FATHER'S DAY IN THE OCEAN - WITH MOMENT SURF CO

Ryan, on the far left, is relatively new to the ocean. His first time in (above his knees) was about two years ago. He was sporting a borrowed 5mm wetsuit and body board. Not everyone loves the ice cold waters of the Oregon Coast, but for Ryan it was love at first plunge. As Father's Day approached he came to me and said he thought a surf lesson would be a cool way to spend Father's day with his dad. I called Moment Surf Co in Pacific City about a week ahead of time and we were in luck. They had an opening for our family of five on Father's Day Sunday at 10:30am. 

Something we couldn't plan, or control was the weather and ocean conditions, but to our delight, we were blessed with an absolutely gorgeous day. High, wispy clouds were streaming to the NE, but not enough to block out the vibrant blue color of the sky. The ocean forecast was 2 feet at 14 seconds, which turned out to be pretty close to dead on. The wind picked up in the afternoon and the swell grew to about 4 feet at much shorter intervals, but we played so hard out there in the pre-lunch hours that we didn't need to brave the larger waves and relentless North wind.

Shortly after arrival we found out we would be taking lessons from Gary (pictured above crouching down in front of us http://momentsurfco.com/gary.) You only need to look at Gary for a second to know he is a seasoned surfer and loves the ocean. There is just something about him. He takes what he does very seriously, but at the same time was very interesting to get to know and a lot of fun to learn from. He is a teacher at heart -- very patient and caring. A little added education, prior to hitting the beach he had each of us wax our boards, then load them in our truck.

 We decided to drive down onto the beach, along with a couple hundred other people that appeared to have the same idea that morning. Crowded, or not, the ocean was there, waiting, bright blue and turquoise, calling to all of us to get in! Gary estimated the water temperature to be in the mid, to upper 50's, which is warm in comparison to to the mid-40's it can sometime be. It was warm enough we didn't need to wear hoods, which was nice. To have to submerge your head in a duck dive, or fall and not get an ice-cream headache makes things that much more enjoyable. In my mind, it was perfect.

Ryan and Kurt -- the first timers out there today were up and surfing in no-time. My husband, Kurt is a fourth generation Tillamook Dairy farmer. He says farmers don't surf (or get in the ocean for that matter), but I'm here to tell you they do, and this one loves it! I don't think I'll catch him out there alone, but he had a great time. Ryan on the other hand, said this was the best Father's Day he has ever had out of the 4-5 her can remember and I believe he will be back out surfing at some point in the near future. 

Lighting up the face of your children on a day that American tradition says is about you reveals the true meaning of being a parent -- being selfless, loving and willing to share your heart. This doesn't require being perfect, but instead it means you are willing to share your time, no matter how busy you may be. I think that's all they really want after all, our love and our time.

A little info about Moment Surf Co http://momentsurfco.com/ : They offer lessons I think pretty much year round, weather and ocean conditions permitting. Their surf shop offers just about everything you could need to participate in and embrace the culture of surfing in the Pacific NW. And, the people that run it, well they are pretty awesome, too! Something I didn't know when I signed us up for surf lessons is the fact that you get a free lunch next door at "Ben & Jeff's Burgers and Tacos" the day of your lesson. After surfing for a few hours we enjoyed cheese burgers, amazing fish tacos, beer and lemonade. With full hearts and full bellys we headed back to Netarts aroung 4pm for a restful finish to the day. One last blessing for the day was the sunset once we returned home. I think it speaks for itself! What a wonderful day we had -- Cold water, warm sun, great food, and fantastic company!

Change your pace, change our life. Visit www.iwantabeachhome.com to see homes for sale in Oceanside, Netarts & Cape Meares and www.ilovethenw.com  to get better acquainted with what our beautiful area has to offer. You're going to love it.

See you at the beach!

~Wendy

JACOBSEN SALT CO. PUTTING NETARTS BAY ON THE MAP

Here's something you may not know that I think is pretty cool and interesting! Right here in our own backyard the cold and pristine waters of Netarts Bay are being turned into salt that is being described by those with discriminating palates as having "beautiful taste, texture and appearance."  The proprietor of this new salt operation, Ben Jacobsen of Jacobsen Salt Co. has the mission of creating the best finishing salt America has to offer. And, from what I can gather he believes Netarts Bay has water capable of doing just that.  According to their website 94 restaurants (+/-) across the United States are currently using his salts in their creations, which may be a good indicator that he is in fact correct!

