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Hi-Tide Resort's Majestic Neighbor - Point Grenville

By Laurie McPherson
Published: 11/12/22 Topics: HI Tide Resort, Moclips Beach WA, Ocean Shores WA Comments: 0

Every condo at HI-Tide Resort has a view to the North of majestic Point Grenville. This headland abuts the might Pacific Ocean with breathtaking cliffs soaring 120 feet above the surf.

Thee are numerous sear stack rock formations from ancient volcanic eruptions that occurred some 40 - 50 million years ago. Seabirds flock the point, seals swim just offshore often laying up on the beach below.

The Point is sacred to the Quinault native American nation and received its westernized name being named after Lord William Grenville, the United Kingdom's Secretary of State when Captain George Vancouver sailed by in April, 1792.

The U.S. Coast Guard operated a radio navigation station here from 1949-1979.

The 2013 Paddle to Quinault celebrated all native tribes with festivities lasting over a week and included a great many members making the canoe journey and landing at Haynisisoos Park.

Strolling the beach, one can immerse themselves into nature with cliffs and sea stacks surrounded by the Olympic National Park and the waves of the ocean.

The point is also a great location to try and capture the elusive "green flash" as the sun sets beyond the water.

The area is not on public land and a pass is required for access which can be purchased at the Tribal Office located just about 4 miles north on the Quinault Indian Nation.

This largely unknown, and uncrowded area is waiting for you to explore.

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Author: Laurie McPherson – Contributor, Hi Tide Resort
Blog #: 0922 – 11/12/22

How Dare They Go To Work

By William May
Published: 04/20/20 Topics: Covid-19 Virus, Family, Gratitude, Health Comments: 0

Really, who the hell do they think they are?

Awakening early every morning, or even in the middle of the night. After too little sleep and too much stress, trudging to a job they love, although they admit it is difficult to love right now. How dare they go to work?

They will often spend 12-hours shifts or much longer and for days on end. Not one day off, not a moment to spend on personal things. No time with family or friends. How do they dare do that to themselves?

Some are paid very well, some paid adequately and others earn far too little. Most will receive nothing extra for the insurmountable obstacles they confront. How do they dare to work at all when others would not?

And yet, they persevere and get up and go to a job they know will be very frustrating. They know it is also rewarding, but that it will not feel that way every day. They do not dare to think about relief, at least not yet.

At the job, they will toil hour after hour, often with no time to eat or take a break. Squeezing in a bathroom break is necessary, but even that feels like wasting time. They will be confronted with thing after thing to do. Work upon work. No rest for the weary.

There will be a non-stop demand to do the difficult, the impossible and even the frightening. They won't feel up to the task all the time, but they will step up to the tasks every time. How dare they do that to themselves?

They see weeks of challenge ahead, maybe months, maybe years. They refuse to look for the finish line, because every champion runner puts one foot ahead of the other knowing it’s the only way to finish. They think about quitting, but only rarely, because quitting would make it more difficult for others. They dare not let anyone down.

As the world begins to show its gratitude for these wonderful human beings, they will still feel inadequate, because the mission is so huge and for now seemingly impossible. How dare they believe they can make it better?

These people are not necessarily glib with their words. They have no time for pontificating. They have no time to complain. They do not seek glory or even recognition. They would not dare direct any attention to themselves.

Every one of them knows the risk of physical illness, mental duress, financial hardships and family stress. They know these things, so how do they continue on? Would anyone else dare?

They dare because the task is at hand. The challenge is now. They dare not wait. They dare not fail. They will not let that happen, no matter how long it takes and no matter the personal cost. How dare they believe they are life givers?

Doctors, nurses, caregivers, counselors, therapists, pharmacists, ambulance drivers, EMTs, first-responders, administrators, janitors and every employee at every hospital, all dare to come to work - and we must all be so grateful that they do.

These people dare because they are different than most of us. Very different. Most dreamt of their career as a calling. They have always known it would be difficult, but they never dared to think it would be like this. But they did know that they could and would act in ways the rest of us cannot promise. They dare to go to work because they saves lives.

Whether you believe in God or you do not, whether you can donate to their cause or not, whether you have suffered from illness or not, it is now time to give thanks that somehow there are people like them in the world.

It is time thank them for dedication that is immense, commitment that is astounding, and for courage that is unending. How dare they?

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Author: William May, Plumbob Publishing
Blog #: 0743 – 04/20/20

Clean, Wipe, Soak, Scrub, Brush, Scour, Polish

By Ron Lee
Published: 04/18/20 Topics: Covid-19 Virus, Housekeeping, Property Management Comments: 1

How to Clean and Sanitize Vacation Rental Homes

Since our first office opened in 1964, we have been rigorously cleaning and sanitizing properties for decades. This is nothing new to us. In fact, our homes are cleaned to a degree higher than most people have at home. It has always been our commitment to have every home safe and ready for guest arrival.

Get a Real Getaway

If you need a vacation, holiday escape, spring break, fresh air and time alone, vacation rentals are the best option. Bring kids or not. Bring the family or just your spouse. Most homes are free-standing, so you can avoid crowds. Even in our condos, the homes are open corridor, so there is no need to pass through common areas, like lobbies and dark hallways.

When Guests Depart

After guests depart, housekeepers arrive at every home to clean, wipe, soak, scrub, brush, scour, mop and polish bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, common spaces and even decks and patios, linens, towels and surfaces. Hot tubs are disinfected. This entire process - called "out Clean" - takes many hours. Then homes are spot checked by managers to ensure good work. When departing, all staff members use bleach rags, so that even the door knob and key-safe are sanitized. Wow!

