GO12-21-13

Gardener’s Cottage open nightly for refreshments

Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013 The World

Model trains weave through holiday display at the Old Charleston School........................Page 2

Winter whale migration ‘Spoken Here’ sites are ready to help you spot spouts ................Page 6

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Saturday, Dec.21, 2013 • Go! • 2

GO! Enjoy theworldlink.com/lifestyles/go • Events Editor Beth Burback • 541-269-1222, ext. 224

Go! Enjoy Looking for more to enjoy on the South Coast? Check out our calendar of events at theworldlink.com/calendar

Share your community event by emailing events@theworldlink.com

Shore Acres State Park: Holiday Lights, music and refreshments with friends in the Garden House CHARLESTON — It’s that time of year. Family and friends make the journey to visit loved ones who live on the Southern Oregon coast. Those lucky enough to come here will have the opportunity to visit the annual Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park located at 89039 Cape Arago Highway in Charleston.

People from all over the globe have signed the register with something nice to say about the spectacular light display. Last year, an estimated 4,700 or more spent an evening strolling through the park. Parking is $5 per vehicle filled to capacity, so invite someone along. Also accepted for parking, a current OPRD annual parking permit or Coastal Passport or current state park campground receipt.

Dozens of community members helped the Friends of Shore Acres hang lights. This year more than 300,000 LED lights were placed in trees; on shrubs; in, on and around the cottage; all over the pavilion; on pergolas; on foot bridges; on sculptures and anything else that could hold a string of lights. New to this year’s display, a bumble bee and lighthouse sculpture have been added.

The show continues through New Year’s Eve 4-9:30 p.m. Live entertainment (subject to change) will be scheduled at the pavilion; The Garden House is open with community members serving coffee, cider, cookies and punch; and the Friends’ Information & Gift Center also will be open.

For more information visit www.shoreacres.net.

Pavilion entertainment schedule Saturday, Dec. 21 — Sunday, Dec. 29 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 — Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 — Clint Guevara and Friends 4-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 — Johnny Salzano (Sax) 5-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 — Tuba Group 7-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 — First Presbyterian Church of North Bend 6-9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23 — Cape Blanco English Handbell Choir 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26 — Cape Blanco English Handbell Choir 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29 — Tuba Group

Photos by Lou Sennick, The World

Saturday, Dec.21, 2013 • Go! • 3

See the model trains CHARLESTON — Local fireman Capt. Rusty Shield and his family share their passion for trains with the annual Shield’s Family Christmas Village. The train display got started in the Charleston Rural Fire Protection District building where Shield works under Chief Mick Sneddon.

This is the 14th year that the display will be open to the public and the price is just right, too. Admission is by donation in general, but at least 25 cents would be appreciated to help pay for refreshments, electricity and the “facilities” in the new location.

The display has nearly doubled in size and has moved to the Old Charleston School, 64065 Seven Devils Road, Charleston. Just after you leave Charleston proper, heading toward the Holiday

Lights at Shore Acres State Park, you will exit left on Seven Devils Road. The Christmas Village traditionally opens the Monday following Thanksgiving, this year on Dec. 2. Hours for the display are 6-10 p.m. nightly through Tuesday, Dec. 24.

“It’s an extensive collection” and it could fill a semi.

His wife Debbie “puts up with me. You know how handlers are,” said Shields.

Shield said the reason they moved is because of congestion, safety, additional parking and room for a larger display.

Shield got his first train back in the 1950s from his dad when he was 3 years old.

“Every year dad would help get the train set up” around the Christmas tree. It seems love of that memory has triggered a passion for collecting.

Sneddon is also a model train collector. He was involved the first couple of years when they first set up the Christmas Village display to share with the community.

Today Sneddon’s vintage O27 gauge Lionel train collection sits on a shelf. The toy trains were very popular in the 1950s. He chuckled when he said, “I have other things to do. I’ve moved on to horses.”

For more information on the trains, call 541-8883268.