 This blog post started after a guy walked into Rob Trost Real Estate in Netarts yesterday with one question:  Do you know where I can buy that Netarts Bay salt?  He said he just saw it on AM Northwest!  We told him it was called Jacobsen Salt and directed him to The Schooner Bar & Grill around the corner on Netarts Bay. Immediately after he left we pulled up AM Northwest online and found a link to what he was talking about.  Take a peek at the footage in the link below!  I thought it was a fun segment. The hosts were so excited about the taste it made me want to run out and get some to try myself! 
Here is a link to the show:
http://www.katu.com/amnw/segments/FEAST-Portland-223674071.html

Something I also just became aware of while perusing their website is that Jacobsen Salt Co. is holding a Fall Dinner Series right at their Salt production facility on Netarts Bay!  Each dinner will feature a different chef and a four course meal, also wine or cocktail pairings and dessert all with the backdrop of glorious Netarts Bay.  Prior to each dinner, wine and appetizers are served as guests are given a tour of the facility and grounds to showcase the salt harvesting process. They are even offering round trip transportation from the Portland area (for an additional fee) if you don't live in and around Netarts.  The grand opening event took place September 7, but future dates include September 18, October 5 and October 19.  Dinner prices range from $135-$175.

Visit their blog for details: 
http://jacobsensalt.com/blog/

Perhaps they will someday have short kayak tours launching right from their bay front bank after dinner!  Now that would be a wonderful way to finish off the evening, considering their ideal location toward the South end of the bay -- especially in the Fall!  What do you think Ben?  I hear Kayak Tillamook puts on a great tour.  They'll even bring the kayaks!  Something to think about I'd say!

When you have a chance definitely check out their website.  There's a ton of great reading material and product to discover!
http://jacobsensalt.com/

Great job Jacobsen Salt Co.!  We are having a great time watching your success and love that Netarts Bay is so important to your creation.

See you at the beach!
~Wendy
www.iWantABeachHome.com

GREAT THINGS TO DO....EVEN WHEN IT RAINS!

We had friends and family in town last week, which was a good reminder of all things great to do within just a few minutes of home!  When I asked them how they spent their days here's what they said:

1 - Went to the Cape Meares Lighthouse (the shortest lighthouse in the world) and the Octopus Tree.

2 - Hiked down the stairs to Short Beach between the lighthouse and Oceanside.  Hunted for agates.

3 - Crossed the creek at Short Beach and got their shoes wet.

4 - Ate at the newest restaurant in Oceanside -- The Blue Agate Cafe.  LOVED the food.

5 - Walked on the beach in Oceanside at low tide x 3...rain or shine =)

6 - Stopped in to Lex's Cool Stuff on Crab Avenue in Netarts.  Touched and tried on all kinds of things.  Purchased a fantastically decorated witch hat, a pair of velvet pumps that look like they've never been worn and turquoise snake-ish skin looking boots.   I have actually never been into the store.  I'm feeling a blog post coming on about her cool stuff in the future =)

7 - Headed into Tillamook: Destination: La Tea Da for a light fair and tea.  They couldn't say enough about this place.  All very good things, including plans to return in the future.

8 - Returned to Netarts for "Happy Hour" and appetizers on the bay with family and friends.

9 - Drove back into Tillamook for First Friday at the Blue Heron.  September's Event: Grape stomping!  It sounded like they had a great time enjoying wine, food, music, the works!  Lucy and Ethel even made an appearance and apparently fell out of their bucket onto the concrete!  Ouch!  That's gonna hurt in the morning!

10 - Made appointments at Chez Belle Salon in Tillamook for manicures and pedicures.

11 - Had an amazing seafood feed back at the house -- Fresh caught local salmon and fresh Willapa Bay clams cooked in white wine and garlic.

12 - Went to the Tillamook Farmer's Market Saturday morning.  Ate breakfast at the La Mexicana Cart.  Returned with fantastic fresh veggies and flowers.

13 - Picked up fresh oysters from Pacific Oyster in Bay City for their farewell Oyster BBQ.

14 - Spent an afternoon on the deck at the Schooner enjoying wine and a spectacular view of Netarts Bay!

15 -  Headed into Tillamook for lunch at La Mexicana.

16 - Returned to the beach in Oceanside, but went through the tunnel this time and checked out some tide pools.  Waded in to the tide pools to get pictures of starfish...got their shoes wet again!

