Well….sort of. Today we’re jiggin’ for bait in Windy Bay.  Winchester Bay, Oregon along Coast Highway 101 has a high, long, public crabbing dock. The dock is utilized by many for catching the prized Dungeness crabs of the Pacific Northwest. Dungeness are very expensive to purchase and on any given day during the season many locals and visitors can be seen dropping their crab pots into the bay from atop this high off the water dock catching a truly scrumptious dinner.

Another popular use for the dock is jigging for bait. While it appears easy to do there are tricks and techniques for obtaining your own bait but the basic technique is called jigging. There are varieties of hooks, lines and poles that can be used but they all depend on the jigging.

Early in my residence at Umpqua River Haven I was visiting the bay and walked out on the pier noticing a gent sitting on the pier manipulating some kind of line I’d never seen before. I stopped to ask about it and this retired fella from Alaska explained jigging to me. His line was hand-held instead of being on a pole and he explained that it had several hooks up and down the line. As he jigged it with his hand making a constant motion with the line, small sardines would bite at the moving hooks and become lodged on them. Periodically he would pull up the line to harvest the small fish.

Often very shinny little fish would be interspersed among the sardines and I was educated that these are baby salmon and illegal to catch. He would carefully remove them from the hook and toss them back into the bay hopefully to grow up to make someone a delicious meal. When my family came to visit for the first time I was able to minimally explain jigging to those that like to fish and crab so they were able to catch their own bait.

The retiree from Alaska and I visited for quite awhile and he mentioned that his daughter had an espresso stand in Reedsport in the Safeway parking lot. My family is big into designer coffee and we tried this stand. Delicious. We’re not certain she is still there but if you see this small heart-starter wagon near the Safeway or elsewhere, we recommend this latte stop to anyone visiting here.

Extending out from alongside the land entrance to the dock is a nice swimming beach and grassy picnic area. In better weather, families come here to cool off and enjoy a picnic style meal together. The family has done both and highly recommend the sandy beach in this protected bay cove.

At Umpqua River Haven we hear tales about the pirates of old such as Iron Jim Sallow and very early explorers like Sir Frances Drake who plundered in the Pacific Northwest just like any real pirate. Remember the tall ships from a previous blog? Drake’s Golden Hind was here.

 But! Pirates on Lake Erie???? Yes!!!!

The Maritime Museum of Sandusky, Ohio offers up all the great history of Lake Erie from the 1600s missionaries to the 1795 French and Indian War to the War of 1812 and Perry’s Battle of Lake Erie to harvesting winter ice to commercial fishing to freighting timber to piracy. Piracy? Yep. And there was lots of it on the Great Lakes.

The French and British Governments both hired pirates or privateers on the Great Lakes during the French and Indian War.  The British pirates led by George Colby attacked from shore in small boats. They would build fires at night on the shore of Lake Erie to lead the French to think they were near a port causing them to run aground on the rocks. Colby and crew would then destroy both ship and cargo which helped the British defeat the French.

William Johnson pirated during the War of 1812. He did not like the British and worked with the Americans. He moved to the US side of Lake Ontario and was paid, along with a band of assistants, to take British property. After capturing a small fleet of British boats, they discovered a letter from one British official to another with information that was helpful to the American’s war efforts.

Great Lakes pirate vessels looked like any Great Lakes Schooner or Sloop, too.

In the late 1840’s James Jesse Strang led a group of Mormons living on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan. He would take them on raiding voyages to the mainland towns when he knew the men would be gone leaving the families unprotected. Boats that ran aground on the island in bad weather were usually pillaged by Strang and his Mormon crew. The island lobbied for a lighthouse and got one. But after it was built they would light decoy fires on shore causing ships to wreck so they could plunder some more.

Off the Canadian Shores of Lake Erie on the Long Point Peninsula pirates would copy the pattern of lights from a neighborhood lighthouse luring ships to crash at the end of the peninsula. Then the pirates would take the ship’s cargo. Because the area was so remote, by the time help arrived the pirates would be long gone. This practice was known as ‘Blackbirding’ and was prevalent throughout the 19^th century.

