The tsunami from Japan’s Tohoku Earthquake traveled thousands of miles and ended up affecting the Oregon Coast as well. I’m not sure if all of this driftwood was moved by the recent tsunami or not, but it did seem like more, and more recently arranged, than what one normally sees on the Oregon Coast.

Brookings was evacuated for the tsunami so the lady who rented us the place (right on the ocean but about 70 feet above it at high tide) couldn’t tell us exactly what it was like. She said they came back immediately after the forced evacuation time ended to watch the ocean come in and then out in massive movements like they hadn’t seen before. We were able to witness similar phenomena, on a much smaller scale, when the tides changed. The tsunami, even 5,000 miles from its origin, must have been spectacular.

Posted on March 23rd, 2011 under nature, outside of ashland, places. Tags: beach, brookings. Comments Off on Back to Brookings

One of the main reasons we went to the Oregon Coast this past weekend was to show our Japanese friend, Takumi, some California Redwood trees. There is no better place for doing so than Stout Grove in Jedediah Smith State Park. Even though it was raining, Takumi quickly feel in love with the redwoods.

Posted on March 22nd, 2011 under nature, outside of ashland, people, places. Tags: california, stout grove, takumi, trees. Comments Off on Stout Grove

I have shown you a picture from this location on this November morning before, but I think I like the sky in this version a little more.

Posted on March 14th, 2011 under nature, only in ashland, places. Tags: clouds, pilot rock, skywatch, sunrise. Comments Off on Looking down I-5

Blue sky normally means instant death to snow in Ashland, but we were treated to a rare spectacle in late February. Today (March 9) Grizzly Peak, although still snow capped, looked a bit green and we hit 60 degrees, a sure sign that Spring is not far away.

Posted on March 9th, 2011 under nature, only in ashland. Tags: houses, skywatch, snow, trees, winter. Comments Off on Blue sky and snow

We have more snow today than yesterday on the roads, and it is several degrees colder. But yesterday school was cancelled and today the Ashland School District will be in session. My kids are disappointed.

Posted on February 25th, 2011 under nature. Tags: biking, snow, winter. Comments Off on Ashland School Closures (or not)

All classes have been cancelled in the Ashland School District today. SOU hasn’t made an announcement yet. I’m not teaching today, but I’m guessing SOU will close as well.

Today’s photo is the view from my computer chair just a few minutes ago. You can’t really see it in the picture, but the snow is coming down fast and furiously.

Posted on February 24th, 2011 under nature. Tags: snow, winter. Comments Off on No school today

Our “false spring” of the past few weeks appears to be over. After at least a dozen days in the past three weeks of 50 degrees or more, including one or two that went over 60 degrees, it may be a while before we see 50 degrees again.

Posted on February 16th, 2011 under nature, only in ashland. Tags: lx3, snow, sunrise, winter. Comments Off on A light dusting

We’ve been having some nice sunrises recently.

Posted on February 14th, 2011 under nature, only in ashland. Tags: sunrise. Comments Off on February Sunrise

…and some ice under a blue sky at Lake of the Woods.

Posted on February 12th, 2011 under nature, outside of ashland, places. Tags: lake of the woods, skywatch, winter. Comments: 2