17 - Ate breakfast at Roseanna's in Oceanside.  Enjoyed fantastic food and watched the fog lift revealing the magnificent Three Arch Rocks.

Not to bad for a four night stay, especially considering it rained two of those four days!  I loved hearing of their adventures each day and enjoying seafood feasts each night.  Really there is so much to do here and truly just not enough time!  Thank you, Teri, Carolyn and Donna for coming to Netarts for a visit.  It was a ton of fun and we can't wait until you come back!

See you on the beach!

~Wendy

NETARTS BAY - FUN UNTIL YOUR BOAT OVERTURNS

It was a perfectly calm, July blue sky morning here in Netarts.  I had plans to meet my friend and fellow boot camper, Monica for some much needed body beat down!

At seven a.m. sharp I turned the first corner into the Happy Camp public parking lot.  Just as I turned the second corner a man ran right in front of my car heading for the bay.  He was clenching a mug with his fist out in front of him about neck high, with coffee sloshing over the rim onto his clothes and the ground.  Striking me as a little odd, my eyes followed him as he ran toward the edge of the bay.  I quickly realized he wasn't running for fun, but out of fear of what was about happen.  I threw my car into park and ran in the same direction dialing 911 as fast as I could.  Feeling completely helpless there I stood watching an overturned metal hulled boat with two men standing on top and one holding on to the side in the water.  They were screaming for help at the top of their lungs as their boat was not only quickly sinking, but being sucked out the mouth of the bay into the open ocean.

The water is cold pretty much every day, but the water was especially cold this particular morning.  None of these men were wearing gear to protect them, or save them.  No wetsuits, no life jackets.  Just jeans, boots and what looked like chest high waders.  The boat dropped out of sight within a couple of minutes and now there were three in the water.  The current carried them swiftly along the West shoreline.  Their heads bobbed along as they tried to make their way to the spit.  They didn't appear frantic, but my guess is the cold water had them feeling pretty tight all over making it difficult to move in the right direction.  Finally, after what seemed like eternity (I am sure even more so to them), they reached the beach.

With what energy they had left they were able to pull themselves up onto the sandy beach -- on West side of the channel, but out of the water!  At last!  One of them laid there face down for several minutes barely moving.  Exhausted I am certain from his frightening and frigid swim.  Within seconds the other two were stripping their cold wet clothes off and throwing them onto the sand. Once stripped down to almost nothing they started hopping up and down swinging their arms to get some blood moving toward their extremities again.  The sun probably had never felt this good beating on their skin after spending several minutes in the 45 degree water fully clothed. 

911 was having trouble reaching the Coast Guard.  They weren't picking up on their usual emergency line.  The dispatcher called an alternative number, which patched me through to non-emergency personnel.  A local police officer's wife was also on the beach.  She had called him and he had just arrived.  He used the loud speaker on his patrol car to ask if everyone was okay and to tell them help was on the way.  They responded with head nods and a faint "yes." 

Monica had shown up by this time.  We decided to continue on down the beach to get our workout underway.  My adrenalin was already pumping from witnessing this and I really couldn't take my eyes off of them out there on the spit.  Five minutes went by.  Ten.  Fifteen.  Then twenty.  Approximately thirty minutes after the 911 call the three men were picked up by local emergency responders.  

I can only speculate as to what may have happened out there.  My guess is they were out for some early morning crabbing, but didn't pay much attention to the fact that the tide was heading out and additionally that there was eight feet of water moving that day!  A 7.1 tide heading to a -1.0!  With the water moving so swiftly, pulling a crab pot can be a tedious and dangerous task -- especially if it's on the wrong side with the current pulling the pot underneath the boat.  A little water comes over the side, then a lot and suddenly all three of them go right into the water.  Whatever it was that overturned their boat that morning they weren't ready for it.  None were wearing life jackets. 

Lots of people do it -- Keep the jackets on board thinking they could grab them if something went wrong.  As you can see from this experience, you likely would not have time to get what you need before going over. 

These guys got lucky!  This could have turned out much worse.  I have a feeling they learned a lesson and will do things a little differently next time they go out on the water.  I think we can learn from their mistakes and always wear a life vest.  A really awesome day on the bay can turn deadly without warning, which really wouldn't be so awesome would it!

Netarts Bay is one of the best places to play!  But, be safe!  See you out there sometime soon...With your life jackets on!

~Wendy