Roaring Dan Seavey was a true pirate who operated mostly on Lake Michigan in the early 1900’s. He smuggled, poached, bootlegged alcohol and ran a floating bordello called the ‘Wanderer.’ On June 11, 1908, Roaring Dan and two comrades seized the ‘Nellie Johnson’ after getting the captain and crew drunk. Pirate and crew headed to Chicago to sell the stolen cargo. Eventually Seavy was arrested and tried for mutiny and sedition but the grand jury failed to indict him. Seavey died in 1948 in a nursing home.

A variety of methods to pirate timber during the 19^th century were practiced on the Great Lakes. Timber pirates diverted floating river logs and made them their own. They would also cut large acreages of forest from unpopulated lands and from federal lands and load them on their ships to sell in the big cities. There was so much timber pirating going on during the 1850’s that the US government passed laws to protect forests for the Navy to build ships with.  And, the U.S.S. Michigan was tasked to put an end to timber piracy.

During the 19^th century American fish companies trespassed into Canadian waters and also into US federally protected waters to obtain better catches. Prices were high at the turn of the century and the fish wars heated up on Lake Erie. The problem of fish piracy resolved itself when the fish population crashed and it was no longer lucrative enough to continue.

Some tools of the trade, including the cat-o-nine-tails.

The life style of a pirate was not without consequences. If caught, pirates were executed. Before sentencing would be carried out, the condemned pirate would be measured for his ‘gibbet.’ A gibbet was a wooden frame the body of an executed pirate would be hung from so that his family could not remove it. The gibbet was often more feared than the execution and served as a warning to other pirates as to the consequences of their illegal activities.

Visit: http://www.sanduskymaritime.org/ for more information.

Belay that, me hearties!

When was the last time you rode a Merry-Go-Round? Or even saw one? Heard the peppy music of its Calliope?

Like most of us, if you ever did ride one it was probably many years ago when you were a child. Surprise! If you are in the Sandusky, Ohio area you can ride a real, full sized Merry-Go-Round to the music of its Wurlitzer Calliope or Band Organ.

 A visit to the Merry-Go-Round Museum in the heart of Sandusky requires a small entrance fee and includes a full ride on the in house Merry-Go-Round, music and all, on the beautifully restored, carved animal of your choice. And there are so many to choose from! From horses to sea monsters.

Don’t miss the guided tour. Our tour guide was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the animals, carvers and history of everything. Occasionally as we toured even she was surprised by a new discovery like this camel that is being restored.

The museum has been endowed with outright gifts of animals, mostly horses but many other animals, too, in various stages of repair from excellent to very poor. Currently on permanent loan is the collection of the late Charlotte Dinger which includes some really beautiful horses.

 We learned about the three styles of horses which are Coney Island, Philadelphia and Country Fair. Coney Island style is the flashiest with glitz, gold mane and jewels. But only on the “Romance” side. Then there are “outside row” animals that tend to be the largest and fanciest and even better carved.

We also learned about the various carvers and carving companies along with the history of carousel invention. The precursor to the modern Merry-Go-Round is traced back to 544 A.D. or was it B.C? It’s difficult to remember everything. The oldest figure in the museum is this restored elephant dated 1890.

There were many different animals as the following photos reveal.

There were several deer and elk. They looked like reindeer to us and I was expecting to see Santa nearby. We did learn that the two on the left spent last Christmas in the White House as part of the holiday celebration there.

We learned a great deal about the detailed process of the restoration of these beautiful carvings including dowel fittings, painting, the period of metal legs that are now restored with wood and much more. It takes great dedication to restore these creations as beautifully as this donkey has been done.

At one time there was a carousel that existed with only cows to ride on. Two of those cows are in the museum along with a bucking bronc from Mexico.

Every year the museum sells raffle ticket for a particular Merry-Go-Round horse and the winner is awarded the horse. Last year’s winner never picked up their prize that is still waiting for them all dressed for Halloween. Perhaps they decided to make it an unofficial donation.

