March 24, 2008
It happened just as I knew it would. The story that tells it all. To begin it started out like just an ordinary day. Last evening we had a little sprinkle, but it was sunny and warm today. One of my big plans was to get some of our things ready for our return trip back to Janesville, although we're not leaving until April 1st. I wanted to get some of the things we're not using put up for storage as well as get the motor home hitch ready for the car. Helen did the wash and finished up some paper work.
Around 4:30 or so I decided since it was a warm day, why not try to fish the Coquille River again. This time I talked Helen into going over to the boat ramp across the river with me. We hooked everything up and were ready for some fishing. Helen decided to use the old stand by, night crawlers and I stuck with the given, grass shrimp on a large hook for the Sturgeon or Steelheads. I cast mine out with the intention of getting a fish, like really I believe this was going to be the day. Well ,I guess you may say it was the first cast Helen caught a sucker about 11’ long. Threw it back and she cast back in with her trusty night crawler. 5 minutes later she pulled in a real small Coho salmon, too small to keep, but at lest she caught two fish, which is better than I have done on this dumb river for almost two months. Of course she threw her line back in and pulls out another small Coho, which was too small to keep.
Now this is the highest insult a guy could get. Here again two months not even a bite and within 1 hour or so Helen catches three fish. Hey it was great I really enjoyed myself and even though I did not catch anything it was nice to see Helen at least catch something. Next time I will have her bait my hooks for me it must be that loving touch that does it.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
EASTER SUNDAY IN OUR RV
March 23, 2008
PINK AZELIA FLOWERING SHRUB
Easter Sunday, rained real well in the early morning and sprinkled most of the day. Still a mild day not short sleeve weather by no means, but comfortable. Helen got a real nice ham Saturday to cook up this holiday being our first Easter Sunday dinner in the motor home. We used the convection oven, which is the first for us. Never really used one before and this was a learning experience. We finally realized after cooking the ham in the oven that we needed to increase the cooking temperature to at least 350 degrees and use the combination convection & roasting method. Turned out pretty good.
Since Helen's cousin was sick we thought about taking some ham and fixings up to their house so she did not have to cook for her and Ed. We visited for a while then headed back for our meal. Actually the meal turned out good and we will know better next time, however we really don’t plan on having a lot of Easter ham dinners in the motor home. Pretty tight to cook a large meal in a small confined area the size of this motor home. But it will work in a pinch. If weather would have been permitting it would be nice to barbecue, but it’s the wrong time of the year for this.
PINK AZELIA FLOWERING SHRUB
Easter Sunday, rained real well in the early morning and sprinkled most of the day. Still a mild day not short sleeve weather by no means, but comfortable. Helen got a real nice ham Saturday to cook up this holiday being our first Easter Sunday dinner in the motor home. We used the convection oven, which is the first for us. Never really used one before and this was a learning experience. We finally realized after cooking the ham in the oven that we needed to increase the cooking temperature to at least 350 degrees and use the combination convection & roasting method. Turned out pretty good.
Since Helen's cousin was sick we thought about taking some ham and fixings up to their house so she did not have to cook for her and Ed. We visited for a while then headed back for our meal. Actually the meal turned out good and we will know better next time, however we really don’t plan on having a lot of Easter ham dinners in the motor home. Pretty tight to cook a large meal in a small confined area the size of this motor home. But it will work in a pinch. If weather would have been permitting it would be nice to barbecue, but it’s the wrong time of the year for this.
THE SEAL PROBLEMS OF OREGON
March 22, 2008
Another great sunny warm day for crabbing, so we went directly to Charleston via Libby Lane. Like I mentioned it shaves off about 7 miles. I decided I need to buy another bait bucket at the the bait and tackle shop at the Marina. The lady told me I should be trying out different bait for the crabs. She told me to try cockle clams and of course be sure and try the mink out. I guess the mink meat is not liked by the seals, which have a tendency to steal your bait. Actually I have been using the plastic netting,which works real well for me. I figure why not try the different type of bait out, so in each net I put in 3 cockle clams, 2 chicken legs and ½ of the mink. No biggie with the other bait, but the mink is pretty gross. I would say it looks like a skinned cat. Anyway I figured I would offer the crabs a buffet meal.
This time we're going over to dock 3 to see how we can do on that one. Looking on the Chart Navigator that area is a little deeper than docks 4, looks like around 11 feet deep. We went out to the end of the pier where we met yet a another great couple. We were giving them all of our Red Rock Crabs and when the quit they invited over to their home for dinner. Talk about friendly!
Amazing enough we finally caught a couple of legal Dungeness crabs. I decided that I should start keeping all my Red Rock crabs, since one of them was pretty big. I think you are allowed 20 of them each. We got about 10 or so.
The main thing this captain does now is live off his boat and make Bongo Drums. Kind of unique drum since he makes them out of old wood that he gathers from ship yards off of older boats being refurbished. He has a complete wood working shop set up in the fish holding area below the deck. It has all the equipment needed that you would find in a wood cabinet shop. Besides doing this, he is a general maintenance person that goes around and repairs other boats, while docked that need repair work. Kind of like a handy man for boats you might say.
We stopped by the Port Side Lounge for a cold beer, since I figure we deserved after a hard day of crabbing. Interesting.. there was some commercial fishermen talking about the problems they're having with the government. Also they discussed the impact on ruling of the potential commercial Salmon restriction that may be imposed on them. Not only are the commercial fisherman mad about the fishery problems in Oregon, but your recreational fisherman are upset also. They are claiming the Oregon Fish and Game is not doing enough for fish and wildlife. They're concentrating to much on other things like increasing license fees and not really using the money for renewing the present resources they have. Instead they're using it on projects that have very limited impact on the general fish and game resources, such as environmental impact statements, protection of endangered species and studies of nonessential projects. Pretty confusing and a big can of worms.
I guess one of the big jokes is the new rule that Washington, Oregon and Idaho came up with to help the Salmon run in the upper Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River, where the seals gather each year to eat migrating spring Chinook salmon. They have received the OK to kill up to 80 returning seals that are known predators eating the salmon that are making their run up the river.
For further information read the report from the Columbian News. Follow the link below.
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/03/03232008_The-Sea-Lion-Dilemma-Feast-or-Salmon.cfm
Here is another excellent site on the Views of the DFW in Oregon Oregon Fish & Wildlife
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/SeaLion/index.asp
I guess there are some options on the table to deal with the seals. Euthanize them up to the 80 seals, however they will not be able to shoot them in the sight of other seals. At least this is what I have been told. They will only be allowed to kill the offending marked seals. Another option is make them available to catch for Zoos and Marine World aquariums. This is the preferred alternative. Great idea, but the cost for this would be out of the question from what I can tell. You have to include the cost of catching the animals, crating them and the cost of transporting them to zoos that really want them. There comes a point when they will not find enough homes for these seals, then we're back to ground zero again. So its back to shooting them again.
Now you may think destroying 80 seals is a lot. Well just travel along the coast sometime and see the amount of seals there really are. There are thousands of them. It was not a problem that many years ago when the Indians had the right to hunt the seals for the hides and meat. The seal population was pretty much in control and there was numerous salmon spawning in the rivers. The salmon was doing real well. Since the government stopped the option of the Indians hunting the seal they are now out of control again.
Although the seals eat other fish, they have are sweet tooth for the salmon. Not sure how many salmon they eat, but it’s a lot. Besides that I guess they really don’t eat the whole fish, but just eat the belly of the salmon, the rest is just wasted.
What I have heard from most people that deal with fishing is they want to see the Indains once again be allowed to hunt the seals. Which I have to agree with myself. I can see the fishermen’s concerns and why they're so angry. Again the concerns are not just with the commercial fisherman, but the recreational fisherman too. If they hook up to a salmon and there is a seal around, odds are going to be the seals will take the salmon off the hooks when they're bring in their fish. Here again they just take a large chunk out of the belly of the salmon and leave the head.
What the fisherman want is let the state run its own fish and wildlife program and not have the federal government step in with all there rules and regulations. I think there will be a time when a lot of the people get fed up the way things are controlled with both local and federal governments. I really can’t say I blame the fisherman for feeling the way they do about the way things are being handled.
Due to the increase in ocean temperatures it is thought that this is another thing having an impact on the salmon. However, this is not known yet and it’s a theory like so much of science is.
Another great sunny warm day for crabbing, so we went directly to Charleston via Libby Lane. Like I mentioned it shaves off about 7 miles. I decided I need to buy another bait bucket at the the bait and tackle shop at the Marina. The lady told me I should be trying out different bait for the crabs. She told me to try cockle clams and of course be sure and try the mink out. I guess the mink meat is not liked by the seals, which have a tendency to steal your bait. Actually I have been using the plastic netting,which works real well for me. I figure why not try the different type of bait out, so in each net I put in 3 cockle clams, 2 chicken legs and ½ of the mink. No biggie with the other bait, but the mink is pretty gross. I would say it looks like a skinned cat. Anyway I figured I would offer the crabs a buffet meal.
This time we're going over to dock 3 to see how we can do on that one. Looking on the Chart Navigator that area is a little deeper than docks 4, looks like around 11 feet deep. We went out to the end of the pier where we met yet a another great couple. We were giving them all of our Red Rock Crabs and when the quit they invited over to their home for dinner. Talk about friendly!
Amazing enough we finally caught a couple of legal Dungeness crabs. I decided that I should start keeping all my Red Rock crabs, since one of them was pretty big. I think you are allowed 20 of them each. We got about 10 or so.
DUNGENESS --------------------------------------RED ROCK
The main thing this captain does now is live off his boat and make Bongo Drums. Kind of unique drum since he makes them out of old wood that he gathers from ship yards off of older boats being refurbished. He has a complete wood working shop set up in the fish holding area below the deck. It has all the equipment needed that you would find in a wood cabinet shop. Besides doing this, he is a general maintenance person that goes around and repairs other boats, while docked that need repair work. Kind of like a handy man for boats you might say.
We stopped by the Port Side Lounge for a cold beer, since I figure we deserved after a hard day of crabbing. Interesting.. there was some commercial fishermen talking about the problems they're having with the government. Also they discussed the impact on ruling of the potential commercial Salmon restriction that may be imposed on them. Not only are the commercial fisherman mad about the fishery problems in Oregon, but your recreational fisherman are upset also. They are claiming the Oregon Fish and Game is not doing enough for fish and wildlife. They're concentrating to much on other things like increasing license fees and not really using the money for renewing the present resources they have. Instead they're using it on projects that have very limited impact on the general fish and game resources, such as environmental impact statements, protection of endangered species and studies of nonessential projects. Pretty confusing and a big can of worms.
I guess one of the big jokes is the new rule that Washington, Oregon and Idaho came up with to help the Salmon run in the upper Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River, where the seals gather each year to eat migrating spring Chinook salmon. They have received the OK to kill up to 80 returning seals that are known predators eating the salmon that are making their run up the river.
For further information read the report from the Columbian News. Follow the link below.
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/03/03232008_The-Sea-Lion-Dilemma-Feast-or-Salmon.cfm
Here is another excellent site on the Views of the DFW in Oregon Oregon Fish & Wildlife
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/SeaLion/index.asp
I guess there are some options on the table to deal with the seals. Euthanize them up to the 80 seals, however they will not be able to shoot them in the sight of other seals. At least this is what I have been told. They will only be allowed to kill the offending marked seals. Another option is make them available to catch for Zoos and Marine World aquariums. This is the preferred alternative. Great idea, but the cost for this would be out of the question from what I can tell. You have to include the cost of catching the animals, crating them and the cost of transporting them to zoos that really want them. There comes a point when they will not find enough homes for these seals, then we're back to ground zero again. So its back to shooting them again.
