Environment, News

Tons of Japan’s Tsunami Debris Due on West Coast

The best analogy for the impacts of tsunami debris, explains Ebbesmeyer, is the 150-ton concrete-and-metal dock that washed up on the Oregon coast. More than 50 feet in length and about ten feet “tall,” less than a foot of it was visible in the water. Like the debris field, it was almost impossible to spot in open water, a hazard to marine navigation, and a Trojan horse of sorts: the dock was carrying more than 90 different, potentially invasive, species that were destroyed. Continue reading Tons of Japan’s Tsunami Debris Due on West Coast

Environment, News

“A Staggering Mess” as Tsunami Debris Hits Alaska Coast Early

Everyone is careful to say the debris is only “suspected” of having come from Japan’s March 2011 tsunami; there is plenty of marine debris on the ocean in general. But the newer condition and quantity of the debris that has been seen–“chunks of pink and blue insulation, which appear to be from buildings [and] white and black floats the size of oil barrels”–argue for the use of Occam’s Razor. Continue reading “A Staggering Mess” as Tsunami Debris Hits Alaska Coast Early

Environment, Features, News, Travel

A “Frontier Ocean Post” Courtesy Cape Alava

Rainy season is still quality hiking, don’t let the fair-weathered fool you. Several of Washington’s best hikes are four-season accessible, most notably the coastal gems dotting Olympic National Park’s rugged Pacific boundary. Cape Alava, a frontier ocean post forged from glaciers, corrosive sea forces, and native history stands eerily at the westernmost point of the lower 48, on the edge of world. Continue reading A “Frontier Ocean Post” Courtesy Cape Alava

Cantwell: Coastal Doppler Radar “Fully Operational” <strike>Rebels Within Grasp</strike>

News, Weather

Cantwell: Coastal Doppler Radar “Fully Operational” Rebels Within Grasp

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) is the main reason that Washington (the state) has a new coastal Doppler weather radar station, and a year ahead of schedule at that, so she took pride of place at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Langley Hill in Grays Harbor on Thursday.

Cantwell managed to geese an unneeded Air Force NEXRAD radar from Keesler Air Force Base, which meant we didn’t have to wait for a new radar to be built, and shaved nearly $3 million from the projected cost, to boot. Continue reading Cantwell: Coastal Doppler Radar “Fully Operational” ~~Rebels Within Grasp~~

Drinks, Food, Restaurant, Travel

Passport to Pleasure: Afternoon on Alberni in Vancouver

It’s a beautiful city with wonderful scenery, parks, shops, and restaurants—all the makings for a romantic getaway. With so much to do, we just need a little focus. So let’s spend an afternoon on Vancouver’s Alberni Street, where we stamp this week’s Passport to Pleasure—a hedonistic quest for great food and good times for two. Continue reading Passport to Pleasure: Afternoon on Alberni in Vancouver