You’ve all heard people describe whale watching as something “majestic” and “awe-inspiring”. Well, I’ve been on whale watching trips a number of times and I like to describe it as seeing a really huge animal, often bigger than the boat you’re in,  up close and personal. In other words, AWESOME!

At full size the gray whale is about 35 to 50 feet in length and weighs 20-40 tons. It needs 65 tons of food annually to be healthy and migrate. Considering that their diet consists mainly of creatures smaller than your little finger, that’s a LOT of food!

The California gray whale, or simply, gray whale, makes a 12,000 mile roundtrip migration every year. The gray whale migrates between its summer feeding grounds in the North Pacific and Bering Sea and its winter breeding grounds in the lagoons of Baja California.

On their southbound route they are usually farther out to sea and more difficult to spot. When they head back North, they stick closer to shore.  The waters of the Baja Peninsula are the whales’ breeding and calving grounds, so when they head North, they stick closer to shore to help protect the new calves.

These mighty marine mammals filter tiny organisms from the sea through comb-like plates in their mouths called baleen.   Gray whales suck mud from the bottom of the ocean in areas of nutrient-rich cold water and filter out small crustaceans called amphipods.

There are several spots along the North Coast of Oregon from which to view the whales on either their Southbound journey in November & December or during their Northbound trip, complete with new baby whales, from mid-March through mid-June.

But if you REALLY want to get a sense of what whales are like, you have to go out in a boat and meet

D & D

them up close. Harborview Inn is putting the finishing touches on a whale watching package that is not to be missed! You can get further information by clicking HERE.

The opportunity to see one of the biggest creatures on the face of the Earth in its’ natural habitat is something you will remember for the rest of your life. It’s too cool to pass up!

   LOCATED ON THE PORT OF GARIBALDI

  SURROUNDED ON THREE SIDES BY TILLAMOOK BAY

  JUST 90 MINUTES FROM BOTH PORTLAND & SALEM

  THE GATEWAY TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN.

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rooms in a fun, unique location

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    “#1 Specialty lodging in Garibaldi”

“Not only were we happy with the rooms and the service, but there were so many additional and fun activities offered by the Inn itself, as well as the neighborhood businesses.”

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What’s in it for you

Buy One Night, Get Your

Second Night FREE!

Just for finding us on

Mention beachconnection.net when making

your reservation and get your

2^nd night FREE!

Rooms start at just $69!

 CALL US   (503) 322-3251  OR

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info@harborviewfun.com

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• Based on availability, paid night and free night must be consecutive, not valid with any other offers, not valid for more than 4 consecutive days

SAVE NEARLY $60

JUST $109.50 PER PERSON!

based on double occupancy

The Harborview Whale Watching Weekend

Get up close and personal with a 30,000 pound gentle giant, feast on

fresh succulent Dungeness crab, dine on the season’s local specialties,

discover the true North Coast experience!

 WHAT

*   Two nights, one of them FREE, at the Harborview

spend Friday & Saturday nights in one of our newly remodeled waterfront rooms with one queen bed (after May 12, Saturday & Sunday)

*   Coffee & Cookie Reception

A wonderful welcome package that includes two of the best cookies on the planet and 2 cups of fabulous local coffee from our Garibaldi merchants

*   3 hour Pacific Ocean tour

of the Ocean near Tillamook Bay in search of the mammoth Gray Whales

*   2 warm-up bowls of local clam chowder

creamy delicious clam chowder at our local Pub

*  S’mores & fresh Dungeness Crab Feast

Our famous Saturday night party with local lore by Jeff

*   Catch your own dinner

The opportunity to try your hand at crabbing or clamming, whichever you prefer. We supply all the equipment, local knowledge, and instruction.

WHEN

The Gray Whales will be passing Tillamook Bay beginning in Mid-march and continuing through June on their way to their summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea.

WHERE

The Harborview Inn is located in the quaint fishing village of Garibaldi, OR on Tillamook Bay. We’re about 90 minutes from both Portland & Salem.