Sanitation Cleaning Products

We use a variety of products to clean, disinfect and sanitize. All are approved for high health standards. We still use bleach for some areas because it is still the gold standard for killing every kind of bug. In fact, if you enter a home immediately after housekeepers depart, for a few minutes you may detect a slight cleaning smell. That is your assurance of sanitization.

Bathroom Super Scrub

Cleaning bathrooms is not a fun task, but we carefully clean all sinks, mirrors, toilets, drawers, bathtubs and shower enclosures until they sparkle. But they have also been sprayed and later wiped with disinfectant. Soiled and unsoiled towels are removed before cleaning starts to avoid cross contamination. This is a hands-and-knees job, but housekeepers pride themselves on meticulous cleaning.

Proper Wipe Downs

You might think that spraying and wiping surfaces with disinfectant is sufficient, but it is not. Instead, disinfectant must be left on surfaces for a period of time before it is wiped away. This gives time for the liquid to kill all the germs.

- Door knobs inside and outside.

- Window switches.

- Light switches and sockets.

- Lamp switches.

- Cupboard doors and surfaces.

- Table tops including night stands.

- Appliances - top and sides.

- Counter tops.

- Reachable walls.

- Outdoor furniture.

- Stairs and deck handrails.

- Toasters and coffee makers.

- TV and other remote controls.

- Stereos and computers.

- Door bells and key safes.

- Toys and board games.

- Pet toys and blankets.

- And more.

Vacuuming, Mopping, Sweeping

Are you ever tempted to do floors fast? By slowing down the process and covering every floor surface carefully, dirt, grime and germs are removed. We keep equipment new and well maintained to get the best results. Housekeepers are never limited to cleaning hours. Instead, they are encouraged to take all the time they need to do the job right.

Kitchens and Dining Rooms

Kitchens get splattered on, baked in and used heavily. It is a big job, but to get kitchens spic-and-span is essential, from the stove to oven to refrigerator, but also microwaves, cupboards, fans and light fixtures. Cleaned inside and out. You will notice we remove condiments, such as ketchup and mustard left from prior guests, because leaving open containers violates health standards. You'll have to bring your own, but you'll know they are new and fresh.

Hot Tubs and Spas

Every hot tub is completely disinfected after each booking by trained staff members. Sand or debris is removed, filters are inspected, and chemicals are adjusted. In addition, the hot tub cove, top and side surfaces are disinfected. If you arrive to a tub that is not yet fully heated, please wait because we had to empty and refill it. Takes time to reheat.

Towels and Linens

Washing and drying linens and towels is an obvious step, be we wall all of them, even if a bed does not appear to have been slept in. They are transported to the washer-dryer using rubber gloves and laundry bags, and they are returned to beds in baskets to avoid cross contamination. Along with quality detergent, additional disinfectant is added to all washing to ensure germs are eradicated.

Deep Cleans

In addition to our rigorous out-clean, homes receive deep cleans regularly to cover hard to access areas, including heating ducts, cupboard sides and ceilings, high surfaces, fans, carpets and more. This takes many hours, and ensures the cleanest possible property.

When Guests Depart

You may notice that we do NOT as guests to do laundry or to remove linens and towels to the laundry area. We do it all to ensure that every textile has been washed and cleaned properly without dragging it through the house.

Call Us Quick: 206-504-2744

If at any time during your stay, if you find any issue, call our 24-7-365 day phone number for assistance. If necessary, our staff will happily come to the property to ensure all is right. And if you want daily cleaning, we can arrange that too, for a small additional fee.

Avoid Crowds, Stay in a Private, Vacation Home!

Year round, in every season, and no matter what is happening in the rest of the world, vacation rentals offer a respite from the rate race, a chance to get away and to enjoy a sparkling clean, sanitized home.

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Author: Ron Lee, Vortex Managers
Blog #: 0742 – 04/18/20

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Kala Point Welcomed into Yourshare Goldener Network!!

Published: 03/01/20 Topics: Comments: 0

Goldener Inns & Resorts, which offers vacation rental bookings for timeshare resorts through its YourShare program, today announced today it is now offering rentals at KalaPoint.com, a prestigious condominium community of the scenic Port Townsend area of Washington State area, has

Through Yourshare, participating homes are advertised on the custom built full ecommerce website at KalaPoint.net and on hundreds of prominent websites worldwide such as VRBO, Booking.com, AirBnB, Expedia and more.

Kala Point Resort is large property comprised of hundreds of private homes, townhomes and the timeshare condominiums which are 2 to 3 bedrooms and come complete with comfortable furnishings, complete kitchens, TV, cable, and internet.

Guests have access to the resort’s club house and meeting room, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, year round sauna and hot tub. Other amenities include a workout room with exercise equipment, a small boat launch, tennis and pickle ball courts, and a playground.

The Resorts sits on a mile long sandy beach with salt water boat docks and playgrounds. Whales, Dolphins and Eagles are regularly seen there.

Located at the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, they’ll enjoy spectacular views of Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, and on clear days, can see all the way to Victoria Island and Mount Baker in British Columbia.

Just up the road the town of Port Townsend, itself is full of charming antique stores, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, all in beautiful, Victorian-era buildings.

The innovative Yourshare program offers greater marketing than individual timeshare home owner associations can muster, and provides income to timeshare owners for a lower commission fee.

There are no up-front costs, owners can open or close dates to booking as they see fit, and they only pay a fee when their dates are booked.

A long term contract is not required and Yourshare handles all details such as advertising, reservations phones, guest and owner services including coordination with the onsite resort personnel and services.

To book your next vacation at Kala Point visit www.KalaPoint.com or GoldenerInns.com. Or call 360-382-1700. Phones are open everyday of the year. Although these homes can be rented on Expedia. AirBnB and other websites contact KalaPoint.com for the best rates and availability..

