Marine pilot overview – a vital but unseen profession

Jul 17, 2023

For folks who may be new to the region, or any of us who haven’t thought recently about what it takes to get a ship from the mouth or the river to Portland – today’s show is an overview of what marine pilots do, and who is doing that work here on the lower Columbia.

Marine pilot overview – a vital but unseen profession

Marine pilot overview – a vital but unseen profession

For folks who may be new to the region, or any of us who haven’t thought recently about what it takes to get a ship from the mouth or the river to Portland – today’s show is an overview of what marine pilots do, and who is doing that work here on the lower Columbia.

Chinook Observer story analyzes beach drownings

Jul 14, 2023

An incisive story in local newspaper the Chinook Observer analyzes the commonalities n drowning victims over the years on the Peninsula.

A distinct pattern has emerged: victims are mostly young, fit swimmers who are overcome by cold water and rip currents, often on days when beach conditions appear ideal and unthreatening.

Chinook Observer story analyzes beach drownings

Chinook Observer story analyzes beach drownings

An incisive story in local newspaper the Chinook Observer analyzes the commonalities n drowning victims over the years on the Peninsula.

A distinct pattern has emerged: victims are mostly young, fit swimmers who are overcome by cold water and rip currents, often on days when beach conditions appear ideal and unthreatening.

Cliff Mass predicts low-key summer PNW weather, cites cooler ocean temps

Jul 13, 2023

In light of scary news about high ocean temps off Florida (90 degrees, F.!), we take a look at what’s happen in the opposite corner of the country, in our Pacific NW ocean and weather neighbothood, courtesy of University of Washington meteorologist Cliff Mass.

Cliff Mass predicts low-key summer PNW weather, cites cooler ocean temps

Cliff Mass predicts low-key summer PNW weather, cites cooler ocean temps

In light of scary news about high ocean temps off Florida (90 degrees, F.!), we take a look at what’s happen in the opposite corner of the country, in our Pacific NW ocean and weather neighbothood, courtesy of University of Washington meteorologist Cliff Mass.

New containership highlights green methanol as ship fuel

Jul 12, 2023

A new containership has joined theĀ  fleet of the huge shipping line Maersk, and what makes it special is that it runs on green methanol. We’ll talk about what that is, and why it’s an important step in the evolution toward cleaner fuels for the shipping industry.

Chinook Observer story analyzes beach drownings

New containership highlights green methanol as ship fuel

A new containership has joined theĀ  fleet of the huge shipping line Maersk, and what makes it special is that it runs on green methanol. We’ll talk about what that is, and why it’s an important step in the evolution toward cleaner fuels for the shipping industry.

Sailboat races off Astoria in the Columbia River

Jul 11, 2023

Tuesday nights in the summer, Astoria residents and visitors can see the Astoria Yacht Club sailboat races happening in the river, starting at about 6 pm a little downriver from the Megler Bridge. It’s a neat opportunity to watch sailors negotiate the tricky waters, currents and winds of the lower Columbia.

Photo credit: Joanne Rideout, photo of Rattler, a contender in the Tuesday Night Astoria Yacht Club Races.

Sailboat races off Astoria in the Columbia River

Sailboat races off Astoria in the Columbia River

Tuesday nights in the summer, Astoria residents and visitors can see the Astoria Yacht Club sailboat races happening in the river, starting at about 6 pm a little downriver from the Megler Bridge. It’s a neat opportunity to watch sailors negotiate the tricky waters, currents and winds of the lower Columbia.

Photo credit: Joanne Rideout, photo of Rattler, a contender in the Tuesday Night Astoria Yacht Club Races.

A look at today’s ship schedule, including a luxury cruise ship, and a chance for northern lights this week

Jul 10, 2023

A luxury cruise ship arrives in Astoria today. She’s on her way south to San Francisco, where passengers will board her for a 20-day trip through the Panama Canal to NY. If you have a spare $8K you’d like to spend, that’s what costs to book passage.

Chinook Observer story analyzes beach drownings

A look at today’s ship schedule, including a luxury cruise ship, and a chance for northern lights this week

A luxury cruise ship arrives in Astoria today. She’s on her way south to San Francisco, where passengers will board her for a 20-day trip through the Panama Canal to NY. If you have a spare $8K you’d like to spend, that’s what costs to book passage.