HOW

Be among the first 20 callers to reserve & pay for your Whale Watching Weekend Package & you’ll save almost $60 off the regular price!

This package retails for  $288.52. With the FREE NIGHT,

you can get the two-person package for only

$219 !

Call us to reserve your spot now! (503) 322-3251

 Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring?
Think of your trip as if you were going hiking on the coast with a group of friends. We will supply each couple with snacks: chips, cookies, and water. What else would you like to have along? Sodas? Crackers & Cheese? Wine? Feel free to bring it aboard. We do recommend plastics cups. If you bring alcoholic beverages, we ask that you use them responsibly and be respectful of others. (The Coast guard prohibits hard liquor on board charter boats)
Other items you might like to have with you: Cameras. Extra film. Binoculars. Sunscreen. A jacket or windbreaker. You get the idea!

What should I wear?
It’s generally about 10 to 15 degrees cooler out on the water, so a good idea is to layer your clothes. A shirt, sweatshirt and jacket make a winning combination. Whenever possible, wear tennis or deck shoes, preferably with non-marking (non-black) soles. It’s always a good idea to have a raincoat or jacket on hand.

Is there a bathroom on board?
Yes, both vessels that might be used, the Norwester and the D & D, have bathrooms. They are slightly below deck so you must be able to climb down a small set of stairs to get to them.

Can I video tape?
Of course!

How far out do you go?
Usually no more than 3 miles, which is still within sight of land, depending on where the whales are!

How old does my child have to be and how much will it cost?
We don’t have an age limitation, however, we don’t carry life jackets for children under 40 lbs. We find that children under 3 usually get bored or fall asleep anyway. The cost for children over 40 lbs is the same as it is for adults.

How far ahead of time should we check in?
We meet in the Harborview office half an hour from departure time and then go straight over to the boat (about a block from the Harborview).

What should I do about sea sickness?
If someone in your group has had problems with motion sickness in the past or you are concerned, consult your pharmacist. There are some new and improved ways to avoid this and they should be able to help you. If you do decide to take something, make certain that you do so the night before and again at least one full hour prior to the trip’s departure. Eat lightly beforehand, avoid spicy foods, carbonated beverages, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol the night before.

Is the boat safe?
Yes! There are two vessels which might be used for the whale watching trips. They are the D & D, a 36 foot Modutech charter vessel that carries a maximum of 18 guests and the Norwester, a 43 foot Delta charter vessel that carries a maximum of 22 guests. They are both U.S. Coast Guard approved charters. There’s ample room on board with enough seating for everyone. We’ve had paraplegics and quadriplegics, pregnant mothers, and 6-week old infants on board. Both boats are very safe and are Captain-ed and crewed by experienced hands.

What if it rains or gets foggy?
If it’s safe, we go! But for those times, the captain will make a decision as to the safety of the voyage just prior to departure time. You should be prepared and at the dock, ready to go!  The cockpit is covered and can be enclosed on three sides, so most folks stay pretty dry even in a surprise downpour.

Can I cancel my trip?
No. However, if you do notify us that you will not be able to make your reserved time, we will make every effort to fill your seats. If we’re successful, we’ll issue a credit. If we aren’t able to assist you in filling your seats, you are responsible for your tickets.

Will I get wet?
No, there is no water coming over the sides, or ‘tipping’ of the boat. Folks who stay in the cockpit will be quite dry. However, the forward area of the boat is low to the water so that you can get closer to the whales, but that means that you will almost definitely get wet.

What if we don’t see whales?
Then you’ll have had a great 3-4 hour adventure aboard a charter boat, seen the beautiful coastline, gotten some history of the area and enjoyed the fresh air and had a wonderful chance to relax and be refreshed!

What if it’s not safe to go out into the ocean?