Now you may think destroying 80 seals is a lot. Well just travel along the coast sometime and see the amount of seals there really are. There are thousands of them. It was not a problem that many years ago when the Indians had the right to hunt the seals for the hides and meat. The seal population was pretty much in control and there was numerous salmon spawning in the rivers. The salmon was doing real well. Since the government stopped the option of the Indians hunting the seal they are now out of control again.
Although the seals eat other fish, they have are sweet tooth for the salmon. Not sure how many salmon they eat, but it’s a lot. Besides that I guess they really don’t eat the whole fish, but just eat the belly of the salmon, the rest is just wasted.
What I have heard from most people that deal with fishing is they want to see the Indains once again be allowed to hunt the seals. Which I have to agree with myself. I can see the fishermen’s concerns and why they're so angry. Again the concerns are not just with the commercial fisherman, but the recreational fisherman too. If they hook up to a salmon and there is a seal around, odds are going to be the seals will take the salmon off the hooks when they're bring in their fish. Here again they just take a large chunk out of the belly of the salmon and leave the head.
What the fisherman want is let the state run its own fish and wildlife program and not have the federal government step in with all there rules and regulations. I think there will be a time when a lot of the people get fed up the way things are controlled with both local and federal governments. I really can’t say I blame the fisherman for feeling the way they do about the way things are being handled.
Due to the increase in ocean temperatures it is thought that this is another thing having an impact on the salmon. However, this is not known yet and it’s a theory like so much of science is.
INFLATION HITS OREGON ??
March 21 2008
It was a nice sunny day, so away we go to Charleston to do some crabbing.
Had to stop by for a quick lunch like we always do, you know the McDonalds and Burger King trip. Hey, inflation is setting in! I got my Whopper Junior for a dollar still, but had to pay dearly for Helen's Double Cheese Burger, which went up in price from $1.00 each, to $1.29 each. I guess it had to happen sometime.
WHALE CARVING . OCEAN BLVD (to Charlston )
I would be willing to bet Whoppers will go up also. Going to have to limit our lunches down to once every other time we go to town. (I know, Randy, I'm a cheap skate! Not really, I'm frugal).
Could not take it had to stop by Bi-Mart to get another reel for Helen, since the old one went belly up. I thought the first one we purchased, which is a Shakespeare reel was a pretty good brand. I would have taken it back, but dummy me, I lost the receipt. Normal if you want a product to fail just throw the receipt away and I promise it will fail. Anyway we found another reel, which is pretty new to the market called Okuma, It-30. Nice looking reel, real smooth retrieve. Was a good buy on sale for 20% off. I have heard a lot of good comments on this reel.
Could not take it had to stop by Bi-Mart to get another reel for Helen, since the old one went belly up. I thought the first one we purchased, which is a Shakespeare reel was a pretty good brand. I would have taken it back, but dummy me, I lost the receipt. Normal if you want a product to fail just throw the receipt away and I promise it will fail. Anyway we found another reel, which is pretty new to the market called Okuma, It-30. Nice looking reel, real smooth retrieve. Was a good buy on sale for 20% off. I have heard a lot of good comments on this reel.
Then of course had to buy one more crab trap. This time we got the round basket type. Good buy at $18.00. Eventually we will have another 3 more traps since you're allowed 3 traps each. These are good for crabbing on the dock, but would not use them out in the bay since they would drift a lot based on how light they are. Only bad thing about the round ones is you have to continually check your trap, since there open at the top. See pictures below not closed in like your square Danielson traps. Of course there is an advantage to using the round ones, as they keep you from getting bored while waiting around like you would with the enclosed traps.
30 INCH ROUND CRAB TRAP
We walked out to Dock Number 4. This is one of the docks that most of the people go out on to crab. According to a program we have installed on our laptop called Chart Navigator, dock number 4 is 9 feet deep (Low tide).
We started crabbing about 2 pm or so, just at high tide. We caught quite a few Dungeness Crabs, but once again under size or females. We did get some Red Rock Crabs. We met a couple that was crabbing next to us that were from Medford, Donna and Bill. Great people again. We gave the Red Rock Crabs to them, since they wanted them for a crab salad. We crabbed until about 5 pm until the tide got pretty low. Never seem to have a lot of luck when it gets to that point, however I have talked to other people that say they catch them anytime.
NO CATCH UM
March 20, 2008
Pretty much rained most of the day, with brief periods of breaks in the storm, however I was bound and determined to once again try to fool the fish. My new strategy was head across the river to a boat ramp that is located about 250 yards up stream, on the South side of the river above the RV park.
I am starting to run out of ideas on catching fish. I can’t believe as much as an avid fisherman that I am, I can’t seem to catch any thing.
I am starting to run out of ideas on catching fish. I can’t believe as much as an avid fisherman that I am, I can’t seem to catch any thing.
Earlier I was watching a couple of people fishing on the bank near the boat ramp, which I assumed if others were fishing that area it should be a good spot to fish. I drove over to the boat ramp and watched another gentleman fishing, just to see what he was using. It appeared he using sand shrimp with a small orange like object on the top of the bait. I would assume it was salmon eggs. Also noticed he was using a bottle of WD-40 spray, which I have heard works pretty good for fishing. Did not see him catch anything, but at least I had a better idea on what to fish with and maybe fish this area. Its an area where you can drive right up to the bank with your car and cast standing, then get back in the warm car and keep warm while its raining. This is the type of fishing you do in Eagle Lake when it's cold and it seems to work... I have to admit fishing on a large river that is flowing so fast is not my specialty. The river is flowing so hard now you can’t’ keep your bait in one spot. Of course this mainly applies if your trying to fish for sturgeon. You want your bait to drift if you’re trying for steelhead or salmon.
Well I fished for over 3 hours with out even a bite. Since the river was really high and muddy it goes to show you it was not the best idea. What I should have done earlier when we first came up in the latter part of February was fish from the dock at the RV Park. I did see fish jump near the dock, should have stuck with fishing that area since the steelhead were running and I’m sure what I saw jumping were steelheads. Since the river is high and muddy it’s hard to tell where the fish seem to be hanging out.
Another dishearten day of fishing, not even bite as to say. Again skunked, you would think, or get the impression I belong to an organization to save the fish. The kind of an organization they have for birds, such as the Audubon society.
Another dishearten day of fishing, not even bite as to say. Again skunked, you would think, or get the impression I belong to an organization to save the fish. The kind of an organization they have for birds, such as the Audubon society.
CRANBERRYS IN BANDON
March 19, 2008
Good grief! The sky is finally blue, the sun is shinning, so today we are heading for Rocky Point to try for Sturgeon again. Don’t really have much hope as it rained pretty good all night long and the Coquille River is running high and muddy, but since we have the time why not.
Good grief! The sky is finally blue, the sun is shinning, so today we are heading for Rocky Point to try for Sturgeon again. Don’t really have much hope as it rained pretty good all night long and the Coquille River is running high and muddy, but since we have the time why not.
Zeroed out again today fishing Rocky point. We fished for about 3 hours. Helen tried with a bobber, which worked pretty good staying out in the current while I bottom fished, however the fish were not there. Neither one of us got a bite, not even a bump. Used grass shrimp and regular shrimp. After fishing for this amount of time and being so sunny we thought why not try Bandon again and do a little surf fishing. When we got there it was almost low tide, which is no good. Only saw one person fishing on the beach. Looking at where the water from the Coquille River was flowing into the Ocean it looked like a big mud bath. Pretty mucky.
I should have taken a picture of the Coquille where it meets the Pacific Ocean, its unbelievable on the marked difference. On the southern Jetty where we saw the fisherman it was just as clear as any day you would be on the ocean. The waves were not all that big, but big enough. We decided then to head to Bullards Bar, a state Park North of Bandon. Real pretty Park. This is where many of the fisherman go with their boats to crab. Of course the river needs to be down to a normal flow, otherwise too much fresh water is coming into to the bay, which the crabs don’t like. We took the road out to the lighthouse, which is called naturally, Bandon Lighthouse. The road that goes to the lighthouse borders also the Bandon Marsh Wildlife area. The paved road takes you within about 150 yards of the Light house real easy walk. The road continues even closer, but at this time of the year it’s closed at the lower parking lot. In the summer you can drive within 25 yards of the light house.
We walked just south of the lighthouse on the cliff that over looks the bay and it looked pretty promising for rock fishing. Pretty steep cliff about 20 feet down too the ocean at low tide. If the river was flowing at a normal rate and is was near high tide, it would be a great place to fish. Something we will try later. Going to have to be careful, but its much safer than other places I fished when I was younger.
The only problem with the Bandon area is the wind always seems to be blowing, which does not make is very comfortable if it’s overcast. It also makes a problem trying to fish and cast your line into the water. Another area to try at another time.
We headed home on highway 101 heading North and about 10 miles out of Bandon we spotted what appeared to be a cranberry farm, so we had to stop and check it out. And yes, indeed it was a cranberry farm. Pretty big farm seems to go on forever. For some reason I always thought cranberries were only raised back East somewhere. Well now that I think about it I see a lot of labels on cans and packages that have the name brand Ocean Spray, which surely stands for pretty much anywhere along the coast. This can be Maine on the East to Oregon & Washington on the West. The plants were all dead and the ponds where they grow them were pretty much dried out, but we took some pictures and you can surely see they were cranberries. Real neat farm, another first for me and Helen, as we never saw a cranberry farm before. I know, it does not take much to make me happy.
You know for the amount of travel a person does in the United States they never get to see all that is available in an area. The good thing about what we did was not really plan on any set time frame and went with the flow as they say. Even if your'e just traveling a short distance from home spend more time in the area to look around. You might just be amazed at what you will see and find out. Hey another plus, as you will save gas at the same time, maybe enough for a few extra restaurant meals.
I should have taken a picture of the Coquille where it meets the Pacific Ocean, its unbelievable on the marked difference. On the southern Jetty where we saw the fisherman it was just as clear as any day you would be on the ocean. The waves were not all that big, but big enough. We decided then to head to Bullards Bar, a state Park North of Bandon. Real pretty Park. This is where many of the fisherman go with their boats to crab. Of course the river needs to be down to a normal flow, otherwise too much fresh water is coming into to the bay, which the crabs don’t like. We took the road out to the lighthouse, which is called naturally, Bandon Lighthouse. The road that goes to the lighthouse borders also the Bandon Marsh Wildlife area. The paved road takes you within about 150 yards of the Light house real easy walk. The road continues even closer, but at this time of the year it’s closed at the lower parking lot. In the summer you can drive within 25 yards of the light house.
We walked just south of the lighthouse on the cliff that over looks the bay and it looked pretty promising for rock fishing. Pretty steep cliff about 20 feet down too the ocean at low tide. If the river was flowing at a normal rate and is was near high tide, it would be a great place to fish. Something we will try later. Going to have to be careful, but its much safer than other places I fished when I was younger.
The only problem with the Bandon area is the wind always seems to be blowing, which does not make is very comfortable if it’s overcast. It also makes a problem trying to fish and cast your line into the water. Another area to try at another time.
We headed home on highway 101 heading North and about 10 miles out of Bandon we spotted what appeared to be a cranberry farm, so we had to stop and check it out. And yes, indeed it was a cranberry farm. Pretty big farm seems to go on forever. For some reason I always thought cranberries were only raised back East somewhere. Well now that I think about it I see a lot of labels on cans and packages that have the name brand Ocean Spray, which surely stands for pretty much anywhere along the coast. This can be Maine on the East to Oregon & Washington on the West. The plants were all dead and the ponds where they grow them were pretty much dried out, but we took some pictures and you can surely see they were cranberries. Real neat farm, another first for me and Helen, as we never saw a cranberry farm before. I know, it does not take much to make me happy.
You know for the amount of travel a person does in the United States they never get to see all that is available in an area. The good thing about what we did was not really plan on any set time frame and went with the flow as they say. Even if your'e just traveling a short distance from home spend more time in the area to look around. You might just be amazed at what you will see and find out. Hey another plus, as you will save gas at the same time, maybe enough for a few extra restaurant meals.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
OYSTERS, OYSTERS
March 18, 2008
Little better day today with some showers, but not real heavy rain.
