The Coastal Jet: an interesting weather phenomenon we could see here this weekend

The Coastal Jet: an interesting weather phenomenon we could see here this weekend

Today we’ll talk more about the weather, which is in for a change this weekend, and about an unusual meteorological phenomenon we could see called the coastal jet that happens from time to time here. It causes winds along the coast to speed up, sometimes dramatically, while winds offshore can be much calmer.

New moons, tides, solar eclipses – all part of our cyclic natural world

New moons, tides, solar eclipses – all part of our cyclic natural world

The next two weeks are packed with astronomical happenings: a new moon, a solar eclipse, and the autumnal equinox. We’ll talk about them in the context of our natural maritime world, where life continues in habitual patterns that play out in tides, moon cycles and waning daylight at this time of year. And, our coastal weather, which continues to see cyclic changes as well.

Serenade of the Seas visits Astoria on a repositioning cruise

Serenade of the Seas visits Astoria on a repositioning cruise

Tis morning we’ll see the Serenade of the Seas, a big, blue-water cruise ship that will be docked at the Port of Astoria all day. She’s on her way back down south for the winter, having stopped here in May when she was headed north for a summer of cruises in the Puget Sound region and perhaps Alaska.

Astoria’s cruise ships are usually these repositioning cruises, which move ships between summer and winter cruising areas, with a stop in between to visit our city. There will be three more of these ships arriving here this fall, the last one in October.

 

A bit about the weather, a solo sailor, ships and… a touch of pneumonia…

A bit about the weather, a solo sailor, ships and… a touch of pneumonia…

Well, I’m back, at least mostly upright – after a supposedly mild (it didn’t feel very mild to me) bout of pneumonia!

I was flat out on the couch last week, but I’m glad to be back, though I’m moving slowly. Looking forward to reclaiming my energy in the coming weeks.

Today we’ll talk a bit about the weather offshore locally, about a solo sailor out there braving it, and a look at some ships.

Stay healthy!