If the US Coast Guard determines that a bar crossing is unsafe, your tour group has the option, as a group, of taking a 1 ½-2 hour tour of Tillamook Bay. You’ll get an in-depth history of the area and see lots of cool wildlife, some of which, like the tufted puffin, can ONLY be seen in Tillamook Bay. You’ll also get a view of the surroundings few people are ever privy to. AND you’ll get half of the tour portion of your package refunded to you (if the boat is full).

If you decide, as a group, to forgo this option, the tour portion of your package will be refunded in full.

Should we tip the Captain and crew?
Only if you really want to, but it is never expected. If you have enjoyed your trip, it’s always appreciated!

FINE PRINT

*   Upgrade to room with 2 queen beds for $21.80 incl tax

*   Pet rooms available for just $25 more

*  All packages must be paid in full at the time of reservation

*  Cancellation WITH LESS THAN 7 DAYS NOTICE will result in forfeiture of half the package price

*  Whale watching tour may be changed to a Tillamook Bay eco-tour if bar conditions prohibit crossing into the ocean

*   Complete cancellation of tour due to weather will result in a full refund of the tour portion of the package

ARE PROUD TO PRESENT:

THE 1ST EVER HARBORVIEW INN & RV PARK

TWITTER SPECIAL!!

THROUGH MARCH,

GET HALF-PRICE RV SPACES

We have 30 full hook-up RV spaces; water, sewer,

20-30-50 amp electric, 75 channel cable TV, and Wi-Fi

ALL included in the rate!

1) MAKE A RESERVATION FOR THE RV PARK FOR 2, 3, OR 4 DAYS

FROM NOW UNTIL MARCH 31, 2011

2) GET 50 % OFF YOUR ENTIRE STAY! IT’S THAT EASY

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!

YOU WILL ALSO RECEIVE OUR “TASTE OF GARIBALDI”

WELCOME PACKAGE WHICH INCLUDES:

TWO free bowls of clam chowder at the local pub

TWO free cups of coffee at the local coffee house

A free paperback book of your choice at the local antique mart

TWO free cookies at the local bakery

TWO free fountain sodas at the local deli

(503) 322-3251

CALL NOW!! OPERATORS ARE

STANDING BY

(well, OK, sitting by)

Last time we talked about the cockle, the lazy man’s bay clam. Next we’ll discuss the other types of bay clams, the ones for which you have to dig. As promised, at the end of this article is the method for cleaning cockles along with my favorite recipe for them.

GAPERS

Gaper clams produce the largest clam show. Often, their necks are visible within the show, as in this picture. The best way to learn how to dig gapers is to watch someone else do it. Click HERE to watch one of the best!

Littlenecks are simply smaller gapers and are found and harvested using the same method as for gapers.

BUTTERS AND BAYS

Butter and bay clam shows are usually described as long and narrow,

as if a  flat head screwdriver were stuck in the bay bottom.

As you saw in the video above, you want to dig AROUND the show,

not straight down on top of it. While a clam with a broken shell is still

good, it can be VERY sharp and dangerous.

Dig carefully: Think about your technique for digging clams. Many species are easily broken, causing a dangerous situation for your fingers and additional cleaning work. Many diggers prefer to dig close to the depth of the clam and then do the remaining work carefully with their hands.

As promised in the last installment, I’ll go over readying your cockles for eating and share with you my favorite recipe for Clinocardium nuttallii, or “heart cockle”, named for the sort of vague heart shape of the cockle.

First off, let’s clean the cockles. This is a lot simpler & easier than you might think, as long as you’re patient. Simply put your cockles in a big bucket of FRESH water. Some people say bay water, some say salt water, but if I’m wanting my cockle to clean ITSELF out, why not start with fresh, clean water?

Leave the cockles alone for about 12 hours. Then dump them out, rinse them and the bucket thoroughly, then put them back in the bucket with some more fresh water. Leave them alone again and in about another 12 hours, they will have flushed out all the sand they carry. Voila, clean cockles!