- - -
Resorts looking to gain maximum rental income with minimum fuss should contact Goldener, see www.YourShare.biz or call .818-922-8292 toll free.

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Blog #: 0722 – 03/01/20

All Travel is a Local Beehive

By William May
Published: 03/01/20 Topics: Fishing, Marketing, Restaurants Comments: 0

My memory is vivid even though it was decades ago. At age 10, I began playing little league baseball in the small town of Montesano, Washington State.

It is an idyllic place even today. The county seat and classically designed courthouse give the town the feel of financial stability. Homes and lawns are well kept and right in the middle of the town is the Nelson Baseball Field.

I dropped by yesterday during a time warp to find that nothing hand changed. The grass was green and well manicured. Local merchants had signs on the outfield fence. In the early morning, the only things missing were players, coaches and parents. I was all alone.

Winding up the road, I came to Lake Sylvia State Park and the time warp opened again. Nothing had changed in all that time. It wasn't fishing season, but I could imagine children on the bridge pulling in freshly planted trout. The beach and swimming area matched my memory precisely.

When we won little league games, the coach - my father, treated us to milk shakes at Gene's Stop and Go. They had dozens of flavors, but I never waivered. Chocolate was my one and only love. Still is.

At season end, Dad treated the family to dinner at the the Beehive Restaurant, that sat squarely in the middle of town. I remember the bright yellow sign with bees on it, the lunch counter, the waitresses so nice to small children, and the chicken-fried steak that my father ordered every time.

There are many stupendous things to see and places to go in the world. But those most loved are those that stay true to themselves. They find a good thing and tend it lovingly.

To my delight, the Beehive still sits at the same corner. Still has a lunch counter and still has smiling women who are nice to every customer. And the chicken-fried steak? Well, it was just as good as all those years ago. Fresh corn on the cob. Hand made smashed garlic potatoes.

After seeing all those big sites, visit Montesano some day to remember that local travel is always the best way to learn and share.

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Author: William May – Publisher, Plumbob Publishing
Blog #: 0740 – 03/01/20

Ocean Shores Publishing launches Hidden Coast Scenic Byway website

By Simon Berman
Published: 11/18/19 Topics: Comments: 0

Ocean Shores Publishing, publishers of OceanShores.com, is pleased to announce the launch of hiddencoastscenicbyway.com, a website celebrating the beauty of Washington State’s coastal byway, State Route 109.

The 41 miles of the Hidden Coast Byway traverses the coastal hills and long, sometimes foggy, beaches of the Pacific coast at the western edge of the Olympic Peninsula. Access to state and national parks abound, as do opportunities to observe pristine wilderness and the unique wildlife of the maritime Pacific Northwest.

Ocean Shores Publishing saw a need to better promote this beautiful region to potential visitors and took up the challenge to build and launch a website in celebration. From the newly launched hiddencoastsscenicbyway.com visitors can learn more about the byway’s route, the towns through which it passes, and opportunities for leisure and lodging.

A robust events calendar and blog supplement this information, helping inform the public of local happenings, festivals, and more. Whether visitors are looking for a quiet beach weekend, or a place from which to explore the stunning wilderness of the Copalis Ghost Forest, Olympic National Park, and Grays Harbor National Wildlife refuge, this new site will keep them well informed.

Ocean Shores Publishing is a leading advocate for tourism on Washington’s Pacific Coast. They are the creators and operators of OceanShores.com, the premiere website for information about this popular tourist town and it’s surrounding environs.

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Author: Simon Berman
Blog #: 0711 – 11/18/19

YourShare Launches Program for Timeshare Resort Vacation Rental Mastery

By Kate Quinn
Published: 10/29/19 Topics: Comments: 0

Vortex Managers, has announced the formation of a new program for struggling timeshare resorts that helps them rent out unused weeks. The "Yourshare" program helps resorts get their fair share of the fast growing vacation rental market.

It combines savvy vacation rental executives, along with revolutionary software that solves the puzzle of how to promote timeshare units into the vacation rental website channels as well as hotel channels. Plus it provides local and regional advertising that no other management firm provides, all without upfront costs or ongoing fees to the resort.

Every timeshare magazine, website and conference includes extensive discussion and diagnosis of why timeshare resorts are struggling.

After the rapid development of resorts starting four decades ago, the properties now suffer what the industry summarizes as "Aging Properties and Aging Owners" notes William May, the YourShare leader who heads up the program..

Owners who purchases shares long ago have grown older, often on fixed incomes, they travel less and may even be unable to travel to the property they once adored. All the while older properties require escalating maintenance and operating costs, far greater than inflation. With no way to offset their costs, owners are giving away shares but even that often proves impossible. So they are stuck.

In resorts, many unit sit vacant many nights of the year. Some resorts have tried to dent the vacation rental industry and some large timeshare management firms profess to be in the rental business.

"Unfortunately, most resorts don't know how to do it and the timeshare managers have not invested as heavily as they should to master rentals, " Says Penny Taylor, of Yourshare. "They were caught napping while vacation rentals stole their consumers."

"By charging large monthly flat fees to resorts, timeshare managers lack the motivation to do every possible thing they can to secure rentals." observers May, "They have sat on their hands while the vacation rental industry has taken away their visitors.".

Some management firms own all or parts of timeshare exchanges so taking rentals is not in their best interest. When they do attempt to compete in vacation rentals they often advertise only to the hotel channels, while ignoring the vacation rental market which is growing much faster.