We had to make our weekly trip to Coos Bay again to get some dog food and other items. Since we have Lacy on a special diet we get her a special dog food that most pet stores don’t carry.
We have been giving her a brand called Canidae. It does not have any corn or chicken bi- products, which we have found out is no good for dogs. Even Purina and other brands have the corn fillers so you may want to check it out. We used to think we were buying Lacy a pretty good dog food which was Kibbles and Bits. The food was not really cheap dog food like some of your off beat generic brands like Wal-Mart carries.
One of the reasons we went to Canidae brand was because Lacy is getting old (12 years +) and she had developed a strong odor . Doing some research on this we found this could be caused by low grade dog food with fillers. We also found out that a lot of Golden Retrievers have the same problem because of their long hair and the water repellent constancy of there hair. The odor they can put off can be down right obnoxious. Being an old dog we keep her in the house, which compounds the problem of being confided in tight quarters.
The store we found in the local area to purchase our brand was a local ma and pa pet store that sell the better quality dog foods . They also have a dog grooming service where you can have the dog bathed, or you can do it your self for 1/2 the price. Really pretty good deal for $15.00 if you do the grooming compared to $30.00 if they do the grooming and bathing.
Since it was still pretty early and the tide was still high we made an attempt to fish under the bridge in North Bay to see if we could at least catch some perch. Based on the showery conditions this would be an ideal spot to weather any adverse, inclement conditions that could occur while we were fishing and stay a little dryer.
What we did not plan on was the trail below the road too the spot we wanted to fish had a large Culvert about 30” in diameter. This made it impossible for us to get the dog over the culvert to the spot under the bridge since she is so old she can’t really climb or jump any more. So we threw that idea out and went over the North Bay along the Trans Pacific road.
We were looking for a place that we could fish from our vehicle without walking a long distance and since the dog was still a little wet from her bath we wanted to leave her in the car. We did find the BLM Boat ramp, but did not see anyone fishing, however it was still showering and we were probably the only idiots in the bay looking for a fishing spot. The main thing we were looking for is a spot where down the road, we could fish from the car as an alternate spot in case it did rain. However we did find a spot that will be good for digging Eastern Mud and Eastern Softshell clams.
EASTERN SOFTSHELLS CLAMS
Since we did not find that ideal fishing spot we headed back and decidedto stop at the oyster farm, Clausen Oysters. Theyre located along North Bay Road. At the retail counter we read some real interesting things about how oysters are raised.
CLAUSEN OYSTER FARM
I guess they have over three crops of Pacific oysters growing on 700 leased acres. Clausen’s is a pretty big operation.
Naturally I had to buy 1 lb of the small ones for my oyster shooters and make up an oyster stew that I plan on for supper t0mmorow. I would fry them up, but Helen is not into these too much, however she will eat the oyster stew.
OYSTER BED PLANTING
Kind of funny you can’t gather oysters for your self, the commercial market has it all sewed up so you have to buy them from a commercial source. No biggie the cost is quit reasonable. Think I paid around $7.00 for a lb of the shucked oysters.
The ones in the shell sell for around .50 each, which is about the same you would pay at Susanville Super Market, however they'er not as fresh as the ones you get here.
They have a real neat photo gallery and a lot of interesting information to read about Oyster farming, just click on the link below.
http://www.silverpointoysters.com/Gallery/
Little better day today with some showers, but not real heavy rain.
We had to make our weekly trip to Coos Bay again to get some dog food and other items. Since we have Lacy on a special diet we get her a special dog food that most pet stores don’t carry.
We have been giving her a brand called Canidae. It does not have any corn or chicken bi- products, which we have found out is no good for dogs. Even Purina and other brands have the corn fillers so you may want to check it out. We used to think we were buying Lacy a pretty good dog food which was Kibbles and Bits. The food was not really cheap dog food like some of your off beat generic brands like Wal-Mart carries.
One of the reasons we went to Canidae brand was because Lacy is getting old (12 years +) and she had developed a strong odor . Doing some research on this we found this could be caused by low grade dog food with fillers. We also found out that a lot of Golden Retrievers have the same problem because of their long hair and the water repellent constancy of there hair. The odor they can put off can be down right obnoxious. Being an old dog we keep her in the house, which compounds the problem of being confided in tight quarters.
The store we found in the local area to purchase our brand was a local ma and pa pet store that sell the better quality dog foods . They also have a dog grooming service where you can have the dog bathed, or you can do it your self for 1/2 the price. Really pretty good deal for $15.00 if you do the grooming compared to $30.00 if they do the grooming and bathing.
Since it was still pretty early and the tide was still high we made an attempt to fish under the bridge in North Bay to see if we could at least catch some perch. Based on the showery conditions this would be an ideal spot to weather any adverse, inclement conditions that could occur while we were fishing and stay a little dryer.
What we did not plan on was the trail below the road too the spot we wanted to fish had a large Culvert about 30” in diameter. This made it impossible for us to get the dog over the culvert to the spot under the bridge since she is so old she can’t really climb or jump any more. So we threw that idea out and went over the North Bay along the Trans Pacific road.
We were looking for a place that we could fish from our vehicle without walking a long distance and since the dog was still a little wet from her bath we wanted to leave her in the car. We did find the BLM Boat ramp, but did not see anyone fishing, however it was still showering and we were probably the only idiots in the bay looking for a fishing spot. The main thing we were looking for is a spot where down the road, we could fish from the car as an alternate spot in case it did rain. However we did find a spot that will be good for digging Eastern Mud and Eastern Softshell clams.
EASTERN SOFTSHELLS CLAMS
Since we did not find that ideal fishing spot we headed back and decidedto stop at the oyster farm, Clausen Oysters. Theyre located along North Bay Road. At the retail counter we read some real interesting things about how oysters are raised.
CLAUSEN OYSTER FARM
I guess they have over three crops of Pacific oysters growing on 700 leased acres. Clausen’s is a pretty big operation.
Naturally I had to buy 1 lb of the small ones for my oyster shooters and make up an oyster stew that I plan on for supper t0mmorow. I would fry them up, but Helen is not into these too much, however she will eat the oyster stew.
OYSTER BED PLANTING
Kind of funny you can’t gather oysters for your self, the commercial market has it all sewed up so you have to buy them from a commercial source. No biggie the cost is quit reasonable. Think I paid around $7.00 for a lb of the shucked oysters.
The ones in the shell sell for around .50 each, which is about the same you would pay at Susanville Super Market, however they'er not as fresh as the ones you get here.
They have a real neat photo gallery and a lot of interesting information to read about Oyster farming, just click on the link below.
http://www.silverpointoysters.com/Gallery/
WHO OWNS WHAT??
March 16, 17, 2008
An uneventful two days due to the rain. It Rained off and on pretty much all day. We did not attempt fishing since it was way too wet. We had a chance to meet a real nice gentleman by the name of Fred. He has a home next to Helen’s cousin in Coquille. I guess his home is valued way over $400.000. Pretty pricy I would say. Anyway just for information on the 17th he gave his home away too all his children under the premise that they would pay the taxes and insurance for him and his wife for the rest of their lives. Hang on, this is a shocker. The kids now have to pay out over $300.00 per month for both taxes and insurance. Pretty pitiful when you own your own home and in reality you don’t own it. It's owned by the Government when you really think about.
I had asked him if he ever considered the reverse mortgage program and he told me they checked on it a long time ago and it is a ridiculous program. Most of these programs only want to give you 1/3 the value of your home. This is another thing a person should be aware if he or she is looking at something like this, is to check around before you leap into something that sounds to good to be true. In almost all cases its not for your benefit.
Fred is retired and once lived at Forest Hill in California. Anyway he was real nice and came over to our motor home to install an adjustable shelf in the kitchen to give Helen more room when she does dishes. Been going to do this for over a year now, but you know how that goes, there is always tomorrow. Turned out pretty good and gave us another 13 inches of drainboard space.
Did not do much of anything else today, just hung around the motor home and played with the pc and watched TV. Now I can see staying in a small motor home for a long period of time and can’t get outside because of rain, you could become bored pretty quickly. However, if you have a larger home I really don’t think this would be a problem.
An uneventful two days due to the rain. It Rained off and on pretty much all day. We did not attempt fishing since it was way too wet. We had a chance to meet a real nice gentleman by the name of Fred. He has a home next to Helen’s cousin in Coquille. I guess his home is valued way over $400.000. Pretty pricy I would say. Anyway just for information on the 17th he gave his home away too all his children under the premise that they would pay the taxes and insurance for him and his wife for the rest of their lives. Hang on, this is a shocker. The kids now have to pay out over $300.00 per month for both taxes and insurance. Pretty pitiful when you own your own home and in reality you don’t own it. It's owned by the Government when you really think about.
I had asked him if he ever considered the reverse mortgage program and he told me they checked on it a long time ago and it is a ridiculous program. Most of these programs only want to give you 1/3 the value of your home. This is another thing a person should be aware if he or she is looking at something like this, is to check around before you leap into something that sounds to good to be true. In almost all cases its not for your benefit.
Fred is retired and once lived at Forest Hill in California. Anyway he was real nice and came over to our motor home to install an adjustable shelf in the kitchen to give Helen more room when she does dishes. Been going to do this for over a year now, but you know how that goes, there is always tomorrow. Turned out pretty good and gave us another 13 inches of drainboard space.
Did not do much of anything else today, just hung around the motor home and played with the pc and watched TV. Now I can see staying in a small motor home for a long period of time and can’t get outside because of rain, you could become bored pretty quickly. However, if you have a larger home I really don’t think this would be a problem.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
LOWER EMPIRE & MIDDLE EMPIRE LAKE
March 15, 2008
Pretty overcast day and they are calling for isolated thundershowers. Good day to head back to Coos Bay. There is another propane fitting I need to complete upgrade on the spare tank for the motor home. The present one worked, but I would much rather have rubber flexible line between the two tanks. We tried local without any luck and since it Saturday the propane dealers are not open. I was told I could get the parts at the Ace Hardware store in Coos Bay. We did indeed find the needed parts, which cost a lot more than I anticipated, but at least it will make it a safer application compared to what I have now.
Of course the old stand by $1.00 Double Cheese Burger and $1.00 Junior Whopper for our eating pleasure.
MIDDLE EMPIRE LAKE
Naturally had to go to Bi-Mart to get Helen a new Surf Pole. They had a real neat fishing pole on sale for $50.00 Original price was way over $75.00. Of course you have to have the reel, which I got her. Was a pretty good one, but not real expensive. Its a a Daiwa 4000B ocean spinning reel. Not sure what I paid for it, but I think it ran around $40.00. Pretty cheap, but for ocean fishing you could buy a $300.00 reel and it would not really last any longer. They tell me an expensive reel will be affected by the salt water just as much as a cheaper reel. The salt water really takes it toll on everything .
We went to two real popular lakes that are located right in the northern part of Coos Bay. Really pretty lakes and fixed up to accommodate day users. For a bike rider this would be a much sought after ride around the lakes, The trails are well maintained and paved. In fact, come to think about it, most of the areas in Coos Bay are set up for bicyclists. This is one area my good friend, Randy would surely love too bike ride at.
After we got gasoline at Safeway, which ran us $3.46 per gallon. We talked to the gas attendant who gave us some information on fishing for surf perch. He told us to try fishing under the bridge, which I thought was the large one that crosses the bay, which is called the McCullough Bridge. Not to indulge any information about the area I figured this is some what a secret spot and I will not divulge that information. I think I have the spot figured out. He asked me not to say too much about it. Anyway kind of a neat area which, at low tide you can gather clams there also.