For the next step, you’ll need to whisk together a little milk and an egg.  You’ll also need some cracker meal, which you can usually find near the corn meal in your local grocery. Put about ¼ inch of oil (I prefer refined canola oil) in a frying pan and heat it up to just below the smoke point (around 325 degrees).

Grab a rag or towel and get a firm grasp on your cockle. I find that a straight-blade screwdriver works pretty well for popping them open. So, pop open your cockle. Remove the top shell with a quick twist. Dredge the bottom shell with the cockle in it in the milk/egg mixture and press it down in the cracker meal. CAREFULLY place this in the oil, shell side up. In about 10 minutes, you’ll have a perfectly steamed cockle with a crisp layer of cracker meal on top. I like a few dashes of hot sauce on mine.

If you find you’re having trouble getting the cockles open, try this little trick. Put the cockles in a pan and dump boiling water over the cockles. Let them sit for about 30 seconds, then dump the hot water out. Then cover the clams with cold water. They’re not cooked, but it will make them easier to open.

©Harborview Inn & RV Park

Regardless of the weather, clamming in Tillamook Bay is a fun activity for the whole family. It can be done year-round. It just requires a little planning and the right equipment, clothing, and a little knowledge.

First, there are 5 different varieties of Bay clams. Every once in a while, a razor clam gets lost in the Bay, but they’re primarily ocean clams.

Here’s a picture of the

different varieties.

The method for collecting all but the cockles is very much the same. I’ll go over those others in my next article. This one will focus on cockles, the simplest, easiest Bay clam to collect.

A license that covers clamming and crabbing can be obtained right across the street at the Garibaldi Marina office for just $7/year for OR residents and just $11.50 for a 3 day non-resident license.

Cockles never get more than about 4 inches deep, making them the easiest clam to harvest. You can rent a clam rake (sort of an overgrown garden fork) for $5/day at the Marina, too.

The Bay bottom right off the Harborview property is full of cockles. The Bay bottom is also full of ghost shrimp, which leave holes in the sand that look remarkably like those that cockles leave. These marks are called “shows” and it’s not necessary to know what a cockle show looks like, since you can’t pick it out of the thousands of ghost shrimp shows.

The solution: just keep raking. You want to try to stay away from the areas of sea grass since they’re what make this whole ecosystem work. Try raking around rocks or other imbedded objects. You’ll feel the cockle on the end of your rake, like a rock stuck in the sand. You just rake them out and pop them in the bucket.

Let’s talk clothing. As with most coastal adventures, the key is layers. Slogging around in the Bay bottom can at times be strenuous, so you want to be able remove a layer or two to get comfortable.  Rubber boots are the most sensible footwear.

Now you know everything I know about cockling (not sure that’s what you call it, but IT SOUNDS FUN).

©Harborview Inn & RV Park

NEXT INSTALLMENT: CLEANING & COOKING COCKLES

What is there to do in and

around Garibaldi?

Click on a pic to find out more!

Out on the Bay bottom

Although I grew up in Oregon, I hadn’t

lived here for more than 30 years before I

moved back to run the Harborview.

Since my return, I have fallen in love AGAIN

with everything this state has to offer.

I’ve learned a lot in the last year

and I’d like to share it with you.

Articles:

Crabbing Deconstructed

Now that you’ve caught your crab . . .

Tillamook Bay Cockles

All the other Tillamook Bay Clams

Oregon Coast Whale Watching

The Red Hats are coming, the Red Hats are coming!

The Harborview Inn & RV Park is very pleased to welcome the

Red Hat Ladies to Garibaldi next Spring. We have

special rates for the weekend of April 21, 22, & 23 of 2012

JUST for you.

The Harborview is also sponsoring several events for the ladies,

among them an exclusive wine tasting in partnership with the

Nehalem Bay Winery, as well as clamming & crabbing

instruction right here at the Harborview.

Make a weekend of it! Save $10 per night

in the motel when you book

2 or more nights!

Call (503) 322-3251 for reservations!