Echos of the Storm

One month shy of a year ago, my family was enjoying the western-most point of the Fort to Sea trail. The Fort to Sea Trail represents the route Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery used to get to the Pacific Ocean (sunset beach) from Ft. Clatsop.









Tall, always-green grasses filled the forest floor where the thick moss carpet stopped. The multitude of tall trees swaying in the crisp ocean breeze, gave insight to a small creature's view of the world from the bottom of a tall, grass forest.





It was very peaceful and relaxing to be surrounded by such a neat forest spotted with small lakes, buzzing with dragon flies, guarded by seagulls, and patrolled by squirrels and other animals.



These coastal evergreen forests are very unique and amazing to walk through. It's like you enter a whole new, peaceful world with so many new things to see.

I don't know how long this forest world took to grow and develop--it looks like its been happily, peacefully guarding the coast for centuries, but I do know that things can change drastically within one year.

In early December, almost nine months ago, we had a micro burst storm whipping hurricane-speed winds into the coast. In an instant the trail was closed and was unable to open until June 2008 when the fallen trees were cleaned up.

So today we decided to visit again, hoping the damage from the storm was minor, and to seek the peace of this beautiful forest. As we drove up, we pulled into the where we thought the parking lot used to be. The road looked the same, the parking lot looked the same, but the forest looked much different. (the following pictures were taken from the same general location on the trail as the original pictures above--they are also in the same order.)

I knew there were a lot of trees down, but I didn't realize just how many. In just two days, hundreds of trees, which took decades to grow were destroyed...as if someone chopped the tops of the trees off like a kid chopping dandelions with a stick.

Greens turned to browns and sunlight now pierces the ground that was once protected by the shade of an evergreen canopy.

At this point in the trail another unexpected surprise presented itself. Not only did the wind storm unmercifully rip through the forest, but we now learned where the multi-acre sunset beach fire from a month or so ago occurred. It was heart-wrenching to see the black scar that gutted out the center of this already-wounded lush forest and the orange fire-licked trees surrounding it.

It was depressing walking through our once peaceful retreat which was now destroyed. But still there was a hope and anticipation of how much stronger future will heal this forest. Amid the fallen giants were the surviving younglings that seemed to reach up with ever more determination to reclaim their sanctuary. Tender green ferns and grass shined in contrast to the now pitch black forest floor; and surrounding the destruction were enboldened patches of mature trees and plants encouraging the newborns to thrive and be hopeful.

Notice how the trail divides the black fire destruction (right) from the surviving young trees and forest. (left)

The forest was still guarded by the seagulls, squirrels still played in the trees and a family of dear greeted us at the trail head! (can you see the dear in the first post-destruction picture?)

Although I'm depressed at the loss of one of my favorite environments, I'm exciting to watch the next generation of survivors create their own sanctuary for us to enjoy!

Chris Rice

On the special feature DVD of Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie I was instantly interested in Chris Rice's musical performance of Billy Joe McGuffrey. Being impressed with his singing style and natural sound, I decided to review his bonus video on the DVD, The Other Side of the Radio.



Again I really enjoyed the real-instrument sound and musical style, but the thing that impressed me the most was the sincerity in his voice and lyrics. I felt he really did care about his audience.

Now Chris Rice is one of my all-time favorite artists. We bought his Album, "Run the Earth Watch the Sky" and just recently we bought his Album "What a Heart is Beating For."

Not only do I like his sincerity, but I really like his optimism. I listen to his music and feel hopeful and encouraged...and, partially because he is a Christian musician I know his music and lyrics are appropriate for all ages whether or not they are hymns he's written or more secular topics.

(I'm Christian too, but my feelings for Jesus Christ are of such a sacred nature to me, I'm more picky about what Christian music I like--even though I generally like the style of music most Christian artists use, the lyrics and feeling I get when listening to the majority of Christian music doesn't always match up to those sacred personal feelings.)

I am also really impressed with how well he writes his lyrics. He uses a lot of creative metaphors that seem to expand the meaning beyond just the words themselves. I suppose I like it because metaphors are how I apply concepts in my own life.