We also stopped by the visitor center to gathered more information .The receptionist told me there is a lot of people that fish the North Bank and fish the area out toward Arago Point in a little cove just before you reach the overlook. It’s a little walk down to the beach, but doable. Can’t be all that bad. Lots of people carry rubber rafts and kayaks down to the cove to fish. Looking forward to try it out, but will be looking for a nice warm day.
On the way back from Coos Bay we stopped at an old Tavern to have a cold drink.. Boy talking about being taken back in time!! This tavern reminded me of the old time taverns when I was young. Really friendly people. The tavern was called Halfway Tavern. It appeared at one time when the main hwy was located more to the North West of the existing hwy that the tavern was on the main route. Since the hwy is now to the west of the old road the tavern is somewhat isolated. Pretty much a lot of locals stop by there. They serve tacos ever Tuesday, and I guess they're real big sellers. They're not real cheap, I think about 75 cents each, but supposed to be killer tacos. The owner Flow said they run out early a lot of times, so you need to get them early. May have to try some next Tuesday. Met some real nice people in there and will stop by there again when we're traveling and thirsty.
Pretty overcast day and they are calling for isolated thundershowers. Good day to head back to Coos Bay. There is another propane fitting I need to complete upgrade on the spare tank for the motor home. The present one worked, but I would much rather have rubber flexible line between the two tanks. We tried local without any luck and since it Saturday the propane dealers are not open. I was told I could get the parts at the Ace Hardware store in Coos Bay. We did indeed find the needed parts, which cost a lot more than I anticipated, but at least it will make it a safer application compared to what I have now.
Of course the old stand by $1.00 Double Cheese Burger and $1.00 Junior Whopper for our eating pleasure.
MIDDLE EMPIRE LAKE
Naturally had to go to Bi-Mart to get Helen a new Surf Pole. They had a real neat fishing pole on sale for $50.00 Original price was way over $75.00. Of course you have to have the reel, which I got her. Was a pretty good one, but not real expensive. Its a a Daiwa 4000B ocean spinning reel. Not sure what I paid for it, but I think it ran around $40.00. Pretty cheap, but for ocean fishing you could buy a $300.00 reel and it would not really last any longer. They tell me an expensive reel will be affected by the salt water just as much as a cheaper reel. The salt water really takes it toll on everything .
We went to two real popular lakes that are located right in the northern part of Coos Bay. Really pretty lakes and fixed up to accommodate day users. For a bike rider this would be a much sought after ride around the lakes, The trails are well maintained and paved. In fact, come to think about it, most of the areas in Coos Bay are set up for bicyclists. This is one area my good friend, Randy would surely love too bike ride at.
After we got gasoline at Safeway, which ran us $3.46 per gallon. We talked to the gas attendant who gave us some information on fishing for surf perch. He told us to try fishing under the bridge, which I thought was the large one that crosses the bay, which is called the McCullough Bridge. Not to indulge any information about the area I figured this is some what a secret spot and I will not divulge that information. I think I have the spot figured out. He asked me not to say too much about it. Anyway kind of a neat area which, at low tide you can gather clams there also.
LOWER EMPIRE LAKE
We also stopped by the visitor center to gathered more information .The receptionist told me there is a lot of people that fish the North Bank and fish the area out toward Arago Point in a little cove just before you reach the overlook. It’s a little walk down to the beach, but doable. Can’t be all that bad. Lots of people carry rubber rafts and kayaks down to the cove to fish. Looking forward to try it out, but will be looking for a nice warm day.
On the way back from Coos Bay we stopped at an old Tavern to have a cold drink.. Boy talking about being taken back in time!! This tavern reminded me of the old time taverns when I was young. Really friendly people. The tavern was called Halfway Tavern. It appeared at one time when the main hwy was located more to the North West of the existing hwy that the tavern was on the main route. Since the hwy is now to the west of the old road the tavern is somewhat isolated. Pretty much a lot of locals stop by there. They serve tacos ever Tuesday, and I guess they're real big sellers. They're not real cheap, I think about 75 cents each, but supposed to be killer tacos. The owner Flow said they run out early a lot of times, so you need to get them early. May have to try some next Tuesday. Met some real nice people in there and will stop by there again when we're traveling and thirsty.
MORE POWER TOO YOU
March 14, 2008
Another Nice day today for our house looking trip to Myrtle Point. Everything in this country is so green and the spring flowers and bushes are all coming alive. There sure is a lot of Daffodils that appear to be growing wild in a lot of lower foothills and along some of the meadows. Lots of other shrubs blooming at this time also, like Gardenias, Azaleas, Scotch Broom, Grouse and even a few tulip trees and of course, lots of fruit trees..
Checking out the electric cost for this area up here and was sure surprised how low the rates are compared to LMUD ( LASSEN MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT) prices. LMUD is around 13.0 Per KWH as compared to only 6.3 KWH in Coos County. The electric company is also a Coop and from what I have read, it pretty much operates like Plumas Sierra Rural Electric. Except cheaper. They have a real nice system, which I think is great for the winter months, which benefits the user. It is called the Residential Winter Block Rate.... Most of the homes have electric heat with supplemental wood or propane for heating. This sure would be a great program that should be implemented by LMUD. I realize the cost for the KWH is higher in Susanville, but not sure if the cost is with in reason.
Here is some information directly from the Coop on the Residential Winter Block rates quite interesting.
The Residential Winter Block Rate is another benefit for the CCEC (COOS CURRY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE) membership that directly affects any member with a residential account. The Residential Winter Block Rate is a reduced rate per kilowatt-hour (KWH) provided to members on their electricity usage above 1,000 kWh per month during high-usage winter months. The CCEC Board of Directors had shortened the normal Winter Block Rate period in late 2004 to help stabilize the cooperative’s finances and to meet fiscal requirements of CCEC’s lending institution. Recently, the Board of Directors restored the Winter Block Rate for the December 2005 through April 2006 electric billings. When the Winter Block Rate is in effect, residential members pay the standard 6.3 cents per KWH for the first 1,000 KWH of electricity used, but only 5.3 cents per KWH for any additional usage.
Another Nice day today for our house looking trip to Myrtle Point. Everything in this country is so green and the spring flowers and bushes are all coming alive. There sure is a lot of Daffodils that appear to be growing wild in a lot of lower foothills and along some of the meadows. Lots of other shrubs blooming at this time also, like Gardenias, Azaleas, Scotch Broom, Grouse and even a few tulip trees and of course, lots of fruit trees..
Checking out the electric cost for this area up here and was sure surprised how low the rates are compared to LMUD ( LASSEN MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT) prices. LMUD is around 13.0 Per KWH as compared to only 6.3 KWH in Coos County. The electric company is also a Coop and from what I have read, it pretty much operates like Plumas Sierra Rural Electric. Except cheaper. They have a real nice system, which I think is great for the winter months, which benefits the user. It is called the Residential Winter Block Rate.... Most of the homes have electric heat with supplemental wood or propane for heating. This sure would be a great program that should be implemented by LMUD. I realize the cost for the KWH is higher in Susanville, but not sure if the cost is with in reason.
Here is some information directly from the Coop on the Residential Winter Block rates quite interesting.
The Residential Winter Block Rate is another benefit for the CCEC (COOS CURRY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE) membership that directly affects any member with a residential account. The Residential Winter Block Rate is a reduced rate per kilowatt-hour (KWH) provided to members on their electricity usage above 1,000 kWh per month during high-usage winter months. The CCEC Board of Directors had shortened the normal Winter Block Rate period in late 2004 to help stabilize the cooperative’s finances and to meet fiscal requirements of CCEC’s lending institution. Recently, the Board of Directors restored the Winter Block Rate for the December 2005 through April 2006 electric billings. When the Winter Block Rate is in effect, residential members pay the standard 6.3 cents per KWH for the first 1,000 KWH of electricity used, but only 5.3 cents per KWH for any additional usage.
Friday, March 14, 2008
OREGON PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL
March 13,2008
Rained pretty hard all night and well into the morning. I would guess we got at least a ½ inch of rain, but that’s coming from a person that lives in a high dry desert where on a good rain event for us is 1/8 of an inch and that’s if were lucky. The main thing we get in our country is the wind.
Finally stopped raining in time for us to head towards Myrtle Point to look at some additional homes, as well as the one home the realtor in Coquille told us about yesterday. We covered many side streets that I never even thought existed. The town is sparcly populated just out side of the old main town. There are many really nice homes on these streets and rural roads. There are a lot of homes starting to show up on the market due to economy and the higher gas prices.
One large impact is the younger people in Myrtle Point are being forced to sell out as the local job market is not so great. There a lot of people that have jobs in Coos Bay and Bandon, which is an addition 8 to 9 miles further than from Coquille to Coos Bay. This has the overall impact of 26 miles one way each day. It does not take long to figure out the cost of a commute like this. With the cost of gasoline going up its forcing many more people to leave the area to get closer to their work. The cost for Gasoline up here is getting pretty high. Since we first got here a month ago gas has jumped from $3.04 and is now going for around $3.49 per gallon. Pretty rough when you are using a vehicle that is not a compact, such as a large pickup or SUV that probably only get 12 to 18 miles per gallon. Lots of diesel rigs in this county. Checking at the Safeway Store in Coos Bay,which is pretty close too being the cheapest fuel prices around, diesel is going for $3.83 per gallon.
Still never understood the principal behind why diesel fuel is so much higher than regular, since at one time it was the cheapest fuel you could buy. Here again the consumer pays the piper.
We stopped by the Tax assessors office in Coquille to check on a state program for tax deferral. I had seen it on the Internet, but hardly any one knows about it. Anyway it's called the Oregon Property Tax Deferral for Disabled and Senior Citizens. Looking over it's not that bad of a program, however like all good things there is a final price somebody will have to pay.
Check out this link if you need more information on this program.
http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/PTD/IC_490_675.shtml
There is a form that you’re required to fill out for this Tax Deferral. The Form number is 150-490-015 (Rev 9-07) and here again its called the Oregon Property Tax Deferral for the Disabled and Senior Citizens.
Some of the qualifications: Must be at least 62 year old.
Income based on FAGI for 2007 $37,500.
Also for those that are Veterans there is another program that is available for you, which gives you a 10% discount on you home taxes yearly. It is one program that you don’t have to pay anything back on. It’s not much, but it helps I am sure. You need to check with your county for the form you need to fill out. One thing about Oregon they take care of there Veterans..
Rained pretty hard all night and well into the morning. I would guess we got at least a ½ inch of rain, but that’s coming from a person that lives in a high dry desert where on a good rain event for us is 1/8 of an inch and that’s if were lucky. The main thing we get in our country is the wind.
Finally stopped raining in time for us to head towards Myrtle Point to look at some additional homes, as well as the one home the realtor in Coquille told us about yesterday. We covered many side streets that I never even thought existed. The town is sparcly populated just out side of the old main town. There are many really nice homes on these streets and rural roads. There are a lot of homes starting to show up on the market due to economy and the higher gas prices.
One large impact is the younger people in Myrtle Point are being forced to sell out as the local job market is not so great. There a lot of people that have jobs in Coos Bay and Bandon, which is an addition 8 to 9 miles further than from Coquille to Coos Bay. This has the overall impact of 26 miles one way each day. It does not take long to figure out the cost of a commute like this. With the cost of gasoline going up its forcing many more people to leave the area to get closer to their work. The cost for Gasoline up here is getting pretty high. Since we first got here a month ago gas has jumped from $3.04 and is now going for around $3.49 per gallon. Pretty rough when you are using a vehicle that is not a compact, such as a large pickup or SUV that probably only get 12 to 18 miles per gallon. Lots of diesel rigs in this county. Checking at the Safeway Store in Coos Bay,which is pretty close too being the cheapest fuel prices around, diesel is going for $3.83 per gallon.
Still never understood the principal behind why diesel fuel is so much higher than regular, since at one time it was the cheapest fuel you could buy. Here again the consumer pays the piper.