Still Waters call to artists BANDON — Artists area invited to participate in the winter show “Still Waters” at Southern Coos Hospital and Health Center. Paintings, drawings and hand-pulled prints of ponds, pools, puddles and “a slough or two” are preferred, but shining seas and turbulent waters will be accepted if there is room.

All work is to be delivered to the hospital, 900 11th St. SE in Bandon, at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8. The show opens on Sunday, Jan. 12, with a reception from 1-3 p.m. and will remain on display through March.

“This may be the last show sponsored by AVK Arts and we’d like it to be a fine one,” said show organizer Victoria

By Lou Sennick, The World Tierney.

Meticulous care is taken to ensure the trains continue to run on time at the Old Charleston School. The Shield Family Christmas Village is open 6For more information, call Tierney at 541-347-9862 or 10 p.m. nightly until Dec. 24. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Ava Richey at 541-297-6118.

Hollywood Dreams hosts dance NORTH BEND —Hollywood Dreams invites all individuals with developmental disabilities to a fun and free Holiday Dance Party at the North Bend Community Center, 2222 Broadway St. in North Bend from 5-8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 21. Dance the night away to the lively sounds of Karmo Phebo.

This event is being offered in part thanks to a generous grant from the Cow Creek Foundation.

For more information about the dance, call Mary Taylor, Hollywood Dreams executive director, at 541404-5842. To learn more about Hollywood Dreams, a 501(c)(3) social and educational club, visit www.HollywoodDreams.org.

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Saturday, Dec.21, 2013 • Go! • 4

Classes & Workshops SATURDAY, DEC. 21 Smartphone Device Workshop 810 a.m., U.S. Cellular, 783 S. Broadway, Coos Bay. Learn about features on devices such as 4G LTE, iPhone 5s and iPad Air tablets.

Film: Gray Whale Obstacle Course 1-2 p.m., South Slough Interpretive Center, 61907 Seven Devils Road, Charleston. Film on the big screen and free popcorn. Register at 541-888-5558.

Learn to care for birds CHARLESTON — Build your own birdfeeder and discover which feeds work best for a variety of birds. Also learn to identify common backyard birds of Coos County 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 18, at the South Slough Interpretive Center, 61907 Seven Devils Road, Charleston. Participants are limited to a maximum of 15.

Cost is $5 per participant. Registration is required, call 541-888-5558 or email deborah.rudd@state.or.us.

Learn basic weather and forecasting at seminar

SATURDAY, JAN. 4

COOS BAY — All boaters can learn safety and comfort while venturing out on the water, which is always weather dependent. This seminar is a must for boaters who have never taken a weather course. The Coos Bay Power Squadron will host a class on the complex subject of weather, presented in a way that is both understandable and useful.

Topics will include: air masses and fronts; winds, storms, clouds and thunderstorms; fog and forecasting.

Basic Weather and Forecasting Each seminar participant will receive a waterproof Seminar 10 a.m.-noon, Coos Bay McGraw-Hill “Captain’s Quick Guide —On-Board Power Squadron, 90346 Guano Weather Forecasting,” designed for onboard and field use.

Rock Lane, Charleston. ParticiAlso, each participant will receive a full-color student pants receive waterproof guide with slide images and complete notes written espeMcGraw-Hill Captain’s Quick cially for the seminar and a certificate of completion.

Guide — On-Board Weather ForeThe two-hour basic weather and forecasting seminar casting and a full color Student will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4., at the Coos Bay Guide and a certificate of comPower Squadron building. Cost of the seminar is $35. pletion. Cost is $35. Registration To register or for information, call Al Swanson at 541888-6178. required, 541-888-6178.

Explore Birds of the Estuary 8-10 a.m., meet at Charleston Visitor Information Center, west end of South Slough Bridge on Basin Drive. Dress for weather, bring scopes and binoculars. Guided, $1 each birder. 541-888-5558

Library2Go Ebook Workshop 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Coos Bay Public Library Cedar Room, 525 Anderson Ave., Coos Bay. Valid library COOS BAY — Southwestern Oregon Community card, email address and wireless College’s Small Business Development Center device with network accessibility (Southwestern SBDC) is offering an interactive workshop required. 541-26-1101 on providing excellent customer service Monday, Jan. 27.