On the other hand Vortex, which operates the Goldener Inns and Sunspot Vacation Rentals networks grew up in a very different world. "In Vacation Rentals, managers work on a commission only basis, so we only make money when the owner clients do." says Penny Taylor, "We have to perform and get results for owners or else. That means we can never rest. "

There are timeshare advertising websites but they seldom produce much income for several reason. First they can not compete with the giants and never create sufficient visibility. They ignore regional and even local marketing because its expensive. And they brand themselves as timeshares which is not attractive to many guests in the vacation rental market.

Instead, the Yourshare program partners with all the giant websites to make properties ubiquitous to consumers. The resort handles the property like always, and Yourshare does the advertising, reservations and guest coordination.

The program creates regional and even local central reservation websites, and even new websites for resorts, so they can be personal and local as well as global. They are not promoted as timeshares but as :"vacation rentals" which is of course accurate.

"Dovetailing timeshares into the vacation rental system, proved more complicated than would be imagined," said "Salman Arshad, chief web software architect at Vortex managers on the YourShare project. At a vacation rental every date is available unless the owner blocks it off, but in timeshares no dates are available unless an owner opens the dates. They are backward.

"We operate in numerous markets with free-standing homes, or condos inside buildings and even other specialty lodging places including guest ranches." added Arshad. "So operating a system that handles both methods proved complicated, but we solved the riddle."

Vortex employs its own inhouse software staff, and re-engineered its HelpBookme.com systems to allow timeshare condos to be easily marketed into both the vacation rental channels as well as hotel channels. "We are the only people who have it" notes Taylor, "We put every home on AirBnB, VRBO, and hundreds of other websites."

Yourshare launched quietly in 2018 as an Owner Direct website, contracting directly with share owners and selling their dates to the public. "Frankly, the consumers see no difference. If marketed properly, to them a timeshare is just another nice vacation home," notes Taylor. "In fact, timeshare resorts are usually well kept up, in good locations, pleasant staff and with plenty of amenities."

The timeshare industry's big mistake is that they ignored vacation rentals, and its too late for most to catchup unless they have help from seasoned vacation rental pros.

The Yourshare concept came about over some time. "At first we offered our services directly to the resort, but they never responded, and all while the "Aging properties and aging owners" problem was biting them.

Within a year we were procuring more nightly rentals than the onsite manager, and producing more income to owners. "We approached another resort, again without response, so we launched there too as Owner Direct."

"Recently a competing resort in that community called and said, 'Hey we would like to get some of that money' so now we are working directly with them and with good results." said May. Their onsite management team were well seasoned and anxious to have a plug and play system like Yourshare.

Yourshare re-built that resort's website, advertised them on hundreds of website and even created Dynamic Range Photos, 3D tours, floor plans, printed materials and other tools that have proven to be so effective in the vacation rental lodging business. It was done in very quickly.

After perfecting the entire Yourshare process, the company is now expanding geographically and has launched its services nationwide. "We like to work for resorts who recognize they need help, but we are also happy to work directly with owners if asked. So if the resort board doesn't ask us, we go in and help owners anyway."

"Best of all," said Taylor, "Vacation Renting brings in more visitors to each Resort and every one of those visitors are potential timeshare buyers." In the long run, that could be the biggest benefits to legacy resorts.

_____________________________________________________________________

YourShare.biz is operated by Vortex Managers headquartered in Seattle, WA. Along with its affiliate Sunspot Vacation Rentals and Goldener Inns networks, YourShare offers vacation rental booking, advertising, marketing and reservations to timeshare resorts looking to increase their income without upfront costs or ongoing fees. For more information, call YourShare at 818-922-8292. See owner details at www.YourShare.biz and other resorts at RentYourShare.biz.

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Author: Kate Quinn, YourShare
Blog #: 0713 – 10/29/19

Hoquiam's Historic 7th Street Theatre

By Cindy Stearns
Published: 09/30/19 Topics: Comments: 0

It really is like a step back in time. You walk into the lobby and smell the freshly popping popcorn. Friendly faces greet you and load you up Raisinets and your tub of popcorn. Then, off you go to find a seat among the almost 1,000 choices. Get ready to settle into an experience that takes you back in time. Instead of looking at computer screen, you're in front of the big screen at Hoquiam's 7th Street Theatre.

Built in 1928, this movie house is one of the few remaining atmospheric-style theatres on the West Coast. Adopted from the works of John Eberson, the theatre's unique interior transforms into a simulated open-air playhouse with a painted “sky” ceiling. You'll experience clouds overhead with twinkling stars.

The 7th Street Theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. In 2008, the theatre was the first building in the city of Hoquiam to be placed on the newly formed Hoquiam Register of Historic Places.

Currently, the 7th Street Theatre is undergoing constant work under the guidance of the 7th Street Theatre Association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which owns and operates the theatre. (Remember those friendly faces who scooped up your popcorn? They're volunteers from the association.)

The venue hosts events all year long, and regularly features classic movies on certain weekends each year. Additionally, it's home to 7th Street Kids. This is a six-week summer program for kids seven through 16. You may also rent the theatre for private events.

The theatre is at 313 7th Street in Hoquiam. Telephone is 360.537.7400.

October-December Film Schedule

• Oct 5 & 6 Abbott & Costello Meet the Invisible Man
• Oct 25 & 26 Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
• Nov 2 & 3 Twelve O’Clock High
• Nov 29 & 30 Deck the Halls
• Dec 7 Elf
• Dec 21 & 22 White Christmas

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Author: Cindy Stearns
Blog #: 0689 – 09/30/19

Beachcombers Fun Fair finds its way to Ocean Shores

By Dianne Hansen
Published: 02/25/19 Topics: Comments: 0

The 32nd annual Beachcombers Fun Fair brings together all kinds of information, experts and enthusiasts for a weekend for anyone who enjoys the beach.