We stopped by the Tax assessors office in Coquille to check on a state program for tax deferral. I had seen it on the Internet, but hardly any one knows about it. Anyway it's called the Oregon Property Tax Deferral for Disabled and Senior Citizens. Looking over it's not that bad of a program, however like all good things there is a final price somebody will have to pay.
Check out this link if you need more information on this program.
http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/PTD/IC_490_675.shtml
There is a form that you’re required to fill out for this Tax Deferral. The Form number is 150-490-015 (Rev 9-07) and here again its called the Oregon Property Tax Deferral for the Disabled and Senior Citizens.
Some of the qualifications: Must be at least 62 year old.
Income based on FAGI for 2007 $37,500.
Also for those that are Veterans there is another program that is available for you, which gives you a 10% discount on you home taxes yearly. It is one program that you don’t have to pay anything back on. It’s not much, but it helps I am sure. You need to check with your county for the form you need to fill out. One thing about Oregon they take care of there Veterans..
Thursday, March 13, 2008
LOOKS LIKE SPRING IN THE AIR
March 12, 2008
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It’s an older home that’s quite large, but looks well maintained with new roof. It’s a 3 bedroom with a large front lower section below the house that the owner used as a work shop. It could be modified to fit your needs if you wanted say an additional large recreation area, large den or what ever.
Pretty much stayed in the house today and only one of us was ready to fish. No not me, Helen. I think she is trying to out fish me,which would not take much at this time, since I have not caught anything yet. She fished for around 3 hours using the old standby, a night crawler and a bobber.
After Helen got tired of fishing we decide to go to the Prudential Realtor in Coquille. We talked to a young lady by the name of Patty. She gave us a flyer of one home n Myrtle Point that she thought we would be interested in .
After Helen got tired of fishing we decide to go to the Prudential Realtor in Coquille. We talked to a young lady by the name of Patty. She gave us a flyer of one home n Myrtle Point that she thought we would be interested in .
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It’s an older home that’s quite large, but looks well maintained with new roof. It’s a 3 bedroom with a large front lower section below the house that the owner used as a work shop. It could be modified to fit your needs if you wanted say an additional large recreation area, large den or what ever.
It also has a two car garage with a large covered RV garage and a real nice landscaped yard. Here again little to much home, although the price was not bad. $219,000. The tax on this home runs around $2,241.79 per year. That’s more than double what we pay for our home in California, but here again remember, no sales tax.
I have heard of another program for seniors that help with the taxes for a home in Oregon, but will have to do some checking on it before I can give you any information on it.
The real thing that finally came to us is the realism we have to sell our home first, and then do your home searching up here. You may have to rent for a while, but the big kicker would be what do you do with your furniture. Really don’t want to move it twice. We have some maintenance issues we want to do on our home, which would probably take a month or so to get ready if we do sell.
After being up here for this period of time and all the looking we have done we pretty well have decided we want to get a home in Myrtle point. Taxes cheaper as well as some of the nicer looking homes up in Myrtle Point are well priced.
In preparations for the upcoming rain storm due tonight we covered up all the things exposed to the outside elements. Our plans tomorrow will be to go up to Myrtle Point to look at this house and others to get a better idea.
I have heard of another program for seniors that help with the taxes for a home in Oregon, but will have to do some checking on it before I can give you any information on it.
The real thing that finally came to us is the realism we have to sell our home first, and then do your home searching up here. You may have to rent for a while, but the big kicker would be what do you do with your furniture. Really don’t want to move it twice. We have some maintenance issues we want to do on our home, which would probably take a month or so to get ready if we do sell.
After being up here for this period of time and all the looking we have done we pretty well have decided we want to get a home in Myrtle point. Taxes cheaper as well as some of the nicer looking homes up in Myrtle Point are well priced.
In preparations for the upcoming rain storm due tonight we covered up all the things exposed to the outside elements. Our plans tomorrow will be to go up to Myrtle Point to look at this house and others to get a better idea.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
BIG FISHING DAY AT BANDON
March 11, 2008
The weather looks promising for our big fishing trip to Bandon. I figured since Helen got a fishing license that would double our chances of catching fish.
We had to go to Coos Bay first to get Helen a new fishing pole and a fishing license. Since they have a pretty good selection at Bi Mart in Coos bay and with, 15% off on all fishing poles and reels this would be the place to buy them. Besides that, we have some general banking needs and other small stops to make. Actually Coos Bay is not that far from Bandon. Approximately around 20 miles or so south, to Bandon, so no biggie.
Of course we had to stop by our favorite eating place to get a quick lunch. Helen likes those $1.00 Double cheese burgers, but I really don’t care for them too much, they're to dry for me. However, on the same side of the road just 1 block from McDonald's is a Burger King. Hey, now I like their’s much better. More greens and tomatoes for $1.00.
I went back to the local bait store to get some of the hookups and the needed string to tie on my bait. Since I had a lot of regular shrimp I figure I would use them. Neat tackle shop and they do have a lot of tackle.
The man working there was telling me that the rock fishing is improving, but not great yet and that fishing for surf perch is better.
Well I got back to the beach where I left Helen real quick with all this wealth of information from the local sources. Bound and determined now we were going to catch the old mighty fish no mater what variety. I set Helen's new pole up for her and did everything I saw other people were doing. Now the real fun begins since Helen is not really used to this type fishing and practically no experience. The big thing I had to tell her once she cast her line into the surf was to run like hell back up to the bank before another wave came in and got her. Hay her first cast was not bad she may have cast out 30 feet at the most. She retrieved her line and cast again this time went quite a way out. The only problem I did not count on was the pole I got her was awfully limber for shore fishing and it’s real hard to get distance with a limber pole. Down the road I am going to get her a Surf pole. It's the only way to go.
The weather looks promising for our big fishing trip to Bandon. I figured since Helen got a fishing license that would double our chances of catching fish.
We had to go to Coos Bay first to get Helen a new fishing pole and a fishing license. Since they have a pretty good selection at Bi Mart in Coos bay and with, 15% off on all fishing poles and reels this would be the place to buy them. Besides that, we have some general banking needs and other small stops to make. Actually Coos Bay is not that far from Bandon. Approximately around 20 miles or so south, to Bandon, so no biggie.
Of course we had to stop by our favorite eating place to get a quick lunch. Helen likes those $1.00 Double cheese burgers, but I really don’t care for them too much, they're to dry for me. However, on the same side of the road just 1 block from McDonald's is a Burger King. Hey, now I like their’s much better. More greens and tomatoes for $1.00.
Kind of funny I stop, order one of the Whopper Burgers for a buck, then go 1 more block and order Helen's double cheeseburger for a buck at McDonald's. Hey why not? Makes both of us happy and we get the meals we want. I still love the no tax situation. When you order a burger for a buck, that’s all you pay.
We got down to Bandon about 1 pm, just in time for the tide to come back in. Was to choppy to fish the Jetty and a lot of the waves were hitting the top of the Jetty. Pretty large waves I guess that’s to be expected after a major storm goes through.
We got down to Bandon about 1 pm, just in time for the tide to come back in. Was to choppy to fish the Jetty and a lot of the waves were hitting the top of the Jetty. Pretty large waves I guess that’s to be expected after a major storm goes through.
We saw some guy on the beach fishing for surf Perch. Talked with him and he gave me some good information on catching the perch. He was using fresh sand shrimp with a double hook set up using a crappie rig setup with a number 2 hook. Also he tied the shrimp down with a string, which is real neat. Its red in color and all you have to do is wrap the bait a couple of times pull it tight and break it. It holds the bait on real good.
I went back to the local bait store to get some of the hookups and the needed string to tie on my bait. Since I had a lot of regular shrimp I figure I would use them. Neat tackle shop and they do have a lot of tackle.
The man working there was telling me that the rock fishing is improving, but not great yet and that fishing for surf perch is better.
Well I got back to the beach where I left Helen real quick with all this wealth of information from the local sources. Bound and determined now we were going to catch the old mighty fish no mater what variety. I set Helen's new pole up for her and did everything I saw other people were doing. Now the real fun begins since Helen is not really used to this type fishing and practically no experience. The big thing I had to tell her once she cast her line into the surf was to run like hell back up to the bank before another wave came in and got her. Hay her first cast was not bad she may have cast out 30 feet at the most. She retrieved her line and cast again this time went quite a way out. The only problem I did not count on was the pole I got her was awfully limber for shore fishing and it’s real hard to get distance with a limber pole. Down the road I am going to get her a Surf pole. It's the only way to go.
PRIOR TO THE BIG SWIM
Everything going smooth until her line got snagged on who knows what, so we had to break the line. We went up the beach quite a ways above where the water was hitting to tie on some new tackle. She was sitting next to me taking it all in as to learn how to do it. Yep you guessed it a sneaker wave came up and got both of us. I mean really got both of us. The poles were heading back to the ocean as well as my tackle box and everything we owned even our camera. We luckily retrieved them all and thankfully our camera was in the camera case. Now I determine at this time the only thing we're going to catch was a cold so we gave it up. Oh by the way we came back with another few lbs of rocks, which Helen so faithfully collected on the beach. I asked her what she was going to do with them and she give me a classic answer, I am going to put them in our flower pots at home. Flower pots? Well, that’s all good, however she forgot before we left home we gave all he plants away.
We came back another way, which Ed told us about and is a short cut, which indeed it is. Called the Beaver Hill Lane that tied back into North Bank Road off of hwy 1.
We did indeed have a great time and good laugh over the whole incident. Would we do it again? You bet, but this time we won’t ever turn our back on the ocean again.
Everything going smooth until her line got snagged on who knows what, so we had to break the line. We went up the beach quite a ways above where the water was hitting to tie on some new tackle. She was sitting next to me taking it all in as to learn how to do it. Yep you guessed it a sneaker wave came up and got both of us. I mean really got both of us. The poles were heading back to the ocean as well as my tackle box and everything we owned even our camera. We luckily retrieved them all and thankfully our camera was in the camera case. Now I determine at this time the only thing we're going to catch was a cold so we gave it up. Oh by the way we came back with another few lbs of rocks, which Helen so faithfully collected on the beach. I asked her what she was going to do with them and she give me a classic answer, I am going to put them in our flower pots at home. Flower pots? Well, that’s all good, however she forgot before we left home we gave all he plants away.
We came back another way, which Ed told us about and is a short cut, which indeed it is. Called the Beaver Hill Lane that tied back into North Bank Road off of hwy 1.
We did indeed have a great time and good laugh over the whole incident. Would we do it again? You bet, but this time we won’t ever turn our back on the ocean again.
NORTH BANK ROAD TO BANDON
March 10, 2008
Made a trip around the area looking for any additional homes that may fit our needs, but no luck.
We got the brilliant idea, or I should say Helen had the idea of taking the North Bank Road towards Bandon. Really pretty drive, however did not see anything for sale that would interest us.
Both Helen, I thought there was a spur road that crossed the Coquille River and joins up with Hwy 42S. It did not, although I could see Hwy 42S across the river. We had to almost go into Bandon in order to get across the river to tie into Hwy 42S.
It was still an eventful trip and found the area another fisherman told me about where the river makes a large curve and splits into an overflow area. This is where, when the Salmon are running the fish will hold up and rest since its a pretty calm portion of the river. Also we found Rocky Point, which is another great spot for fishing. Nice free public boat ramp.
Since we were in Bandon we thought it may be interesting to head to the Outlet where the Coquille River ties into the Pacific Ocean. We went out to the Jetty area to see how large the waves were and indeed there was a storm brewing. Even though it was raining we ran into a young couple that was heading out to the Jetty to fish for rock fish. Now this is hard core fishing, even for me. We stayed for a short period of time, but really enjoyed the view even though it was raining.