Here are a few samples of his lyrics to illustrate:

Baby Take Your Bow: Although death can be a depressing reality in our lives, Chris Rice does a good job of bringing out the respect of life's opportunity, the hope of our eternal lives, and comfort when loved ones temporarily depart their mortal bodies until the resurrection:




Lemonade: This song captures the excitement, anticipation, and joy of true, sincere love. It illustrates his sincerity, gratitude, and optimism. I like to think of this song in relation to my wife and me:




Here are the lyrics to those two songs if these unofficial music videos don't work:

Baby Take Your Bow
Chris Rice

We're gonna miss your song and dance
The way you made us laugh
And we're so glad we had the pleasure for a while
But on the other side you'll find a better audience
Just be yourself, and you can't help but make the angels smile

Baby, all the world's a stage
Playwright pens your final page
And then he brings your curtain down
So blow us your kisses and drench our eyes
We'll rise to our feet to wave goodbye for now
So baby, take your bow

The world is lovelier because you had your moment here
And we could see a friend of heaven in your face
And in your song we heard the longing for a distant shore
And now your time has come to go, and so be on your way

Baby, all the world's a stage
Playwright pens your final page
And then he brings your curtain down
So blow us your kisses and drench our eyes
We'll rise to our feet to wave goodbye for now
So baby, take your bow
Your show is over now
It's time to lay your burdens down
So baby, take your bow

Copyright 2007 Clumsy Fly Music (ASCAP) (adm. By Word Music, LLC)

Lemonade
by Chris Rice

So go ahead and ask her
For happy ever after
‘Cause nobody knows what’s coming
So why not take a chance on loving
Come on, pour the glass and tempt me
Either half-full or half-empty
‘Cause if it all comes down to flavor
The glass is tipping in my favor

Life gave me lemonade and I can’t imagine why
Born on a sunny day, beneath a tangerine sky
I live life without pretending
I’m a sucker for happy endings
Thanks for the lemonade
Thanks for the lemonade!

Now take your time to answer me
For the beauty of romancing
Is to calm your trembling hand with mine
While begging love to fill your eyes
I can hardly breathe while waiting
To find out what your heart is saying
And as we’re swirling in this flavor
The world is tilting in our favor

Life gave me lemonade and I can’t imagine why
Born on a sunny day, beneath a tangerine sky
I live life without pretending
I’m a sucker for happy endings
Thanks for the lemonade
Thanks for the lemonade!

I’ve got it made
Rest in the shade
And hold my love
While God above
Stirs wiith a spoon
We share the moon
Smile at the bees
More sugar please
He really loves us after all
We’re gonna need another straw!
We’re gonna need another straw!

Life gave me lemonade and I can’t imagine why
Born on a sunny day, beneath a tangerine sky
I live life without pretending
I’m a sucker for happy endings
Thanks for the lemonade
Thanks for the lemonade!

Copyright 2004 Clumsy Fly Music (ASCAP) (adm. By Word Music, LLC)

Summer Parades

Each year our town does a 4th of July parade. Its nothing overly fancy (just a comfortable hour-long,) but its becoming a fun tradition for my family especially since we can watch it from our front yard.

Here are some of the participants in our little parade...can you guess what they are? (hint: there are usually a lot of vehicles in the parade.) Click the picture for the answer.

Red, White, and Blue!

Keep reaching to guess this one.

Yes there are people in there, but they didn't throw candy to the kids like most of the other parade participants.

This was a new entry for this year. It was pretty cool.

This was a cool paint job.

What's that in the reflection? Godzilla?!!

From little kid's perspectives these are either cute or scary.

Our Dependence on Independence Day (repost)

[Here is a reposting of my post from July 4th 2007. (With current pictures.)]



A divinely organized miracle took place 231 years ago which has made one of the most extensive and enduring impacts on the world in its whole history of existence. On July 4th 1776, the Congress of the United States of America declared its independence from Britain and a new country was born--founded with the philosophy that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." (Declaration of Independence)




Through the last 232 years our freedoms have been gratefully treasured, painfully challenged and, especially at times of greatest prosperity, taken for granted. Our ability to do what we choose in this country is dependent on upholding the principles established on that first Independence Day.



At the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the unified goal was set and the commitment was made to establish a land of freedom: "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." (Declaration of Independence) At the signing of the Declaration of Independence, these hopeful leaders suddenly became enemies to the most powerful nation in the world. They gave their all, figuratively and literally to stand firm in their commitment to the success of this new country. God helped them prevail. Through costly growing pains, threats on its existence, and even dents by its own people over the last 231 years, this nation presses forward under the same principles on which it was founded.