Are your customers getting the service they deserve?

Do they leave your business saying, “Wow, I can’t wait to SATURDAY, JAN. 11 go back”? Great customer service means giving cusTide of the Toddlers — Ducks 10-11 tomers what they want. But, how do you know what they a.m., South Slough Interpretive want? This is a class to learn about exceeding customer Center, 61907 Seven Devils Road, expectations every time.

Charleston. Program for children Customer Service will be taught by Arlene M. Soto, the ages 1-5 who will sing, make a director of the Southwestern Oregon Community College craft and discover the natural Small Business Development Center. Soto has more than world of ducks. Maximum of 15, 19 years experience and has been with SWOCC since July $1 each. Register at 541-8882007. In that time she has advised more than 3,500 small 5558. businesses. Soto holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Portland State University and a master’s degree in management from Marylhurst University.

FRIDAY, JAN. 17 A fee of $45 per person covers materials. Register at Grant Writing Workshop for South www.BizCenter.org, which is required to insure seating Coast Nonprofits 10 a.m.-noon, and materials availability. The workshop will be held 6Bandon Public Library, 1204 11th 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, at The Business Center, 2455 St. SW, Bandon. Deadline for OCF Maple Leaf, North Bend.

Community Grants are Feb. 1, For more information, call Southwestern SBDC at 5412014. http://www.oregoncf.org 756-6866 or email Mary Loiselle at mloiselle@socc.edu.

Learn great customer care

Movies American Hustle — R • Pony Village Cinema: S-Tu: 12:15, 2:15, 5:35, 6:10, 9:00

Anchorman 2 • Pony Village Cinema: S-Tu: 11:50; 2:40, 3:25, 5:40, 8:35, 9:20 • Redwood Cinema: S-Su: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00; M, W, Th: 7:00; Tu, W: 2:00; Th: 4:00

Frozen 2D — PG • Pony Village Cinema: S-Tu: 12:25, 2:55, 5:30, 8:00

Hobbit: The Desolation or Smaug 3D — PG • Pony Village Cinema: S-Tu: 12:00, 3:35, 7:10 • Redwood Cinema: S-Su: 12:20

Hobbit: The Desolation or Smaug 2D — PG • Pony Village Cinema: S-Tu: 1:30, 5:05, 8;40 • Redwood Cinema: S-Su: 3:40, 7:00; M, W, Th: 7:00; Tu, W: 2:00; W: 3:40

Hunger Games: Catching Fire — PG-13 • Pony Village Cinema: S-Tu: 2:00, 5:15, 8:30

Philomena — PG-13 • Pony Village Cinema: S-Tu: 12:50, 3:20, 5:50, 8:15

Saving Mr. Banks — PG-13 • Pony Village Cinema: S-Tu: 11:55, 2:50, 5:45, 8:45

The Book Thief — PG-13 • Pony Village Cinema: S-Tu: 12:10, 8:55; S-M, W: 3:05, 6:00

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty — PG • Pony Village Cinema: Tu: 4:00

Walking With Dinosaurs 3D — PG • Pony Village Cinema: S-Tu: 1:20, 8:10

Walking With Dinosaurs 2D — PG • Pony Village Cinema: S-Tu: 11:50, 3:40, 5:55

Coming Thursday at Pony Village Cinema: Grudge Match; 47 Ronin, Wolf of Wall Street and Justin Beiber’s Believe.

Pony Village Cinema, North Bend: 541-756-3447 Redwood Cinema, Brookings: 541-412-7575

Lincoln City Kite Festival seeks 2014 theme LINCOLN CITY — Put your stamp on the Lincoln City Kite Festival this year.

The Lincoln City Visitor and Convention Bureau is seeking theme submissions for the 2014 kite festivals, which will be held in June and October of next year.