At that time I had the brilliant idea if he weather was nice tomorrow we should come back and do some fishing here. On the way back we saw a lot of bushes that had bright yellow flowers on them. At first we thought maybe it was Scotch Broom, but it was not.
We came back the 42S hwy, which is only about 19 miles to Coquille. Was hoping we would see some elk, but know luck. There is an area just East of Riverton that has elk that cross the hwy periodically on there way to get water from the river. Riverton is a small community ,but well kept up.
Made a trip around the area looking for any additional homes that may fit our needs, but no luck.
We got the brilliant idea, or I should say Helen had the idea of taking the North Bank Road towards Bandon. Really pretty drive, however did not see anything for sale that would interest us.
Both Helen, I thought there was a spur road that crossed the Coquille River and joins up with Hwy 42S. It did not, although I could see Hwy 42S across the river. We had to almost go into Bandon in order to get across the river to tie into Hwy 42S.
It was still an eventful trip and found the area another fisherman told me about where the river makes a large curve and splits into an overflow area. This is where, when the Salmon are running the fish will hold up and rest since its a pretty calm portion of the river. Also we found Rocky Point, which is another great spot for fishing. Nice free public boat ramp.
Since we were in Bandon we thought it may be interesting to head to the Outlet where the Coquille River ties into the Pacific Ocean. We went out to the Jetty area to see how large the waves were and indeed there was a storm brewing. Even though it was raining we ran into a young couple that was heading out to the Jetty to fish for rock fish. Now this is hard core fishing, even for me. We stayed for a short period of time, but really enjoyed the view even though it was raining.
At that time I had the brilliant idea if he weather was nice tomorrow we should come back and do some fishing here. On the way back we saw a lot of bushes that had bright yellow flowers on them. At first we thought maybe it was Scotch Broom, but it was not.
Gorse (Ulex europacus)
This plant is clarified as a primary Noxious weed. In 1936 - Bandon Fire, Much of the town of Bandon, Oregon was destroyed. The extent and destructiveness of fire is attributed to a non-native shrub called gorse. There was a total of 13 firefighters killed during this fire.
Helen agreed to purchasing her fishing license for the year, since we were going to be coming back in the summer for another two months or so.
We came back the 42S hwy, which is only about 19 miles to Coquille. Was hoping we would see some elk, but know luck. There is an area just East of Riverton that has elk that cross the hwy periodically on there way to get water from the river. Riverton is a small community ,but well kept up.
SLUMP DAY
March 9. 2008
Appears to be another great day no real plans just go with the flow as they say. Helen and I went down to the dock behind the RV park this morning to try our luck with Sturgeon, using shrimp. Well hell, not really the truth went down to catch what ever we could. Like I always mention I could care less what I catch just fun being outdoors relaxing.
To put salt on the wound some little old lady staying in the RV Park gave us a package of Salmon Fillets. Pretty bad when you have to count on another senior citizen to give you fresh fish. I can’t believe I am having all this bad luck. I only fished for about 3 hours until it got too cool.
Appears to be another great day no real plans just go with the flow as they say. Helen and I went down to the dock behind the RV park this morning to try our luck with Sturgeon, using shrimp. Well hell, not really the truth went down to catch what ever we could. Like I always mention I could care less what I catch just fun being outdoors relaxing.
To put salt on the wound some little old lady staying in the RV Park gave us a package of Salmon Fillets. Pretty bad when you have to count on another senior citizen to give you fresh fish. I can’t believe I am having all this bad luck. I only fished for about 3 hours until it got too cool.
Monday, March 10, 2008
GOOD DAY FOR CRABBING, MAYBE NOT? BUT MET NEW FRIENDS
March 8, 2008
Great looking day, heading for the docks in Charleston today to try our luck at Crabbing once again. You would think I would hit it right someday or give up.
The weather was really warm in Charleston Bay. We arrived at the dock at around 12:30 and proceeded to the end of dock where we usually crab from. We try to setup next to a large boat on the dock so you can block the slight breeze that comes up in the afternoon, which can make it pretty cool. Today is an extremely high tide day and don’t know what type of results will get crabbing. On our way down to the dock, at the cleaning station we ran into two young men that were cleaning the crabs they caught, however all of them were the small rock crabs. They told us they started crabbing the first thing in the morning until lunch and that’s all they caught. Not a good sign.
We set up our two traps. We were using anchovies and turkey legs. Our first set was uneventful and we only caught a couple of Dungeness crabs that were really small and one rock crab. After being there for a while I came to the conclusion you need to bring a book to read, since it can get pretty boring just sitting there. Or at least bring a fishing pole.
A couple came down to the dock and started talking with us, and within minutes we made friends with them. Funny how many people get the impression that People in Oregon are not friendly? Not so! Of all the times we have been here we have never met one person who has not been congenial, or helpful from what I have observed. From what I have found Oregon residents are very friendly and go out of their way to offer advise and help.
Any way, back to the couple we made friends with... They have a home in Green Acres which is about 8 or so miles north off of Hwy 42 above Coos Bay. They gave us their name, address and phone number, and yep you guessed it we forgot it. Tried to put the phone number in our Cell phone, but did something wrong it did not save it.
She is currently working at Bi-Mart in North Bend and I believe he is retired. They invited us over too their home when were in the neighborhood. Interesting she only has a couple of years left to work at Bi-Mart for her full retirement from the company. I guess they have a great retirement system. They actually have a lifetime discount at all the stores which is 10% over there cost. Since Bi-Mart is owned by the employees it seems that its one big happy family. They have stores all over Oregon Washington, Idaho. .
MCCULLOUGH MEMORIAL BRIDGE
They told us of a real good spot to catch ocean fish in the bay and that it was real easy to get to. It is under the McCullough Memorial Bridge on the South side. Will try this down the road. Also another place is a small lake that is right in the main part of Coos Bay, Empire District across from the Super Wal-Mart. Not a big lake, but a lot of trout if you so desire. The lake is called Empire Lake
We really had a productive day and finally caught a lot of good large Dungeness crabs, around 6 inches or so that were legal size, but guess what the wrong sex. All of the crabs we were catching were females. I read about this and that it happens for a short period of time. The females all come in first followed by the males. Not sure what the time frame is. Talking to others they're really catching a lot of big ones out in the Bay. Here again learning experience. Next time bring your boat with you.
Great looking day, heading for the docks in Charleston today to try our luck at Crabbing once again. You would think I would hit it right someday or give up.
The weather was really warm in Charleston Bay. We arrived at the dock at around 12:30 and proceeded to the end of dock where we usually crab from. We try to setup next to a large boat on the dock so you can block the slight breeze that comes up in the afternoon, which can make it pretty cool. Today is an extremely high tide day and don’t know what type of results will get crabbing. On our way down to the dock, at the cleaning station we ran into two young men that were cleaning the crabs they caught, however all of them were the small rock crabs. They told us they started crabbing the first thing in the morning until lunch and that’s all they caught. Not a good sign.
We set up our two traps. We were using anchovies and turkey legs. Our first set was uneventful and we only caught a couple of Dungeness crabs that were really small and one rock crab. After being there for a while I came to the conclusion you need to bring a book to read, since it can get pretty boring just sitting there. Or at least bring a fishing pole.
A couple came down to the dock and started talking with us, and within minutes we made friends with them. Funny how many people get the impression that People in Oregon are not friendly? Not so! Of all the times we have been here we have never met one person who has not been congenial, or helpful from what I have observed. From what I have found Oregon residents are very friendly and go out of their way to offer advise and help.
Any way, back to the couple we made friends with... They have a home in Green Acres which is about 8 or so miles north off of Hwy 42 above Coos Bay. They gave us their name, address and phone number, and yep you guessed it we forgot it. Tried to put the phone number in our Cell phone, but did something wrong it did not save it.
She is currently working at Bi-Mart in North Bend and I believe he is retired. They invited us over too their home when were in the neighborhood. Interesting she only has a couple of years left to work at Bi-Mart for her full retirement from the company. I guess they have a great retirement system. They actually have a lifetime discount at all the stores which is 10% over there cost. Since Bi-Mart is owned by the employees it seems that its one big happy family. They have stores all over Oregon Washington, Idaho. .
MCCULLOUGH MEMORIAL BRIDGE
They told us of a real good spot to catch ocean fish in the bay and that it was real easy to get to. It is under the McCullough Memorial Bridge on the South side. Will try this down the road. Also another place is a small lake that is right in the main part of Coos Bay, Empire District across from the Super Wal-Mart. Not a big lake, but a lot of trout if you so desire. The lake is called Empire Lake
We really had a productive day and finally caught a lot of good large Dungeness crabs, around 6 inches or so that were legal size, but guess what the wrong sex. All of the crabs we were catching were females. I read about this and that it happens for a short period of time. The females all come in first followed by the males. Not sure what the time frame is. Talking to others they're really catching a lot of big ones out in the Bay. Here again learning experience. Next time bring your boat with you.
PORT OF COOS BAY PLAN LECTURE
March 7, 2008
We were invited by Alma, Helen's cousin to a meeting and potluck put on by a local senior club, called the Primtimers. A lecture was given, put on by the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay . The Guest speaker was Martin Callary, Director of Communications & Freight Mobility, to discuss development of an intermodal container terminal on the North Spit of lower Coos Bay.
Great get together and good food. We had the chance to meet a lot of nice local people.
The main lecture addressed what the Port of Coos Bay's plan is for the upcoming years. As everyone is aware there is an increasing demand for more product coming into the United States from other foreign countries, as well as exporting goods and products. The way Coos Bay is currently set up it does not have the capabilities to take on large container ships, that would bring in containerized materials for short time storage, as well as shipping materials out via railroad and or trucking. Their idea is to deepen the main channel to at least 50 feet deep to accommodate these larger ships that are capably of carrying 7400 + TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit). Thus they will have to create some area along an unpopulated area to the north of Coos Bay for storage and shipping terminals.
CARGO CONTAINER SHIP
This will create an additional 4800 jobs, which will not necessary mean it will employee all these personnel from the general Coos Bay area. They also want to bring in a large ships that can unload Natural gas for storage at the same site. This is where all the Imports & Exports would be stored. Actually they pretty well have this thing well planned. The EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) should be approved hopefully in about 3 years or so. Will be real interesting viewing the EIS for the project.
See an air photo of the planned location for the storage area.
http://www.portofcoosbay.com/weycopp.htm
The North end of the maps shows all the areas for the new proposed terminal. Roseburg Forest Products, South Port, & Weyerhauser.
The storage area and deepening of the main channel will take place along the North Bay. There will be no enlarging of anything East of the locations shown on the map. The City of Coos Bay will not be adversely impacted.
One of the main concerns I have heard from locals is the storage and transportation of gas, which is a just concern, but from where the site is located it should be of minimum concern. The only problem would be the transportation by rail or truck from that location.
We were invited by Alma, Helen's cousin to a meeting and potluck put on by a local senior club, called the Primtimers. A lecture was given, put on by the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay . The Guest speaker was Martin Callary, Director of Communications & Freight Mobility, to discuss development of an intermodal container terminal on the North Spit of lower Coos Bay.
Great get together and good food. We had the chance to meet a lot of nice local people.
The main lecture addressed what the Port of Coos Bay's plan is for the upcoming years. As everyone is aware there is an increasing demand for more product coming into the United States from other foreign countries, as well as exporting goods and products. The way Coos Bay is currently set up it does not have the capabilities to take on large container ships, that would bring in containerized materials for short time storage, as well as shipping materials out via railroad and or trucking. Their idea is to deepen the main channel to at least 50 feet deep to accommodate these larger ships that are capably of carrying 7400 + TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit). Thus they will have to create some area along an unpopulated area to the north of Coos Bay for storage and shipping terminals.
CARGO CONTAINER SHIP
This will create an additional 4800 jobs, which will not necessary mean it will employee all these personnel from the general Coos Bay area. They also want to bring in a large ships that can unload Natural gas for storage at the same site. This is where all the Imports & Exports would be stored. Actually they pretty well have this thing well planned. The EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) should be approved hopefully in about 3 years or so. Will be real interesting viewing the EIS for the project.
