Cannon found in Arch Cape (photo Tiffany Boothe, Seaside Aquarium)(Nehalem, Oregon) – Much of the United States is focusing on the Oregon coast at this time, with various geologic developments and historic objects popping up left and right.It started with low sand levels that revealed shipwrecks on the southern Oregon coast, strange tree stumps that are millennia-old, and then a couple of armaments from what appears to be the very same ship whose 100-year-old wreckage gave the north coast town Cannon Beach its name. 
Currently, those famed cannon pieces are sitting in an Oregon State Parks and Recreation facility in Nehalem, awaiting groups of scientists and a peculiar process where rust and crusty sea stuff is removed by fresh water and pieces of paper draped over the bombshell objects.
Red tower at Arch Cape (photo Boothe)To keep you up to speed on all the wild changes and developments in the worlds of history, tourism, geology and geography, here’s a quick fact list and timeline.- Low sand levels start showing off “ghost forests” at Cape Lookout State Park in late November. Winter storms and their scouring action are the cause of this. These are ancient forests some 1000 to 5000 years old that have been preserved by elements engulfing them, such as sand, clay or mud.- Sand scouring action starts eating away at dunes in Seaside in late November, early December. 
Stumps at Thiel Creek (photo Guy DiTorrice)- Ghost forests start appearing on the central coast, like at Thiel Creek, just north of Seal Rock.
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/.- December windstorm takes attention away from such geologic wonders.- On the central coast, Guy DiTorrice notes various fossils, agates and jaspers are also in great abundance.- January and early February storm action washes more sand away from Oregon beaches. Tourists don’t really return en masse until sunny weather of mid-February.- Early February: shipwrecks and other puzzling objects start showing up is places like Coos Bay and Florence.
Fossils falling out of eroding cliffs at Ona Beach (photo DiTorrice)- Week of February 10: Sand levels are noted to be exceptionally low in many places on the Oregon coast, such as the wreck of the Peter Iredale, near Astoria. It is more explosed than usual.- February 19: a family vacationing in Arch Cape, near Cannon Beach, is gawking at weird-looking stumps in the sand (not knowing they are 4,000 years old). They discover two cannons, encrusted by years beneath the sand. The cannons are believed to be the missing cannons from the USS Shark, which wrecked at the Columbia River mouth more than 150 years ago. In 1898, one of its three cannons was found at what is now Arch Cape, eventually giving the town of Cannon Beach its name.
One of the cannons getting lifted into a Nehalem facility- Also present on the sands of Arch Cape are ghost forests some 4,000 years old, entombed in clay. Its soft, grayish material creates a strange sensation for those walking on it.- That week, members of the Seaside Aquarium also note weird “red towers” at Arch Cape: strange, reddish shapes that are created by compacted iron beneath the ten or so feet of sand that are missing at the moment. The red towers are peculiar to the north coast. No reports of this come from the central coast.- The same week, the cannons are lifted out of the surf by Oregon State Parks staff and brought to a facility in Nehalem. “The cannon are in tanks of water and covered with layers of wet cloth,” says a State Parks spokesman. “The water bath, refreshed weekly, will draw salt from the objects and protect them from further corrosion. The cannon are fragile, having survived in a protective, oxygen-free environment for many decades.”
Neskowin's eerie forest of stumps- Decisions about the cannon pieces fall to the Department of State Lands. This is the agency that actually owns the beach (and all the way out to three miles from shore) on behalf of the people of Oregon. Department of Parks and Recreation archaeologists are caretakers for now, protecting the cannon from damage and advising State Lands on the next steps.- More ghost forests are quite visible at Neskowin, just south of Pacific City. These show themselves year round.
More stories on this subject:Quick Facts About Oregon Coast Treasures, Geologic Wonders Much of the United States is focusing on the Oregon coast at this time, with various geologic developments and historic objects popping up left and right.How To Find Oregon Coast Odd Discoveries, Artifacts If you want to play tresure hunter or geology explorer on the coast, here's a list of places to find the good stuffThe Science Behind Oregon Coast's Recent Treasures A big rush of unusual objects, some thousands to millions of years old, have been appearing on the Oregon coast. Here's why and how.
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
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/
Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside
Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites, 1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people. Rent entire property for 20-26. Close to beach, river and Broadway St. Suites are designed for two adults; vacation rental units for families. All units have kitchen and many have fireplace, deck and jetted tub. Comfy robes, slippers, luxury bath amenities, quality linens and more. 741 S. Downing St., Seaside. 800-738-6691. http://www.seasidesuites.com/
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.
Click 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 reports
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