Submissions will be accepted for the contest through Dec. 31. The entry with the winning submission will receive a Lincoln City prize package including a signature glass float, kite festival memorabilia and recognition at the 2014 Summer and Fall Kite Festivals.

To enter the contest visit: www.oregoncoast.org/2014-kite-festival-theme.

There’s only one rule: The 2014 theme must begin with the letter U. Each year the Lincoln City Kite Festival theme has progressed through the letters of the alphabet.

The theme from 2013 was “Tales of Tails,” honoring the life-size pod of gray whale kites that adorn the sky during the festivals, and 2012’s theme was “Stars and Stripes,” featuring red, white and blue kites of all shapes and sizes.

There are two kite festivals held annually in Lincoln City, one in the summer and one in the fall. Kite fliers from the Northwest and beyond gather at the D-River Wayside in Lincoln City for the kite festivals, a celebration of both professional and leisure kite fliers with some of the most colorful big “show kites” in the world.

For more information, contact the Lincoln City Visitor & Convention Bureau at 800-452-2151 or visit www.oregoncoast.org.

SATURDAY, DEC. 21

Presbyterian Church, 592 Edison SW, Bandon. Special music and caroling.

“Let the Whole World Sing” Christmas Cantata and Candlelight Service 7-9 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 123 Ocean Blvd., Coos Bay. Free-will offering.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 10 p.m., St. John Episcopal Church, 795 Franklin, Bandon. Special music begins at 9:30 p.m.

A free-will offering will be taken.

Kids HOPE Center Gift Wrapping 9 a.m-9 p.m., Pony Village Mall across from Maurice’s. 1611 Virginia Ave., North Bend. Proceeds benefit Child Abuse Intervention Center.

Coos Bay Public Library Holiday Party 11 a.m., Coos Bay Public Library, 525 Anderson Ave., Coos Bay. Live music, refreshments and crafts.

Victorian Christmas at Hughes House 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Hughes House, Cape Blanco State Park, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25 91814 Cape Blanco Road, Port Orford.

Holiday Lights 4-9:30 p.m., Shore Acres No Lazy Kates 1 p.m., Wool Company, 990 U.S. Contributed photo State Park, 89039 Cape Arago Highway, Highway 101, Bandon. Yarn projects welcome. Hughes House opens for the holidays.

Charleston. Refreshments and displays in 541-347-3115 the Garden House. Parking is $5. Visit Film: Gray Whale Obstacle Course 1-2 p.m., www.shoreacres.net for the entertainment South Slough Interpretive Center, 61907 Seven schedule.

Hughes House, Cape Blanco State Park, 91814 Devils Road, Charleston. Free film on the big Cape Blanco Road, Port Orford. screen on whale migration. Popcorn provided.

THURSDAY, DEC. 26 “A Christmas Tale” 2 p.m., Sprague Community TheKids Christmas Party 1-3 p.m. Coos Bay Eagles ater, 1202 11th St. SW, Bandon. New Artists Produc- Water Film Festival 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., South Slough Lodge, 568 S. Second St., Coos Bay. Games, prizes, tion with 22 youth actors.

Interpretive Center, 61907 Seven Devils Road, activities and a visit from Santa. Open to members Charleston. Two showings daily Dec. 26-28. Each H o l i d a y L i g h t s 4-9:30 p.m., Shore Acres State Park, and guests. Membership applications will be availday is a new chapter on how water begins and 89039 Cape Arago Highway, Charleston.

Refreshable. travels to the sea. ments and displays in the Garden House. Parking Oregon Oldtime Fiddlers, District 5 1-3 p.m., Winis $5. Visit www.shoreacres.net for the entertainVictorian Christmas at Hughes House 11 a.m.-4 p.m., chester Bay Community Center, 625 Broadway, ment schedule.

Hughes House, Cape Blanco State Park, 91814 Winchester Bay. Circle jam follows 3-4 p.m. 541Cape Blanco Road, Port Orford.