See an air photo of the planned location for the storage area.
http://www.portofcoosbay.com/weycopp.htm
The North end of the maps shows all the areas for the new proposed terminal. Roseburg Forest Products, South Port, & Weyerhauser.
The storage area and deepening of the main channel will take place along the North Bay. There will be no enlarging of anything East of the locations shown on the map. The City of Coos Bay will not be adversely impacted.
One of the main concerns I have heard from locals is the storage and transportation of gas, which is a just concern, but from where the site is located it should be of minimum concern. The only problem would be the transportation by rail or truck from that location.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
JOHNSON MILL POND
March 6, 2008
Back to normal today low 50°and overcast.
Helen went to her art class today while I sat home and kicked back. I thought about trying out the fishing on the dock below our RV, but it was a little breezier than I like. Helen got back and we decided to travel the country side again to see if we could see any homes for sale that would be of interest to us. Found one, but there was no place to park our RV or build a garage for one. Pretty nice view, but still not isolated enough for us. We decided to go down and find the Johnson Mill Pond that is located between Myrtle Point and Coquille. It’s actually only about 3 miles East, along hwy 42 out of Coquille.
JOHNSON MILL POND
The pond encompasses about 200 acres. I guess it was donated by one of the lumber companies many years ago to Coquille as a recreation lake for the local public. From what I noticed about the lake it does indeed look like a good spot for bass. I hear it has lots of good bass structure. Nobody was fishing when we got there, just looked it over. Will try it out later, but at this time I think the water may be too cold for bass. Interesting thing about this pond, it is adjacent to the Coquille River and when the river floods it overflows into the pond. God only know what fish get in there. Since the Coquille River has a large variety of different fish it could possibly have shad, trout, stripped bass and maybe even a stray salmon or two. They do plant the lake with catchable trout for the kids which are great...
We will have to try the pond out and see how it is. Maybe tomorrow if the weather permits.
I finally figured out why I am doing do poorly with fishing in this area. There are just too many areas to fish and so many species to catch I am over whelmed. Need to change my plans around and get real serious with fishing and stick with just one type of fishing for awhile.
I finally figured out why I am doing do poorly with fishing in this area. There are just too many areas to fish and so many species to catch I am over whelmed. Need to change my plans around and get real serious with fishing and stick with just one type of fishing for awhile.
Friday, March 7, 2008
MANHATTAN CLAM CHOWDER AIN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE.
March 5, 2008
What a day! Can’t believe it got this warm. Believe it or not I believe it got into the high 70°s.
Pretty hot for this area this time of the year. Did a lot of general maintenance around the motor home. Was able to find a propane connection for a quick hook up to my small barbecue. The propane tank hoses however, are something else. Everyone knows the fittings for propane are weird and even though some of the fitting have the same thread they will not work with the different type of available fittings. Another one too cuss at.
Really it was indeed a general clean up to put away some fishing stuff that was sitting on the picnic table out side along with our crab traps and other junk. Darn too good of a day to do any work around the motor home, but it had to be done. Oh well, better days down the road.
I decided this was going to b the day to cook up my cockle clams for a Manhattan style clam chowder. I have not eaten one in at least 45 years. Well, for some reason I kept thinking it would taste better. I guess when you get older your taste changes. It really did not have the flavor I remembered, but at least I did get the chance to try it again. From now on going to stick to the old standby, New England style. As everyone is aware the Manhattan style uses tomatoes, where as the New England uses the cream.
Now maybe somebody out there has a good recipe for the Manhattan style. If so let me know would love to get a good recipe. The one I got was off the Internet and not really that great. The recipe I used had carrots and bell peppers, which I really did not think the original Manhattan style had.
What a day! Can’t believe it got this warm. Believe it or not I believe it got into the high 70°s.
Pretty hot for this area this time of the year. Did a lot of general maintenance around the motor home. Was able to find a propane connection for a quick hook up to my small barbecue. The propane tank hoses however, are something else. Everyone knows the fittings for propane are weird and even though some of the fitting have the same thread they will not work with the different type of available fittings. Another one too cuss at.
Really it was indeed a general clean up to put away some fishing stuff that was sitting on the picnic table out side along with our crab traps and other junk. Darn too good of a day to do any work around the motor home, but it had to be done. Oh well, better days down the road.
I decided this was going to b the day to cook up my cockle clams for a Manhattan style clam chowder. I have not eaten one in at least 45 years. Well, for some reason I kept thinking it would taste better. I guess when you get older your taste changes. It really did not have the flavor I remembered, but at least I did get the chance to try it again. From now on going to stick to the old standby, New England style. As everyone is aware the Manhattan style uses tomatoes, where as the New England uses the cream.
Now maybe somebody out there has a good recipe for the Manhattan style. If so let me know would love to get a good recipe. The one I got was off the Internet and not really that great. The recipe I used had carrots and bell peppers, which I really did not think the original Manhattan style had.
HERE'S MUD IN YOUR EYE- CLAMMING
March 4, 2008
The weather was clear, cool and not much wind, but enough for a light jacket. Knowing that the clamming was going to be good. We went north of the Port Side Resturant. Looked promising since water from the bay was so far out. I figure hardly anybody had been out there for awhile.
We ran into a gentleman that was tubing for sand shrimp along the shore to use for bait. He said they are great for catching ocean perch. From what I have heard this is supposed to be one of the best baits you can use for ocean perch.
After walking, or should I say sloshing about in the muck with my waders we made it about ¼ mile. Of course there were hundreds of Seagulls looking for freebie meals also.
Typical cockle clam bed
Helen had her trusty rake and I had my jim dandy clamming shovel. We were armed to kill, along with my wind sock plastic bucket that you can read about in an earlier post. After about 45 minutes of clamming with not hardly any lucky, we figured it was time to quit.
We did however, get close to one limit of Cockle clams, which is 20. I figured with the 6 we dug a few days ago there would be enough to make us a meal... The real trick I found about clamming in the mud is not to stand in one place too long. Otherwise your feet get stuck like a toilet plunger and you play hell moving again.
There are several names for these clams.
COCKLE, HEART CLAM, OR PIPPIE ClAM
Now with my bad hip this is a problem since my balance is not the greatest anymore. One time I fell and I looked like maybe I was trying to kiss the mud. I know people in the restaurant at the Port Side were probably watching me. You know how the feeling goes. You kind of wish maybe you could have disappeared and nobody would have seen you. Well I hope they got a good laugh out of me on that one.
Hey, thats what life is all about. Would be boring if things like this never happened right? Well why does it seem to always happen to me?
When we got home I put the clams in a bucket with some cornmeal to let them soak to flush out the sand. Did this over night and then put the little critters to bed in a bowl in the refrigerator with a wet towel laid over them. They say this is the best way to keep them alive for at least 5 to 8 days.
Went back to Charleston Marina to do some clamming. Had a real great Low tide at 3:53 pm. -0.1. I figured with this low tide I would knock them dead, or at least Helen would. From what I recall last year when we went clamming she out did me. She is always considerate and thinking about my welfare and what I am doing. Not many wife's out there like she is. What other wife would go sloshing around in the mud with you. Anyway another saga from my love story you know (Days of our Lives) .
The weather was clear, cool and not much wind, but enough for a light jacket. Knowing that the clamming was going to be good. We went north of the Port Side Resturant. Looked promising since water from the bay was so far out. I figure hardly anybody had been out there for awhile.
We ran into a gentleman that was tubing for sand shrimp along the shore to use for bait. He said they are great for catching ocean perch. From what I have heard this is supposed to be one of the best baits you can use for ocean perch.
After walking, or should I say sloshing about in the muck with my waders we made it about ¼ mile. Of course there were hundreds of Seagulls looking for freebie meals also.
Typical cockle clam bed
Helen had her trusty rake and I had my jim dandy clamming shovel. We were armed to kill, along with my wind sock plastic bucket that you can read about in an earlier post. After about 45 minutes of clamming with not hardly any lucky, we figured it was time to quit.
We did however, get close to one limit of Cockle clams, which is 20. I figured with the 6 we dug a few days ago there would be enough to make us a meal... The real trick I found about clamming in the mud is not to stand in one place too long. Otherwise your feet get stuck like a toilet plunger and you play hell moving again.
There are several names for these clams.
COCKLE, HEART CLAM, OR PIPPIE ClAM
Now with my bad hip this is a problem since my balance is not the greatest anymore. One time I fell and I looked like maybe I was trying to kiss the mud. I know people in the restaurant at the Port Side were probably watching me. You know how the feeling goes. You kind of wish maybe you could have disappeared and nobody would have seen you. Well I hope they got a good laugh out of me on that one.
Hey, thats what life is all about. Would be boring if things like this never happened right? Well why does it seem to always happen to me?
When we got home I put the clams in a bucket with some cornmeal to let them soak to flush out the sand. Did this over night and then put the little critters to bed in a bowl in the refrigerator with a wet towel laid over them. They say this is the best way to keep them alive for at least 5 to 8 days.
GREAT CHINESE FOOD FOR A SMALL TOWN
March 2, 2008, March 3, 2008
Not much happened during these two days. Cool weather, rain off and on, but fairly nice afternoons. We traveled around a little today looking at some roads to familiarize ourselves with the country side. In this country there is a maze of roads every where. Could take months to cover all of them.
Not much happened during these two days. Cool weather, rain off and on, but fairly nice afternoons. We traveled around a little today looking at some roads to familiarize ourselves with the country side. In this country there is a maze of roads every where. Could take months to cover all of them.
SKUNK CABBAGE
We ran into this large area with Skunk Cabbage getting ready to bloom. Kind of pretty and we thought at first it was a lily of some sort.
There are considerable amounts of small ranch style homes for sale, but way too big for us.
We went back up to take pictures of one of the homes that interested us, however after looking at the real picture with my health and our age it would dumb to take on a house this big. It’s, over 1680 sq. feet and located on 3 acres of wooded land. Beautiful home, but I can see it would be too hard to keep up.
We went back up to take pictures of one of the homes that interested us, however after looking at the real picture with my health and our age it would dumb to take on a house this big. It’s, over 1680 sq. feet and located on 3 acres of wooded land. Beautiful home, but I can see it would be too hard to keep up.
One of the reasons we are considering the potential of moving to Oregon was because of my health and both Helen and I are getting too old to maintain a large home and yard.
This is the home we looked at. Pretty pricey.
HOME WE LOOKED AT
We went out for dinner on Monday the 3rd, to a Chinese restaurant in Coquille that just recently opened. The Realtor told us it was a great restaurant, and indeed it was. We both ordered the complete meals. I had the sweet and sour pork, Shrimp, Chicken like chow main and fried rice. Helen had the Shrimp, Mar Far Chicken, Chow main and of course the fried rice. Boy what a meal. They were both large potions of everything and was excellent. The price was real reasonable. It ran us $16.50 for both of us.
I kind of wonder now if we may have been better off ordering the senior meal which is only $5.75 each. Here again was almost too much and we had to take a big portion of it home with us. Would recommend this Chinese restaurant to anyone. Great food! The Restaurant is located on Central Street, which is called VUS DYNASTY.
If we had a Chinese diner in Susanville it would have cost us way over $30.00 for the both of us and we would not have received the large portion we got at Vus Dynasty.
I kind of wonder now if we may have been better off ordering the senior meal which is only $5.75 each. Here again was almost too much and we had to take a big portion of it home with us. Would recommend this Chinese restaurant to anyone. Great food! The Restaurant is located on Central Street, which is called VUS DYNASTY.