Hours are 10-5 pm, Saturday, March 2 and 10 am-4 pm, Sunday, March 3 at the Ocean Shores Convention Center. Admission, covering both days, is $3 for adults, $1 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for under 5.

In addition to speakers, displays, hands-on educational activities and beach-related vendors, you are offered an opportunity to display some of your beach finds and creative talents. Kids games and beach walks are part of the weekend.

Several hundred entries in more than 40 categories will be on display. These may include single objects, collections and photography, along with various creative and artistic efforts, such as collages, carvings, mobiles, mosaics, flower arrangements, home décor and furnishings.

Entries are to be received at the venue 2-7 pm, Friday, March 1. Entry forms may be picked up and completed on-site.

All entries must be retrieved just after the event closes, 4-5 pm, Sunday. There is no charge to enter any display categories. Entrants are competing for ribbons and Best of Show and People’s Choice awards.

In addition to an array of informational and educational booths, displays and kids’ activities both days, four beachcombing experts are on hand for Saturday afternoon seminars. Sunday morning, Alan Rammer will conduct his annual educational beach walk. Space is limited and people with sign up Saturday. Meet at 9am on Sunday for the walk.

At the same time, folks can pick up free trash bags for the other Sunday morning activity, “Dash for Trash and Treasure.” From 9-11 am, people may bring their freshly found items from the beach to tables set up just outside the Convention Center to learn more about their origins.

More information is available on the festival’s Facebook event page.

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Author: Dianne Hansen – Event Planner
Blog #: 0645 – 02/25/19

March into Ocean Shores for the 13th annual Razor Clam Festival

By Piper Leslie
Published: 02/21/19 Topics: Comments: 0

The Ocean Shores Razor Clam and Seafood Festival is the celebration of local beach life, culture and the great bounty of the sea featuring our famous razor clam “digs.” The Festival offers activities for the entire family whether you come to go clamming, to enjoy the 6 miles of beach or the amazing array of fun and activities put on by the beach town businesses and Festival.

The Festival is growing and expanding this year – check our website, grab a program or just start looking around as you come into town! There will be live music, clamming tutorials, cooking demonstrations, vendors, razor clam art, beer and wine tasting, and a 5K run. For the kids, there'll be face painting and ride the shark.

SATURDAY EVENT SCHEDULE:
Inside Convention Center
11–11:30am – Opening Ceremony @ The Pacific Hall Stage
10am – 6pm – Professional Clam Chowder Contest (requires a tasting passport) @ The Pacific Hall/Outside
10am – 2pm – “Clamming 101” – Learn how to clam! @ The Tide Room
10am – 6pm – Workshops – Fishing, outdoor topics, and more @ Jetty Room
10am – 6pm – Vendor Booths @ The Pacific Hall & Lobby
10am – 6pm – Cooking Demonstrations and music @ The Pacific Hall Stage
10am – 6pm – Ride the mechanical shark! @ The Pacific Hall Stage
10am – 8pm – Beverage Station – beer wine, spirits @ The Pacific Hall (Sponsored by The Weed Shack)
10am – 6pm – Info booth and chowder tasting tickets @ The Lobby
10am – 6pm – Merchandise booth & chowder tasting tickets @ The Pacific Hall
5:30pm – Award Ceremony – Clam Chowder Contest, Clam Contest @ The Pacific Hall Stage
6-8pm – Clamtastic Party with 80 Proof Ale (80proofale.com) @ The Pacific Hall (Sponsored by Bennett’s Seafood Shack)
7pm – Shuttles to Casino begin @ The West Entrance
9pm – More Live Music at the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino!

Outside
10am – Running with the Clams 5k
10am – 7pm – Food booths – (seating in convention center)
2:30-6pm – Clam Cleaning Station – –
2:30-5pm Clam Contest registration – largest and smallest
10am – 6pm – Giant slide ride

SUNDAY EVENT SCHEDULE:
Inside Convention Center
10am – 2pm – “Clamming 101” – Learn how to clam! @ TheTide Room
10am – 3pm – Workshops – Fishing, outdoor topics, and more @ The Jetty Room
10am – 3pm Professional Clam Chowder tasting @ The Pacific Hall/Outside
10am – 3pm – Vendor Booths @ The Pacific Hall & Lobby
10am – 3pm – Cooking Demonstrations and music @ The Pacific Hall Stage
10am – 3pm – Ride the mechanical shark! @ The Pacific Hall
10am – 3pm – Beverage Station – beer wine, spirits @ The Pacific Hall (Sponsored by The Weed Shack)
10am – 3pm – Info booth and chowder tasting tickets @ The Lobby
10am – 3pm – Merchandise booth & chowder tasting tickets @ The Pacific Hall
2:30pm – Award Ceremony – Amateur Clam Chowder Contest @ The Pacific Hall Stage

Outside
10am – 3pm – Food Booths – (seating in convention center)
10am – 3pm – Giant slide ride!

FREE Admission for this 13th annual event! Ocean Shores North Beach Chamber of Commerce presents this festival.

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Author: Piper Leslie
Blog #: 0644 – 02/21/19

Museum of the North Beach hosts Beachcombing ID from A to Z

By Kelly Calhoun
Published: 02/16/19 Topics: Comments: 0

The Museum of the North Beach will be hosting the next Beachcombing ID from A to Z event on Sunday, February 24 from 2-4pm.

Bring in your unique, mysterious or everyday beachcombed objects and local expert and professional beachcomber Alan Rammer will be on hand to identify and educate. Fun is a key element in the program developed by Rammer. He says that finding items on the beach can be enjoyable, and he tries to help participants try to figure out what the items are, where they originated and what the findings could mean. Alan was one of the original founders of the annual Beachcombers Fun Fair in Ocean Shores.