B lue Christmas Service 5 p.m., St. John Episcopal 759-3419 Church, 795 Franklin, Bandon. For those suffering Holiday Lights 4-9:30 p.m., Shore Acres State Park, Spaghetti Feed to Benefit Christmas in July 4-7 p.m., from a loss. A free-will offering will be taken.

89039 Cape Arago Highway, Charleston. RefreshThe Eagles Lodge, 510 Greenwood Ave., Reedsport. ments and displays in the Garden House. Parking S h i e l d ’ s F a m i l y C h r i s t m a s V i l l a g e 6-10 p.m., Old Adults, $8 and 12 and younger, $4. Raffles every is $5. Visit www.shoreacres.net for the entertainCharleston School, 64065 Seven Devils Road, half hour. Chinese auction and live auction at 6 ment schedule.

Charleston.

541-888-3268 p.m. Proceeds benefit Christmas in July projects.

Coquille Fire Christmas Tree Pick-up 7 p.m. City limHoliday Lights 4-9:30 p.m., Shore Acres State Park, its. Donations accepted. Register by calling 541MONDAY, DEC. 23 89039 Cape Arago Highway, Charleston. Refresh396-2232.

Holiday Lights 4-9:30 p.m., Shore Acres State Park, ments and displays in the Garden House. Parking 89039 Cape Arago Highway, Charleston. Refreshis $5. Visit www.shoreacres.net for the entertainments and displays in the Garden House. Parking ment schedule. is $5. Visit www.shoreacres.net for the entertainChristmas Concert and Carol Sing 5 p.m., St. John ment schedule.

Episcopal Church, 795 Franklin, Bandon. A free-will Shield’s Family Christmas Village 6-10 p.m., Old offering will be taken.

Charleston School, 64065 Seven Devils Road, Drive-Thru Live Nativity Story 5-8 p.m., Coquille Charleston. 541-888-3268 Church of the Nazarene, 997 W. Central Blvd., Coquille. Food donations will be accepted. 541-396TUESDAY, DEC. 24 2521 Holiday Lights 4-9:30 p.m., Shore Acres State Park, Hollywood Dreams Holiday Dance Party 5-8 p.m., 89039 Cape Arago Highway, Charleston. RefreshNorth Bend Community Center, 2222 Broadway, ments and displays in the Garden House. Parking North Bend. Event for the developmentally disis $5. Visit www.shoreacres.net for the entertainabled thanks to Cow Creek Foundation. Dance ment schedule. music by Karmo Phebo. 541-404-5842 C hristmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service 6 Shield’s Family Christmas Village 6-10 p.m., Old p.m., First Christian Church, 2420 Sherman Ave., Charleston School, 64065 Seven Devils Road, North Bend. 541-756-6627 Charleston. 541-888-3268 C hristmas Eve Candlelight Service 6 p.m., Unity by “A Christmas Tale” 7 p.m., Sprague Community Thethe Bay, 2100 Union Ave., North Bend. 541-751-1633 ater, 1202 11th St. SW, Bandon. New Artists Production with 22 youth actors.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 6 p.m., Pacific Community Church, 48967 U.S. Highway 101, Bandon. 541-347-2256 SUNDAY, DEC. 22 Shield’s Family Christmas Village 6-10 p.m., Old Special Christmas Service 9:30 a.m., Pacific ComCharleston School, 64065 Seven Devils Road, munity Church, 48967 U.S. Highway 101, Bandon.

Charleston. 541-888-3268 541-347-2256 Victorian Christmas at Hughes House 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 6:30 p.m., First

FRIDAY, DEC. 27 Sand Drags Test N Tune Racing — all day Box Car Hill, Transpacific Parkway, North Bend. 541-4809338 Pool Volleyball for Seniors 10-11:30 a.m., North Bend Public Pool, 2455 Pacific Ave., North Bend.

Fee $2. Refreshments served. 541-756-4915 Water Film Festival 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., South Slough Interpretive Center, 61907 Seven Devils Road, Charleston. Two showings daily Dec. 26-28. Each day is a new chapter on how water begins and travels to the sea.

