Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock(Cannon Beach) - Two different parts of the Oregon coast will celebrate in different ways. One, in Cannon Beach, will have a very real celebration of all things wild and earthy. The other celebration is a sort of virtual one, where various entities throughout the state embark on a major battle to combat what is known as “invasive species:” tiny plants, creatures, diseases and small animals that have come from elsewhere and have begun to harm Oregon’s ecology.The Second Annual Earth, Wind and Sea Celebration takes place in Cannon Beach on April 18, 19 and 20. Events happen all over town, including presentations on ecologically sustainable lifestyles and energy generating methods, booths on various Earth-orientated and nature subjects, and wildlife viewing programs at local beaches and landmarks.
On Friday, the Gaylord Nelson Award Reception kicks things off at 7 p.m. at the Surfsand Resort. Keynote Speaker is Doug Ray on “1-Year Passive Solar Home Review.”
On Saturday, it all begins at 7 a.m., with the Haystack Rock Awareness Program & Seabird Spotting at Haystack Rock. This goes until 10 a.m.From 8 to 9:30 a.m., the Song Bird Walk at Ecola State Park program happens at the Indian Beach Parking Lot. The Earth Day Parade takes place down Hemlock Street, starting at 11 a.m.A street fair goes from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the US Bank Plaza, which includes the hot dog lunch. Street Fair participants include Clatsop-Nehalem Confederate Tribes, Coastal Natural History Center, Freeing the Earth from Plastic Bags, Friends of Haystack Rock, Life Boat Academy, North Coast Watershed Association, Oregon Department of Energy, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, River keepers, Seaside Aquarium, Tillamook Bay Estuary Partnership, WOW - Western Oregon Waste and the Wildlife Center of North Coast.
Ecola State Park, Cannon BeachFrom noon to 1 p.m., there’s the Kite Making Class at the Surfsand Resort.
The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. http://www.theoceanlodge.com/
In the Coaster Theatre, Robin Hartmann makes the presentation “Ecologic Effect Study of Wave Energy,” starting at 1:30 p.m. Mike Patterson talks about “Birding for Beginners” at the Coaster Theater at 3 p.m.On Sunday, things begin quite early at Haystack Rock, with the Haystack Rock Awareness Program & Seabird Spotting at 6:30 a.m.
From 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., there’s the Walk Around the Wetlands and Pools to Spot Songbirds & Wildlife. Meet at the Chamber for that event.The Ecola Creek Forest Reserve Walk starts at noon. Meet at the City Hall parking lot.Call the Cannon Beach Chamber for more information, 503-436-2623 ext. 3.Earth Day – which happens April 22 – means the kick off of an extensive program to attack invasive species around the varied environments of Oregon. That day, at 8 p.m., is the premiere of Oregon Public Broadcasting’s “The Silent Invasion,” a one-hour documentary on invasive species created to raise public awareness and encourage people take action in their own communities.
Yaquina Bay, Newport, where invasive species threaten the eco-system
Also on April 22, two Web sites will launch to help the public take action against invasive species. The Silent Invasion companion site, www.opb.org/silentinvasion, will provide extensive links and information on invasive species in Oregon including a video archive of stories about invasives in Oregon.SOLV is participating in the campaign by coordinating volunteer weed pulls with over 10,000 Oregonians in 2008. Their web site, www.solv.org/programs/invasives.asp, includes a statewide calendar of events for invasive vegetation removal projects.Other entities are involved in the attack on these tiny invaders. The Oregon Invasive Species Council is also serving as a clearinghouse for information and action to address invasive species statewide. Web site: www.oregon.gov/OISC/.
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com
Inn at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms. Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly. Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. http://www.atcannonbeach.com/.
D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River. Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players; movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial occasion packages. http://www.dsandsmotel.com/. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925.
Arch Cape Property Services. Dozens of homes in that dreamy, rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the sea.
All homes are immaculate and smoke free; some pet friendly (with a fee). Some with broadband, indoor or outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces, decks, and fire pits or barbecues. Call about tempting winter specials that go until March (not valid holidays, however). http://www.archcaperentals.com/ 866-436-1607.
Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. Lincoln City’s only resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Dine in penthouse restaurant and bar, for casual meal or candlelight dinner. An array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to 1-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Also, wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference/meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive wedding possibilities. 4009 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.comRELATED STORIESClick here for video of Dec. storm aftermathOregon Coast Best of Awards for the Year And the winners are: best of Oregon coast restaurants, lodgings, science, odd events in nature and stunning moments for 2007Watching Transformations of Oregon Coast Beaches Seasons change and so do beaches, revealing different sides and a variety of eye-popping sightsStaggeringly Cool Ideas for Oregon Coast Romance Be it the season of Valentine's or be it any time of the year, Oregon's coastline has essentially cornered the market for cuddle-inducing possibilities and gushy activities for the hand-holding setDay or Night Mysteries and Merriment on Oregon Coast It's more than just nightlife that comes to life, but the beaches offer major opportunitiesOregon Coast Travel Site Goes Wireless Provides Lodging Reports - Oregon Coast Beach Connection now has mobile lodging and dining listings, along with weekly lodging availability reportsCONTACT / ADVERTISE ON BEACH CONNECTION
ASTORIAWhere the Columbia meets the Pacific, Land of Lewis & Clark and loads of atmosphere & history
SEASIDE
The Promenade, Tillamook Head, family fun & broad, sandy beaches
CANNON BEACHA mysterious lighthouse, upscale yet earthy, a huge monolith, fine eateries & an art mecca
NEHALEM BAY
Manzanita's beaches, Nehalem and Wheeler's quirky beauty; laid back Rockaway
TILLAMOOK BAY
Garibaldi, Barview, Bay City, Tillamook & an oceanfront ghost town
THREE CAPES LOOP
The hidden secret of the coast: Cape Meares, a lighthouse, Oceanside, Netarts and Pacific City
DEPOE BAYA spouting horn downtown, freaky hidden cliffs and whales, whales, whales
NEWPORTTime-tripping Nye Beach, a bustling bayfront, marine science-central and two lighthouses
YACHATS
Constantly dramatic wave action, a mix of the rugged & upscale
FLORENCE
A lighthouse, ancient bayfront and miles and miles of fluffy dunes