There are tales of haunting within the museum so be sure to ask about them. You can ride in a chariot,  on a horse, a sea monster, a zebra or any variety of animals but don’t miss out on the great fun riding this artistic Merry-Go-Round!

Visit for location, dates and times: http://www.merrygoroundmuseum.org/

Heceta Head Lighthouse is reportedly the most photographed lighthouse in the United States. Viewed from the Sea Lion Caves 11 miles north of Florence, Oregon, it is framed by the cave ‘window’. Or, most often photographed from outside the cave building entrance.

In 1755 Don Bruno Heceta, a Spanish sailor, discovered this beautiful location and the lighthouse was named after him. Construction on the lighthouse began in 1892 and took 5 years to complete although the light was lit in March of 1894. The original structure had living quarters attached for 2 assistant light keepers.

Heceta House was a single structure of living quarters for the head light keeper and his family. While the lighthouse isn’t said to be haunted the same cannot be said for Heceta House.  There is an infant’s grave on the property and the very active ghost is thought to be the child’s mother watching over it. Named Rue, the ghost often appears as a smoky grey mist and is nick-named the “Grey Lady.”

Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, Heceta House is also listed as one of the ten most haunted places in the US due to the very active “Grey Lady.” Heceta House is a popular bed and breakfast and not one visitor goes away disappointed because they did not witness some ghostly activity from being peered down at out of the attic window to items being moved to fire alarms going off to footsteps overhead.

There is one story of a worker up in the attic who was surprised by Rue and it frightened him so he ran down the attic stairs, down the second story stairs and out the front door and refused to go into the attic again. While working on the outside of the house this same worker accidentally broke the attic window. Because he would not go into the attic, he repaired the window from the outside and left the broken glass scattered across the floor inside. That night other volunteer workers heard scraping noises coming from the attic. When they went to investigate the next morning they found a neat pile of glass on the floor in front of the window. Be sure and reserve your night at this famously haunted B&B well in advance so you don’t miss your chance to experience the “Grey Lady.” Oh, and you’ll want to climb the tour to the top of the lighthouse, too!!

Heceta Head is a working lighthouse as a navigational aid to mariners but is also a major tourist destination on the Oregon Coast. It is part of a 549 acre park with trails, view points, tide pooling, a sandy beach and more. Plan to spend some time here especially if you are traveling with children. There is so much to do. We recommend both Driftwood Shores in Florence right on the ocean: http://www.driftwoodshores.com/ which includes the Surfside Restaurant: http://www.driftwoodshores.com/restaurant-lounge.html and the Comfort Inn on highway 101: http://www.florenceci.com/ and eat at Mo’s on the Siuslaw River: http://www.moschowder.com/florence.php Or bring your RV to Umpqua River Haven and stay with us. We are just about an easy hours’ drive from this lighthouse.

As with all the lighthouses, the night views can be spectacular. This one was caught on a cloudy night but still shows how bright the light is that guides the ships in.

One of the best things about living in the US is our birds. They vary from North to South and East to West in variety, size, color and song. But they are all unique and beautiful in their own way.

When bird flu hit, it was scary seeing so many birds drop to the ground. Was our bird population going to be decimated by this disease? Fortunately that was not the case and our birds are thriving all over this vast country.

Very early this morning this beauty was hanging at the boat basin probably fishing. From the coloring I would guess it to be a Blue Heron as there are many around here.

One of our most fascinating birds is the hummingbird. They come in a seemingly infinite rainbow of colors but similar in size and habits. There are approximately 338 different species of hummingbirds in the world. The US has registered a mere 25 species originating within its borders. There are many more species that will visit during their migration periods especially in the desert Southwest that is closer to tropical climes.

To enter a hummingbird aviary is to walk into awe and wonder. All one can do is stand there quietly and enjoy something that defies description. It is almost heart-wrenching to slowly walk through and eventually leave as one really wants to stay there forever.