FIRST Fundraiser Cosmic Bowling 1-3 p.m., North Bend Lanes, 1225 Virginia Ave., North Bend.

Holiday Lights 4-9:30 p.m., Shore Acres State Park, 89039 Cape Arago Highway, Charleston. Refreshments and displays in the Garden House. Parking is $5. Visit www.shoreacres.net for the entertainment schedule.

SATURDAY, DEC. 28 Sand Drags Test N Tune Racing — all day Box Car Hill, Transpacific Parkway, North Bend. 541-4809338 Water Film Festival 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., South Slough Interpretive Center, 61907 Seven Devils Road, Charleston. Two showings daily Dec. 26-28. Each day is a new chapter on how water begins and travels to the sea.

Holiday Lights 4-9:30 p.m., Shore Acres State Park, 89039 Cape Arago Highway, Charleston. Refreshments and displays in the Garden House. Parking is $5. Visit www.shoreacres.net for the entertainment schedule.

Saturday, Dec.21, 2013 • Go! • 5

GO! Calendar of Events

Saturday, Dec.21, 2013 • Go! • 6

GO! Outdoors theworldlink.com/sports/outdoors • Outdoors Editor George Artsitas • 541-269-1222, ext. 236

Go! Outdoors Have a hunting or fishing story to tell? Let us know! Join the fun at theworldlink.com/sports/outdoors

Share your outdoor news by emailing outdoors@theworldlink.com

Portland-area mountain bike trail is a big hit SANDY (AP) — At the halfway point of Hide & Seek, the central intermediate trail of the Sandy Ridge mountain biking system, bikers tend to congregate and analyze the first leg of their descent.

Two guys come down grinning and whooping, followed by two looking stricken from the log jumps they weren’t expecting, during an unseasonably warm October Saturday. Pickups and hatchbacks fill the parking lot, but the park is so spread out, bikers rarely encounter each other.

Even a month later, a 40-degree sunny Wednesday in mid-November enticed Derek Pettie and Bryant Leman to the trail at 2:30 p.m. Pettie, 41, quickly regretted wearing shorts once he felt the at least 10degree change in temperature from Portland to Sandy.

Pettie is returning to mountain biking after a five-year hiatus, so he first experienced Sandy Ridge last year, and it rose to one of his favorite trails.

“They’re built to be for biking so it’s different than going and biking on hiking trails,” Pettie said.

“The only place I’ve seen better than this is Whistler,” Leman, 32, said.

Sandy Ridge is the largest trail built specifically for mountain bikes on federal land in the United States, said Adam Milnor, who oversees the trail for the Bureau of Land Management. It’s one of a handful of projects like it in the U.S. The trail, in its fourth year, routinely

fills the parking lot all day, including weekdays, during the bikeable months. In August, 4,590 peopled were counted at the trailhead, the peak of a steadily increasing month-over-month count.

For many Portlanders, Sandy Ridge is the go-to mountain bike trail, and is drawing bikers from across the country and internationally.

That’s exactly what the Bureau of Land Management hoped when the agency bought the land where the park is built.

The BLM owns one-eighth of the country, with the vast majority in the west. The agency acquired most of that land at the Louisiana Purchase, and seldom since then. So in 2001, when 3,000 acres of old timber land owned by Portland General Electric went up for sale after the removal of the Marmot Dam, bureau officials wanted to use it for something special.

“Having a lot of land near a big city is pretty rare for our agency,” said Milnor, who has worked on the project since its inception. “This was a pretty golden opportunity to see what’s big out there.”

Milnor and his colleagues conducted surveys and studies and public meetings to hear what Oregonians wanted as a new recreation option.

As the extensive public input process wound down, a mountain bike trail became a clear winner. There are few mountain biking trails in the Portland area, so the as the sport increases in pop-

The Associated Press

Bryant Leman, 32, makes his ascent to the top of Sandy Ridge in Clackamas, Ore. The trail system was built by the Bureau of Land Management, and attracts riders from around Oregon and theworld. ularity, people have to drive far out of their way to try it out.