A prize will be awarded to the most unique beachcombed find. This is a free event.

The Museum of the North Beach is located at 4658 SR 109 in Moclips. We are open 11am to 4pm on weekends during the winter months.

For information call us at 360-276-4441 or email kelly@moclips.org.

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Author: Kelly Calhoun, Museum of the North Beach
Blog #: 0643 – 02/16/19

Coastal Cleanup Seeking Volunteers

By Washington Coast Savers
Published: 02/15/19 Topics: Comments: 0

The Washington Clean Coast Alliance

The Alliance formed in 2007 and launched the CoastSavers program to coordinate the efforts of volunteer groups and individuals that had been cleaning up Washington’s Pacific Coast since as far back as 1971.

The Washington Coast Cleanup

Our signature annual event is the Washington Coast Cleanup, which started as a series of separate beach cleanups held every April in celebration of Earth Day. The number of volunteers and the amount of debris collected keep growing. On average, over 1,300 volunteers participate in the cleanup and remove more than 34,000 pounds of debris each April. Awesome!

Three Branches of our History

Prior to 2007, our history has three branches: the Olympic Coast Cleanup founded by Jan Klippert; the three annual Long Beach cleanups organized by the Grass Roots Garbage Gang; and Operation Shore Patrol organized by the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association.

Jan Klippert

In April 2000, Seattle environmentalist Jan Klippert founded the Olympic Coast Cleanup as an Earth Day activity to clean up our northern coast, especially the hard-to-reach wilderness beaches. With the help of Olympic National Park, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, Surfrider Foundation, and several tribal groups, Jan’s efforts have blossomed into the current Washington Coast Cleanup.

Grass Roots Garbage Gang

Also around 2000, a group of civic-minded folks down in Long Beach came together as the Grass Roots Garbage Gang to clean up their community beaches. With the help of Washington State Parks, the Gang holds three cleanups every year, including a January effort to gather winter storm debris, the April Washington Coast Cleanup, and a July 5 effort to clean up the “war zone” fallout of Independence Day fireworks.

Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association

Cleaning our coast since 1971, the Pacific Northwest Four Wheelers have been at it longer than anyone! With help from Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Ecology, and the Ocean Conservancy, their Operation Shore Patrol event has become an annual tradition on Washington’s southern beaches.

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Author: Washington Coast Savers
Blog #: 0639 – 02/15/19

2019 Seabreeze Walking Festival at Ocean Shores

By Evergreen State Walking Club
Published: 02/15/19 Topics: Comments: 0

2019 Seabreeze Walking Festival is coming to Ocean Shores, WA,

February 16-18!

Online registration is now available at: http://www.esva.online/seabreeze-walking-festival/

This event includes six walks and a bike, as well as two YREs, in and around Ocean Shores, WA. Also featured on Saturday, February 16, is a dinner and social time in the evening.

Event: 2019 Seabreeze Walking Festival at Ocean Shores, WA.

Walk Pre-registration: The walk pre-registration form is available here. Online walk pre-registration will be available via PayPal starting August 1, 2018, at which time the link will be provided here. http://www.esva.online/seabreeze-walking-festival/

Sponsors and Dates: The Capitol Volkssport Club invites walkers and cyclists to join them at Ocean Shores Saturday thru Monday of Presidents’ Day Weekend, February 16-18, 2019.

AVA Sanction#/Distances:

Ocean Shores Oyhut Bay Area Walk 111020 – 5K or 10K or 15K (all rated 1A).

Ocean Shores North Town Walk 111099 – 5K or 10K (both rated 1A).

Damon Point Walk 111023 – 5K or 7K or 12K (all rated 1C).

Moclips Walk 110986 – 5K or 10K (both rated 1C).

Griffiths-Priday State Park Walk 111024 – 5K or 7K or 10K or 30K (all rated 2C).

Seabrook Walk 111022 – 5K or 10K (both rated 2C).

Point Brown Bike 111021 – 25K or 30K (both rated 1A).

Two Ocean Shores YREs are also available 10K with 5K option (rated 1A or 1C).

Griffith Priday State Park

A walk on Damon Point

Driftwood explosion

Beach houses at Seabrook

Driving Directions: I-5 Northbound and Southbound: Take Exit 104 (US 101). Continue westbound as US 101 becomes SR 8 and then US 12 and finally US 101 again, passing through Aberdeen and Hoquiam. From Hoquiam continue on State Route 109 approximately 18 miles to the intersection with State Route 115, and turn left. Continue to Point Brown Ave (the entrance to Ocean Shores) and turn left. Turn right onto Chance-a-la-Mer at the traffic circle, then take the next right which is Ocean Shores Blvd. Drive .1 mile to the Ocean Shores Lions Club on the right.

Starting Point: Ocean Shores Lions Club, located at 832 Ocean Shores Blvd NW in Ocean Shores, WA.

Starting Point: Lions Club, 832 Ocean Shores Blvd NW, Ocean Shores

Start/Finish Times: Walkers may begin walking any time between 8 AM and 2 PM on Saturday or Sunday, and must be finished by 5 PM. Walkers may begin walking any time between 8 AM and noon on Monday, and must be finished by 3 PM on Monday.

Saturday Evening Social: This is an Italian dinner at 6 PM on Saturday night, featuring a new caterer. See registration form for menu. We’re also excited to welcome the six-piece Burren Band, who will play Irish music. Cost is $35 per person (US Funds only, please), which includes tax and gratuity. B.Y.O.B. Advance reservation is required, and seating is limited to the first 120 tickets sold. Dinner reservations may be made via mail using the form located here, and must be received by February 1, 2019. Online dinner reservations via PayPal will be available by August 1, 2018, at which time the URL will be provided here. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Further Saturday Night Social information: e-mail sheila.morrison@comcast.net.