If we had a Chinese diner in Susanville it would have cost us way over $30.00 for the both of us and we would not have received the large portion we got at Vus Dynasty.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
PROPERTY TAXES IN COQUILLE "OH MY"
March 1, 2008
We went house looking today with the Realty person to look at some of there listing. Debbie Burt is the Broker from Copper Tree Realty. She had two of homes to show us. The first one we looked at was not even close to what we wanted. The house is located on 1 acre of land, however it’s punched into the hillside so there is not much yard in front. For the price it was not worth it.
She took us to another home which was real nice and this went from the opposite of the first one we looked at. It is real a pretty home, real large front room with a large kitchen and a see through fireplace between the kitchen and the living room. Really nice location on 5 acres of land on a dead-end road so there’s lots of privacy.
This home had pretty much all the feature we were looking for in a home but way out of our price range. I think they were asking $285,000 for it. Both of these homes are in Coquille which is nice the second home we liked was located up on a hill and nestled in the trees. When it gets real cold they get a little black ice on the road way but that is live able. Since we came from an area that is colder than that it was manageable... There was one thing I really had a problem with though and that is all the trees around you. Pretty shady area which may make it pretty cool in the winter. Actually it was not really that cold even though it was a little overcast but it was pretty damp due to the rain we had that previous evening.
Now if you could get the home for around $200,000 it may be a great buy, but afraid this will go for quite a bit higher than that.
I had asked Debbie what the tax rate for this home was and she told me she thought it was in the $1.70 per square foot. Based on that the 1700 square feet so the taxed for the year would run around $2,890, or about $240.00 a month. Pretty high taxes. I guess the tax rate varies in Coquille from area to area. And if you have a home in Myrtle point which is East of Coquille it is even cheaper.
This is another thing a person must consider when buying a home up here. To get a close figure is base your taxes on abut a $1.00 per thousand on assessed value, and this will get you into the ball Park figure.
Our tax rate in Janesville California is running us a little over .75 per square foot or around $79.00 per month. Big difference.
These are just a few of things you need to look at if your planning on moving up to Oregon You have to way everything.
We went house looking today with the Realty person to look at some of there listing. Debbie Burt is the Broker from Copper Tree Realty. She had two of homes to show us. The first one we looked at was not even close to what we wanted. The house is located on 1 acre of land, however it’s punched into the hillside so there is not much yard in front. For the price it was not worth it.
She took us to another home which was real nice and this went from the opposite of the first one we looked at. It is real a pretty home, real large front room with a large kitchen and a see through fireplace between the kitchen and the living room. Really nice location on 5 acres of land on a dead-end road so there’s lots of privacy.
This home had pretty much all the feature we were looking for in a home but way out of our price range. I think they were asking $285,000 for it. Both of these homes are in Coquille which is nice the second home we liked was located up on a hill and nestled in the trees. When it gets real cold they get a little black ice on the road way but that is live able. Since we came from an area that is colder than that it was manageable... There was one thing I really had a problem with though and that is all the trees around you. Pretty shady area which may make it pretty cool in the winter. Actually it was not really that cold even though it was a little overcast but it was pretty damp due to the rain we had that previous evening.
Now if you could get the home for around $200,000 it may be a great buy, but afraid this will go for quite a bit higher than that.
I had asked Debbie what the tax rate for this home was and she told me she thought it was in the $1.70 per square foot. Based on that the 1700 square feet so the taxed for the year would run around $2,890, or about $240.00 a month. Pretty high taxes. I guess the tax rate varies in Coquille from area to area. And if you have a home in Myrtle point which is East of Coquille it is even cheaper.
This is another thing a person must consider when buying a home up here. To get a close figure is base your taxes on abut a $1.00 per thousand on assessed value, and this will get you into the ball Park figure.
Our tax rate in Janesville California is running us a little over .75 per square foot or around $79.00 per month. Big difference.
These are just a few of things you need to look at if your planning on moving up to Oregon You have to way everything.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
CLAMMING CALAMITY
February 29, 2008
Went to Charleston today to do some clamming and get some information on our new Cell phone. There were some things that were not explained to us and we had question.
We had to stop at Bi-Mart since they had these real neat portable green houses for sale that were $89.90. They have metal shelves for your plants and it’s really quit large in size. A person can walk in them pretty easy. The cover is a plastic type canvas that is clear to allow the sun in. No we do no have flower in it yet.
It will serve a two fold purpose for us its large enough for us to store camping items that we want to keep out of the weather as well as a green house which we can use later.
Like I mentioned it’s portable and looks easy to put together. Of course we have all been there if you ever had to put together a play swing set for the kids or put together a small metal shed.
The directions say you can put it together in less then 1 hour.
I don’t know who ever wrote the directions but I am sure it was written bya person that hired an octopus that had several arms. The one hour install take me 1 day and a lot of miscellaneous screws and bolt and nuts that you never find out where they went too.
It is 74" long X 49"wide and X 74" high
The only problem I have to work out is how I mount it so the wind doesn't blow it away. Not much to tie down the building on the pavement in the RV Park.
Tried a little clamming today in Charleston and what an eye opener I mean really an eye opener.
This is what a person need to do when he or she first get up in the morning. To begin with first you must wait until a Typhoon is coming in and you have to get ready by put on extra weight on your sides to keep you from blowing away. Also have windshield wiper installed on your reading glasses
I mean Helen and I started walking in this god forsaken low tide muddy flat with nothing but flimsy old rubber boots that would get stuck in the mud every 3rd step .Of course the main necessity for clamming, your shovel, rake and you have to be sure you have your plastic bucket to put your bounty in which common thinking would say the bucket being light no biggie you say, AFRAID NOT.
You see when it did start raining and I mean raining and since your wearing eye glasses you think your wearing diving goggles that are leaking. Of course the wind comes up blowing the rain horizontally which is almost blowing you backwards. To make it worse the plastic bucket you gently hauled out to the flat I starting to act like a giant wind sock which is making your arm shoot straight out horizontally.
Now you’re in the mode of taking off to fly with one more bucket you probably would. Too really put the icing on your cake we just found five little clams. Geese hardly enough to feed a fly. Helen and were the only ones clamming out there we should have known something was wrong.
Will we ever do it again; you bet your life is a challenge. And this was one of them.
Good thing the 29Th of February only come around one every 4 years I really don’t think I could handle any more of this Leap year stuff.
Went to Charleston today to do some clamming and get some information on our new Cell phone. There were some things that were not explained to us and we had question.
We had to stop at Bi-Mart since they had these real neat portable green houses for sale that were $89.90. They have metal shelves for your plants and it’s really quit large in size. A person can walk in them pretty easy. The cover is a plastic type canvas that is clear to allow the sun in. No we do no have flower in it yet.
It will serve a two fold purpose for us its large enough for us to store camping items that we want to keep out of the weather as well as a green house which we can use later.
Like I mentioned it’s portable and looks easy to put together. Of course we have all been there if you ever had to put together a play swing set for the kids or put together a small metal shed.
The directions say you can put it together in less then 1 hour.
I don’t know who ever wrote the directions but I am sure it was written bya person that hired an octopus that had several arms. The one hour install take me 1 day and a lot of miscellaneous screws and bolt and nuts that you never find out where they went too.
It is 74" long X 49"wide and X 74" high
The only problem I have to work out is how I mount it so the wind doesn't blow it away. Not much to tie down the building on the pavement in the RV Park.
Tried a little clamming today in Charleston and what an eye opener I mean really an eye opener.
This is what a person need to do when he or she first get up in the morning. To begin with first you must wait until a Typhoon is coming in and you have to get ready by put on extra weight on your sides to keep you from blowing away. Also have windshield wiper installed on your reading glasses
I mean Helen and I started walking in this god forsaken low tide muddy flat with nothing but flimsy old rubber boots that would get stuck in the mud every 3rd step .Of course the main necessity for clamming, your shovel, rake and you have to be sure you have your plastic bucket to put your bounty in which common thinking would say the bucket being light no biggie you say, AFRAID NOT.
You see when it did start raining and I mean raining and since your wearing eye glasses you think your wearing diving goggles that are leaking. Of course the wind comes up blowing the rain horizontally which is almost blowing you backwards. To make it worse the plastic bucket you gently hauled out to the flat I starting to act like a giant wind sock which is making your arm shoot straight out horizontally.
Now you’re in the mode of taking off to fly with one more bucket you probably would. Too really put the icing on your cake we just found five little clams. Geese hardly enough to feed a fly. Helen and were the only ones clamming out there we should have known something was wrong.
Will we ever do it again; you bet your life is a challenge. And this was one of them.
Good thing the 29Th of February only come around one every 4 years I really don’t think I could handle any more of this Leap year stuff.
WHAT TO FISH FOR ?
February 28, 2008
Looks like its going to be a nice day for fishing. Ha every day is a good day for fishing right?
Helen is going to an Art Class today in Coquille which is held each Tuesday and Thursday. It only cost $6.00, per. day but this gives her the chance to meet some more artist and locals that are interested painting.
They have a real good art instructor that is knowledgeable with all the different types of art work. Helen really does not need too much instruction and has done well in the past on her oils and acrylics.
Pretty much stayed around the park and went down to the pier on the hopes of catching a Sturgeon. Was fortunate to run into a man up here that fishes the Coquille quite a bit and told me where to look for the Sturgeons. There are some near the RV Park but the best bet is up stream about a half mile from here near a boat ramp up the river. There is a large deep hole where the fish seem to rest.
They use Grass shrimp, Anchovies Salmon Eggs or pretty much what ever there pretty much a scavenger like a catfish. He was tell me that the Sturgeon take 10 years to grow 1 foot, so if your lucky to catch a Sturgeon that is the legal size he is probably 40 years old.
Hopefully in a couple of day I will try to find this hole he is talking about and give it a try.
Fished for about 2 hours no hit no runs no errors again. I guess if you don’t keep trying you will never catch anything.
There catching a lot of Steelhead in the river which I have seen jump a few times but most of the catch has been upstream..
Mixed emotions on really what I want to catch since there is Steelhead in the river it may be fun to hook onto one. They tell me that most of the Steelhead are up the river near the South Fork arm. There is always the hope that when the majority of Steelhead head back down the river you would be ready for them. I think most of the ones seen now are stragglers.
The weather was darn right hot, boy did I say that? Actually it would have been a short sleeve shirt day again. Got up to the mid 70°
Looks like its going to be a nice day for fishing. Ha every day is a good day for fishing right?
Helen is going to an Art Class today in Coquille which is held each Tuesday and Thursday. It only cost $6.00, per. day but this gives her the chance to meet some more artist and locals that are interested painting.
They have a real good art instructor that is knowledgeable with all the different types of art work. Helen really does not need too much instruction and has done well in the past on her oils and acrylics.
Pretty much stayed around the park and went down to the pier on the hopes of catching a Sturgeon. Was fortunate to run into a man up here that fishes the Coquille quite a bit and told me where to look for the Sturgeons. There are some near the RV Park but the best bet is up stream about a half mile from here near a boat ramp up the river. There is a large deep hole where the fish seem to rest.
They use Grass shrimp, Anchovies Salmon Eggs or pretty much what ever there pretty much a scavenger like a catfish. He was tell me that the Sturgeon take 10 years to grow 1 foot, so if your lucky to catch a Sturgeon that is the legal size he is probably 40 years old.
Hopefully in a couple of day I will try to find this hole he is talking about and give it a try.
Fished for about 2 hours no hit no runs no errors again. I guess if you don’t keep trying you will never catch anything.
There catching a lot of Steelhead in the river which I have seen jump a few times but most of the catch has been upstream..
Mixed emotions on really what I want to catch since there is Steelhead in the river it may be fun to hook onto one. They tell me that most of the Steelhead are up the river near the South Fork arm. There is always the hope that when the majority of Steelhead head back down the river you would be ready for them. I think most of the ones seen now are stragglers.
The weather was darn right hot, boy did I say that? Actually it would have been a short sleeve shirt day again. Got up to the mid 70°
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