As a result we are free! The government was established--the checks, balances, and protections were set in place to allow us the freedom and accountability to choose for ourselves. We may choose to live free or we may choose to live in self-inflicted bondage. The only thing we don't choose is the consequence of our actions. Freedom is so risky for the individual--to have no scape goat for our actions. However, freedom to choose for ourselves is so valuable its benefits out-weigh any risk.



With respect for God and these men who sacrificed everything to give freedom to those who live in this great nation 231 years later, I hope I will never take for granted the freedom I have. I pray that I will make personal decisions that will keep me free on the everyday battle field of choices.


[Photo Details: The above photos are from this year's Astoria, Oregon 4th of July fireworks show. Our family drove across the river to the Dismal Nitch rest area to watch them. Sadly, due to a shaky tripod only a few of the picture actually turned out, but I was pleased at the general outcome of my first attempt to photograph fireworks with a new digital SLR. Starting with a tip from an online resource, these photos ended up being taken with an apeture of 16, a shutter speed of 2 seconds, film speed (ISO) of 800. They were shot with a Nikon D40, 6.1 megapixels; 200mm zoom from about 4 miles across the Columbia River. I did crop the pictures to isolate the fireworks from the 'empty' space, but I did not do any other manipulation of the photos. Certainly not professional, but my personal best so far. :-) ]

Guest Blogger: T

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America's Tall Ship: Eagle (WIX 327)

I've had a recent fascination with tall ships since I moved to the Oregon Coast. I first learned about the replica of the cir. 1750 freight vessel, Lady Washington, now the offical ship of the State of Washington. (It is also the ship they used as the Interceptor in the Pirates of the Carribean movies.) The Lady Washington, visits our area with the Hawaiian Chieftain each year to give rides and perform battle re-enactments. I always love seeing them when I can.

The Lady Washington returning from a battle sail with the Hawaiian Chieftain on the Columbia River

This year I was a little bummed because I didn't get to see them this year, however I had a pleasant surprise when my wife called on the cell phone to tell me there was a huge tall ship docked next to the Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast. I quickly went to the Columbia River Maritime Museum's viewer-guided web cam to take a look. The first thing I noticed was the Orange Racing stripe with the Coast Guard seal and I got excited: It was the real version of the painting on the wall in my office of the Coast Guard training bargue--The Eagle!




The USCG Eagle (WIX 327) was a German Training vessel (SNS Horst Wessel) built in 1936. After WWII it became a war prize for the United States. In 1946, the United States Coast Guard commisioned it as the Eagle to continue to serve as a training vessel.

The Eagle--full sail (phot0 from the USCG website)

The three-masted Eagle is 295 feet long (docked next to the 210-ft Cutter Steadfast), almost 40 feet widewith , a displacement of 1,784 tons fully loaded and draft of.

With its 21,350 feet of sail and five miles of rigging, the Eagle can sail a maximum of 17 knots by wind power. Compare this to the 10 knots maximum speed with its diesel engine.

Cadets training on the Eagle must handle more than 200 lines of rope and learn each one. (Daily Astorian)

Up to 46 crew members, 175 cadets and instructors under the direction of 19 officers "learn the ropes."

Steering is the rudder is all mechanical, so up to six people power the steering (two on each wheel.)

For how much use the Eagle has had over the last 72 years it is in very good shape. Its almost 1/2-inch thick steel hull and three-inch teak wood-covered steel decks are well maintained. In fact, one of the crew members mentioned to us that prior to sailing to Astoria, Oregon from the Eastern Coast of the United States, it went through some reconditioning

Looking at the Eagle was a neat experience for me--in fact I went on the self-guided tour twice. One of the interesting things to me about going on the ship was seeing that the shell was designed like a early era tall-ship, yet it has all the technology of a modern ship--electricity, radar, sonar, computers, etc. It was interesting how they mixed old technology with new while still maintaining respect for the history of the Horst Wessel.

The kids enjoyed the tour too, they were able to get a collectible (plastic) coin for taking the tour. There was even a ships wheel at the stern of the ship, safely disengaged, that the kids were able to wiggle around a little.

Most of the information came from the United State Coast Guard website. The Daily Astorian article reprinted on the Goast Guard website was also fun to read. Information on the web is also available for the Lady Washington and other tall ships.