A herd of birds

Window in the driftwood

Beach cabins at Moclips

The river mouth at Pacific Beach

Facilities/Pets: Restrooms and water will be available at the start and finish, also at restaurants or stores (where they exist) along the routes. Pets are permitted but NOT in buildings. Owners must observe leash and clean up laws.

Registration and Costs: These events count for American Volkssport Association (AVA) and IVV credit. Those walking or cycling for credit only will pay $3 per walk. Free participants are welcome. All walkers and cyclists must register, carry, and return a start card. Donations in support of the festival are always appreciated. Pre-registration for events is now open. Print and mail the form located here, or register online after August 1, 2018. On-site registration will also be available throughout the festival.

Lodging: Please note this event occurs on a holiday weekend, so it would be prudent to make hotel reservations early.

Other walks in the area: If you would like to come early, stay late, or walk on your way down and back, we have YREs for you. These can be found in Ocean Shores, Aberdeen, Centralia, Chehalis, Lacey, Olympia, Tenino, Tumwater, and Westport. Details of all of the YRE walks can be found here and details for YRE bikes here.

Please note: The sponsors are not liable for accidents, thefts, or material damage. Every effort will be made by the sponsors to make this a safe, enjoyable, and memorable event. Weather will be provided; hope to see you there!

Seabrook pines

Low tide

A Viking longship

The beach steps at Seabrook

Walk and bike details: All walks, and the bike route, are MAP ONLY routes; there will be no trail markings. Please also note that many of the walks are weather and tide dependent.

The following descriptions are subject to change, as the exact routes have not yet been finalized.

Ocean Shores Oyhut Bay Area Walk: 5K or 10K or 15K, all rated 1A. Walk the southern end of Ocean Shores through neighborhoods and city parks, and a new small development with café and Bistro, Market. Views of North Bay, Chehalis River and mountains. These walks are suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Ocean Shores North Town Walk: 5K or 10K, both rated 1A. Take a break from the beach! Enjoy the north end of Ocean Shores with this walk. Walk past homes with views of North Bay as well as a small lake. After walking through neighborhoods you will wind your way along both sides of Point Brown Avenue NE where you can stop and enjoy a variety of shops, art stores, and a wide variety of restaurants.

Damon Point Walk: 5K or 7K or 12K, all rated 1C. Walk around a former island in the Chehalis River, now connected to the mainland by a sand spit. On good days, there are views of the Pacific Ocean, Mount Rainier, the Olympics, and the distant cities of Aberdeen, Hoquiam, and Westport. Seals, eagles, sandpipers, sanderlings, surfers, fishermen, ships, driftwood, shells, and the occasional Snowy Owl are sometimes seen while walking in this area. On the ocean side of Damon Point, the beach can be quite steep; some walkers have found walking sticks helpful (one can easily be found among the driftwood, if you don’t normally carry one …). These walks are not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Snowy owl at Damon Point

What is it?

In the woods at Seabrook

Canal homes at Ocean Shores

Moclips Walk: 5K or 10K, both rated 1C. Walk from Moclips to Pacific Beach State Park along the rugged north beach. This walk has the option of returning to Moclips through Pacific Beach State Park and the quaint town of Pacific Beach or along the beach. These walks are not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Griffiths-Priday State Park Walk: 5K or 7K or 10K or 30K, all rated 2C. Walk through the dunes on a remote corner of the Washington coast, free from cars year-round, and along the beach. See nature in action as the land and paths erode in one area and build up in another. Due to this ongoing erosion, the path can be rougher than you might expect it to be walking on sand dunes or on the beach. Walking sticks are recommended for those who find them helpful. These walks are not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Seabrook Walk: 5K or 10K, both rated 2C. Walk through the new vacation community of Seabrook. This walk includes paved streets in the town portion, a trail through the woods surrounding the town, and the beach. Trails through the woods are fairly well maintained, but can be uneven. The 10K walk goes up and down the bluff via steps to the beach, and passes several huge tree stumps that were left by loggers in the past. These walks are not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Ocean Shores Bike: 25K or 30K, both rated 1A. The 25K and 30K routes circle the Ocean Shores peninsula on flat roads, through neighborhoods and undeveloped areas. Bikes are available for rent from local businesses.

The land between the creek and the sea

Sea lion pup

Come Walk With Us!

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Author: Evergreen State Walking Club
Blog #: 0642 – 02/15/19

Renewed antiques find a home at Ocean Shores Convention Center

By Dianne Hansen
Published: 02/14/19 Topics: Comments: 0

Ocean Shores Renewed Antique Show returns Saturday and Sunday, February 16-17 to the Ocean Shores Convention Center. Kicking off the weekend is a “Peek and Purchase” premier social event Friday, Feb. 15.

Shop at the vendor booths inside the convention center. You'll be able to enjoy an adult beverage with nibbles. Live music with Sunni and KC of Unexpected Soul will be featured. Purchase a ticket allowing you to experience the weekend's show.

the annual event opens to the public 10 pm-6 pm, Saturday and 10 am-4 pm, Sunday. Highlights include a vintage accessories show at 1 p.m. Saturday on the main stage.

The antique show features over 50 vendors with a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, upcycled and repurposed items.

Admission to the show is $3 or $2 with a non-perishable food donation for the Ocean Shores Food Bank. Friday night is 6-8 pm and a pre-ticketed function for $25. Free pass provided for the weekend.

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Author: Dianne Hansen
Blog #: 0641 – 02/14/19

Barbershop quartets harmonize in Ocean Shores

By Charlie Boon
Published: 02/12/19 Topics: Comments: 0

QCED (Quartet Champions of Evergreen District) is coming to Ocean Shores! After many years of traveling to Seaside Oregon, QCED will perform in Ocean Shores.

