signal choppy conditions that mariners need to know about.

The autumnal equinox, and a look at fall near the Arctic Circle

White caps and white horses

Today we’ll talk about a specific sea state that you might see often off the downtown Astoria waterfront this time of year, and that’s: white caps. Also called “white horses” in the UK.

They’re the result of a specific set of circumstances involving wind and tide, and they signal choppy conditions that mariners need to know about.