Wheat R Us: our river system is the the nation’s single largest wheat export gateway

Sep 09, 2024

If you hear me talk a lot about wheat on the Ship Report, there’s a good reason: most ships are carrying it. That’s beause the Columbia-Snake River System is the nation’s single largest wheat export gateway. That’s a lot of wheat, and valuable commerce to drive the region’s economy.

Wheat R Us: our river system is the the nation’s single largest wheat export gateway

Wheat R Us: our river system is the the nation’s single largest wheat export gateway

If you hear me talk a lot about wheat on the Ship Report, there’s a good reason: most ships are carrying it. That’s beause the Columbia-Snake River System is the nation’s single largest wheat export gateway. That’s a lot of wheat, and valuable commerce to drive the region’s economy.

Who’s on the river today? And a bit about weather and sea state

Sep 05, 2024

A look at today’s ship schedule – who’s coming and going on the river? And a look at our marine weather and how wind affects sea state.

Who’s on the river today? And a bit about weather and sea state

Who’s on the river today? And a bit about weather and sea state

A look at today’s ship schedule – who’s coming and going on the river? And a look at our marine weather and how wind affects sea state.

A new hometown USCG cutter for Astoria: the USCGC Florence Finch is in town

Sep 04, 2024

Down at the 17th St dock by the Columbia River Maritime Museum is a brand new Coast Guard vessel, and she’s here to stay.

The USCGC Florence Finch is the second new cutter to be assigned to Astoria this year. The David Durien was our first. They replace the two departing cutters, the Alert and Steadfast, who were reassigned earlier this year.

The Florence Finch was named for a courageous woman who served in the Coast Guard during WWII. Today we’ll hear her story.

Transcript here: http://shipreport.nfshost.com/audio/SRTranscript090424.pdf

A new hometown USCG cutter for Astoria: the USCGC Florence Finch is in town

A new hometown USCG cutter for Astoria: the USCGC Florence Finch is in town

Down at the 17th St dock by the Columbia River Maritime Museum is a brand new Coast Guard vessel, and she’s here to stay.

The USCGC Florence Finch is the second new cutter to be assigned to Astoria this year. The David Durien was our first. They replace the two departing cutters, the Alert and Steadfast, who were reassigned earlier this year.

The Florence Finch was named for a courageous woman who served in the Coast Guard during WWII. Today we’ll hear her story.

Transcript here: http://shipreport.nfshost.com/audio/SRTranscript090424.pdf

With the advent of September, a look at the “two autumns”

Sep 03, 2024

Some folks say it’s already fall, while others say it won’t happen till Sept 22nd. We’ll take a look at who’s right – and it turns out they both are. As with many things, it depends on how you look at it. Today we’ll talk about the difference between meterological and astronomical autumn.

Show transcript: http://shipreport.nfshost.com/audio/SRTranscript090324E.pdf

With the advent of September, a look at the “two autumns”

With the advent of September, a look at the “two autumns”

Some folks say it’s already fall, while others say it won’t happen till Sept 22nd. We’ll take a look at who’s right – and it turns out they both are. As with many things, it depends on how you look at it. Today we’ll talk about the difference between meterological and astronomical autumn.

Show transcript: http://shipreport.nfshost.com/audio/SRTranscript090324E.pdf

A look at today’s ships, our shorter days, and an update on that burning tanker in the Red Sea

Aug 30, 2024

Today’s show features a look at who’s on the river, a reminder that days are getting shorter as fall approaches, and an update on what’s to become of that burning oil tanker in the Red Sea.

A look at today’s ships, our shorter days, and an update on that burning tanker in the Red Sea

A look at today’s ships, our shorter days, and an update on that burning tanker in the Red Sea

Today’s show features a look at who’s on the river, a reminder that days are getting shorter as fall approaches, and an update on what’s to become of that burning oil tanker in the Red Sea.

A story of survival on the Columbia River Bar

Aug 29, 2024

On this day, 52 years ago, a commercial fishing boat sank on the Columbia River Bar. KMUN comentator Michael McCusker was aboard. He and his crewmates survived, thanks to the quick intervention of fellow mariners.

I’ve shared his story before on the show, but not on the anniversary of its occurrence. Today we take a closer look.

We commemorate the anniversary of his rescue, and talk about what happened to the boat that caused it to sink in a matter of minutes. It’s a cautionary tale about where you should and should not go on the Columbia River Bar in a boat.

And, thanks to Michael, it’s a darn good sea story.

Transcript here: http://shipreport.nfshost.com/audio/SRTranscript082924.pdf

A story of survival on the Columbia River Bar

A story of survival on the Columbia River Bar

On this day, 52 years ago, a commercial fishing boat sank on the Columbia River Bar. KMUN comentator Michael McCusker was aboard. He and his crewmates survived, thanks to the quick intervention of fellow mariners.

I’ve shared his story before on the show, but not on the anniversary of its occurrence. Today we take a closer look.

We commemorate the anniversary of his rescue, and talk about what happened to the boat that caused it to sink in a matter of minutes. It’s a cautionary tale about where you should and should not go on the Columbia River Bar in a boat.

And, thanks to Michael, it’s a darn good sea story.

Transcript here: http://shipreport.nfshost.com/audio/SRTranscript082924.pdf