QCED is a fraternity of past quartet champions from the Evergreen District of the Barbershop Harmony Society. The Evergreen District encompasses Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington; as well as the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. Annually, the District holds a competition among its quartets and those who win the District Championship are inducted into QCED.

QCED also hosts two shows a year, one in January and one at the District Convention. The proceeds are used to support coaching opportunities for quartets in out-lying areas around the District and assist our quartets who will be singing at the BHS International competition.

How QCED came to be

Back in 1972--at the Islander Resort on Lopez Island, WA--several past District champions had been talking about getting a group together with the purpose of "upgrading the calibre of performance of Evergreen District Quartets." Their objectives were to:

provide fellowship with others who have won the District Championship,

promote and encourage quartet singing within the District,

support and promote efforts to advance the level of singing, coaching, and judging skills within the District, and

give financial assistance to quartets representing the District in International Competition.

For over ten years the group grew slowly. Finally it became apparent the Lopez Island location was too remote to guarantee attendance by many of the former champs, nor could sustain a good-sized audience at shows. In 1985, through the untiring efforts of the late Bob Swanson, the annual QCED meeting and show was moved to Seaside, OR as a joint venture with the Seaside Chamber of Commerce.

With the great oceanside atmosphere, shops and restaurants, the new location was an instant success with QCEDers, their families, and fans alike. After 40 years of existence QCED has given tens of thousands of dollars to the promotion and betterment of our unique style of four-part harmony.

The concert is 7:30 pm, Saturday, February 23 at Ocean Shores Convention Center. Tickets are $20, $10 for under 12 years old.

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Author: Charlie Boon
Blog #: 0640 – 02/12/19

Chocolate Sundaes on Sunday is open to you

By Lee Marriott
Published: 02/04/19 Topics: Comments: 0

Chocolate on the Beach Festival offers 13 miles of chocolate! Find vendors Saturday and Sunday at Pacific Beach Elementary School. Up and down SR-109, you'll find all kinds of chocolate delight.

Returning to the schedule is an annual Sunday favorite. Chocolate Sundaes on Sunday is a sweet treat hosted by St. John's Chapel by the Sea. Create your own sundae with ice cream and toppings provided for you.

This FREE event follows 10:30 am worship and is open to everyone. You'll find all kinds of toppings and ice cream. Pile it up in your bowl and choose how much chocolate to add and enhance.

For the first time, this event will benefit the Barbara Topete Memorial Benevolence Fund. As a charter member, Barbara Topete (matriarch of Ocean Crest Resort) saw the need in the community through this fund which is designed to help those in emergency need in the North Beach. Whether it's a fire, accident, medical emergency, this fund gives back to those who have emergency circumstance thrust upon them.

This is a FREE event. Any financial donations benefit this fund.

St. John's Chapel by the Sea Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) is at 4612 SR 109, border of Moclips and Pacific Beach.

For more information, please call 360.276.4183.

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Author: Lee Marriott, St. John's Chapel by the Sea PCUSA
Blog #: 0637 – 02/04/19

Chocolate on the Beach Festival Celebrates its 12th Year

By Stephanie Allestad
Published: 01/25/19 Topics: Comments: 0

Our small coastal community of Pacific Beach has been the home of the Chocolate on the Beach Festival for over eleven years now. In 2008, it started out as a small fundraiser for The Museum of the North Beach. In 2012 we became our own entity that has now grown into a HUGE event for the sister communities of Moclips, Aloha, Copalis Crossing, Seabrook, Copalis Beach and Ocean City and is now a four day event and over 13 miles long!

The Chocolate on the Beach Festival supports organizations and groups in the North Beach area with grants and donations for historical, educational and community projects. This year, $6,000.00 in grant funds and auction baskets were given, making a grand total of over $41,000 donated back to our community since we became our own entity seven years ago!

This is a fun, family festival offering something for every chocolate lover! There are chocolate vendors, artists, and crafters. You can attend a cooking class or enter your favorite recipe in the recipe contest. How about entering a chocolate eating contest? You can do all this and so much more. Attendees will find chocolate that is gluten free, dairy free, vegan, organic, fair trade, and even chocolate-themed crafts!

Become a fan on Facebook by navigating to: https://www.facebook.com/ChocolateontheBeachFestival. There you’ll be able to chat with The Chocolate Lady, get recipes, and keep up to date on all things Chocolate Festival.

Adult Admission Only $5

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Author: Stephanie Allestad, Chocolate on the Beach Festival
Blog #: 0636 – 01/25/19

Get Rockin' at the ABC3 Festival 2019

By Galway Bay
Published: 01/17/19 Topics: Comments: 0

The first weekend in February, 2019, Galway Bay Irish Pub, Restaurant, & Gifts takes its celebration of Irish Music in a new direction to explore the Irish influence in Appalachian, Bluegrass, Cowboy, Country, and Cavalry music.

Galway Bay Irish Pub, Restaurant, & Gifts is proud to present its Appalachian, Bluegrass, Cowboy, Country, and Cavalry Music Festival (known as ABC3). The festival is Friday-Sunday, February 1-3.

This festival will highlight a diverse mix of Appalachian, Bluegrass, Cowboy, Country, and Cavalry artists during this 3-day event, taking place exclusively at Galway Bay Irish Pub, Restaurant, & Gifts and 8th Street Ale House.

The artist lineup headliners include Sea Star, the Olson Brothers Band, Caleb & Walter, and Carter Junction. Come on down and join us for a great time and great music! This festival is for anyone 21 or older. We hope to see you there!

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Author: Galway Bay
Blog #: 0635 – 01/17/19