At Umpqua River Haven we have at times made our own version of a hummingbird aviary. Hang four to six feeders two to three feet apart all in a row. The sugar mixture I use is heavier on the sugar than most recipes and consists of four cups of sugar to a gallon of very hot water. Then watch them come! They will nest in the trees and bring their babies. We have had so many at times that it was impossible to count them.

My favorite thing about hummers is that they live everywhere I do in every state in the Union. Move somewhere or visit for awhile, put out a feeder if it’s not winter and they will come. The first spring hummers are the scouts and are usually Rufus. Rufus are very territorial and will fight off birds as they arrive to protect its feeder. More than one feeder is an advantage to being able to attract a group of hummers and not just one Rufus.

I have held a hummer in my hand that flew into a house and hit a picture window trying to get out. It was stunned and I feared had its neck broken but it felt warm and alive in my hand. I cupped it gently in 2 hands and took it outside and opened my hands. It held there for a moment and then it flew off as if nothing had happened. I felt as free as it must have.

Hummingbirds are very curious. If you sit far enough away from their feeders for them to not feel threatened but close enough for them to notice you, you may be in for a real treat. I have had them fly directly to me and ‘get in my face’ almost literally. The secret is to sit very still and totally quiet and to enjoy that splendid moment!

Tucked away behind the Umpqua River Lighthouse up out of Winchester Bay, Oregon, is a small, picturesque, serene and placid freshwater lake. Lake Marie is part of the Umpqua River Lighthouse State Park. Oregon’s state parks are well managed and maintained by the State of Oregon to serve its citizens.

Above, overlooking the lake are the campground facilities with something for every kind of camping imaginable including full RV hookups, electric and water only hookups, a tent area, various yurts, a couple of cozy cabins and hiker/biker camping. Hot showers and flush facilities are clean and also well maintained. The deluxe yurts would be very comfy. They have everything and are beautiful inside.

Be sure and make a reservation as this is a very popular camp ground.  http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=83 Reservations can be made online or by phone.

At the West end of the lake is a sandy beach for swimming with picnic tables and charcoal grill stands. This is a favorite family place to gather especially with very young children as the beach area is perfect for supervised swimming.

There is another large picnic area not far from the beach along with rest room facilities. There are also a few picnic tables on the north side of the lake. Access to the lake is provided for angling and non-motorized boating for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and also contains bass and other yummy fish for the catching. It’s a very popular place to fish with easy bank access all around the lake. This is a favorite hiking place as the loop trail is about a mile, easy to get to and well maintained. Some of the trail is paved. In winter the earthen low spots can become muddy.

The scenic beauty on this trail is endless.

And often breath-taking.

About a quarter into this hike there is a trail that veers off south and then turns west that will take you toward the ocean. It becomes obvious that Lake Marie is perched on top of the Oregon Coast Dunes as the trail opens up to a large dune riding area with a view of the ocean beyond.

Returning back to the lake trail the scenic views continue all the way around the lake.

 From the sandy beach area you can look back west and see the lighthouse.

I like to do three rounds of the one mile loop trail with one diversion to the ocean and dune view. I never tire of the scenery here.

It’s high Chinook Salmon fishing season on the Umpqua River. May and June are the best spring fishing months for these silvery, yummy salmon.  From Elkton to the coast, the salmon are running.

Here are the catch regulations:  Anglers can harvest 2 wild spring Chinook per day and up to 5 wild springers from Feb. 1 to July 31.  From Aug. 1 to Dec. 31, you can harvest 2 wild Chinook per day, and in combination with the other salmon/steelhead recorded on your salmon tag, up to 20 fish total.  Fin-clipped hatchery fish can be recorded on a separate hatchery harvest tag. There is no limit on the number of hatchery tags that can be purchased but daily limits still apply.

Drift boat fishing is a common way to catch spring salmon and many boats dot the river during salmon season. Coast wide, Spring Chinook numbers have improved significantly since 2010. That means there are lots of them out there for you to catch!

At Umpqua River Haven we have space available for those looking to fish and we are very close to bank fishing as well as a boat launch ramp. Come stay with us and try your luck for some easy fishing. There’s no better eating than fresh-caught Spring Chinook Salmon from the Umpqua River. Mention you read our blog and receive a $5.00 per night discount in the RV Park here at Umpqua River Haven.

The Oregon Coastline cannot be bought or sold.  It belongs to the people of Oregon. Managed by the state, the beaches run on as far as the eye can see and beyond.

There are some private homes, summer cottages and small apartment buildings on the coast but they cannot block public access to the beaches. Residential and commercial areas “on the sand” are required to provide specific public access at intervals along the shore. And, buildings cannot be close to the water so to provide wide beaches for everyone to enjoy.

 The Oregon Coastline is varied from wide, open and vast stretches of beach you can hike on for miles to small coves and more between. This beautiful cove is on a favorite drive there will be more about later.

 When family visits there are many trips up and down the coast. There are many sights to see but the single most important thing they want to do is visit and walk on the beaches.

If I dally too long in other coast places, the cry goes up loud and clear to head to the beach! And you can see why.

 Bright sunshine, endless sun and surf is a better attraction for them than the often rugged coastline where the Coast Mountains sometimes run right down to the sea.

The beaches at Bandon are famous for the rock formations out in the water. We’ll visit Bandon again but this is a sampling of Face Rock.

 Up north off of one of the 3 Sisters Capes I caught this shot from the beach.

 The sunsets over the ocean from the beaches of Oregon are spectacular and incomparable anywhere.

 We will visit the Oregon Coast Beaches again as this is just a sample of their beauty.

Winter in the Northern Mid-West was extreme this year. Record cold temperatures, frozen solid lakes and tons of snow. But what of the freighters that haul and deliver materials around the lakes during the warm months and can’t maneuver the lake ice during winter?

They anchor the 680 foot freighters in the rivers that feed the Great Lakes. For our purposes here, the Huron River in Northern Ohio is host to two of the American Steamship Company’s really big freighters.

The Adam E. Cornelius and the John J. Boland previously docked in port at Toledo but had some kind of tiff and the powers that be decided to dock in the Huron River at Huron, Ohio. In spite of taking the entire day to dock such huge ships, they are very happy at dock in Huron. 

To be certain ice doesn’t trap or damage the colossal vessels, they have state-of-the-art bobber systems that stir the water to prevent the formation of ice around the ships.

26 crew members and contract workers spend the winter repairing the ships before these 42 year old vessels get back into service in June.  During the warmer months, these two behemoths will travel throughout the Great Lakes picking up and delivering materials such as iron ore pellets, coal, limestone and grains from Ohio farms for businesses at various ports, rail yards, marinas and harbors.

The two freighters valued at $10 million to $15 million dollars are considered an asset by the Town of Huron drawing attention to the developing waterfront.  They are quite the site when you are up close and personal!

Cousins are the best friends. You grew up together in the same extended family and have known each other since birth. The more time you spend together, the more in common you seem to have. Today was all of that and more.

Our friend, Stacie, is an Origami Artist and was willing to share her art techniques with us. Fold here, fold there, press that, keep it on the surface, start over, repeat. Whew! Practice, practice, practice! She has such patience which is the sign of a great teacher. And we learned.

It takes a desire to learn how but Stacie is into practice and kept saying “one more” until I finally made one without her having to assist! “I did it all by myself” on about number 6.  “Now make another one,” she said.  I kept folding.

Make one tomorrow morning when you get up so you don’t forget!

After she left, I made one more—so I wouldn’t forget! It’s the brown flowered one in the right front corner.

Stacie made three of these and I made the rest. Hers are perfect….mine not so much but can you tell which are hers and which are mine?

And she left a gift from her tinygami collection that appears to be metal but in reality is gold paper. Thanks, Stacie, for your expertise, patience and willingness to share!

Check out Stacie on her tinygami blog site:  http://www.tinygami.com/ and follow her Michigan adventures in Origami Art with her new tinygami project for ArtPrize2015 in September. She is working on 4,000 tiny cranes for the project for this upcoming competition! The cousins are definitely rooting for her!