“Trails not just open for mountain biking, but built for mountain biking are in huge, huge demand,” Milnor said.

Usually, projects are driven by necessity, such as new campgrounds along the Molalla River. Campers consistently littered the area, so the BLM allocated

money to build facilities with toilets and trash bins.

Clackamas County also pitched in $10,000 to help build the about $1.5 million system. Several youth and mountain biking organizations, such as Northwest Youth Corps, Northwest Trail Alliance and the International SEE BIKE | PAGE 7

Take your binoculars to a Spoken Here site along the Oregon Coast Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department has dubbed the week of Dec. 26-31 Winter Whale Watching Week. Several locations on the Southern Oregon coast will have “Spoken Here” volunteers offering a summary of gray whale migration information 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Volunteers will be equipped with a reference manual and field guide to marine mammals of the Pacific Northwest to help answer questions.

If you are interested in becoming a Spoken Here volunteer, there are two free training sessions planned prior to the spring migration. Visit whalespoken.org or call 541-765-3304.

For a list of locations visit http://oregonstateparks.org.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area — North of Newport Don Davis City Park — Newport Cape Perpetua Interpretive Center — Yachats Cook’s Chasm — South of Yachats Sea Lion’s Cave Turnout — North of Florence Umpqua Lighthouse State Park — Winchester Bay Shore Acres State Park — Charleston Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint — Bandon Battle Rock — Port Orford Cape Ferrelo Overlook — Brookings Harris Beach State Park — South of Brookings

By Merrill Gosho, NOAA

Gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus).

Source: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov

Keep your dog safe this trapping season SALEM — With trapping seasons underway in Oregon, dog owners need to be aware that there could be traps in areas where they are hiking with their dogs.

Dogs running loose have accidentally been captured in legally set traps, causing injury or even death to the dog.

Oregon’s Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations set restrictions on where trappers may set traps and snares on state and federal lands. Traps may not be set within 50 feet of any designated public trail or within 300 feet of any designated trailhead, public campground or picnic area. Also, killing traps with a jaw spread between 7.5 and 9 inches set on public land cannot be placed more than 50 feet from a permanent or seasonal water source.

Dog owners share in the responsibility to keep their pets safe during trapping seasons. They can take the following steps to help keep their dogs safe: ■ Keep dogs on a leash.

■ Keep dogs in sight and under voice command — don’t let your dog wander off, especially out of sight.

■ Remember lures and baits used by trappers can

BIKE Continued from Page 6 Mountain Biking Association, have also pitched in labor or money, along with businesses, such as Fat Tire Farm.

It opened in 2010, with only one 3.5-mile stretch of intermediate trail, Hide & Seek, which is still the main artery of the Sandy Ridge system.

“And immediately it was popular. Just that one little thing,” Milnor said.

The first year, counters on the trail clocked 10,110 riders, and visitation has grown steadily since then.

Last year, 31,350 people rode the trail. Milnor estimates that number will jump to 59,420 by the end of 2013, based on ridership so far.

The trail system now includes 15 miles of trails, with a range of difficulties.

In 2012, they built a trailhead.

“We built the rollercoaster and then figured out how big the parking lot should be,” Milnor said.

It’s not big enough, by

the way. Milnor said the first weekend the trailhead opened, it was apparent more parking was needed.

He used to be excited to see trail counters clock 180 people on a single day.

Now, the trail can see 450 people on a high-use weekend day.

Once spring hits, trail use skyrockets. March 2013 saw 1,200 riders, which more than tripled by June before peaking in August at 4,590.

The scope of Sandy Ridge’s reputation really sunk in when Milnor met someone who decided to settle in Sandy, instead of Hood River, to be close to the trail.

“There’s not that many tourism draws that you can create out of thin air,” Milnor said. “You can’t just create another Mount Hood.”

You can create a new trail, though, which is what jurisdictions around the country are trying to do now, taking notes from Sandy Ridge.

While the trail is free, it is an economic driver for nearby Sandy, which created a mountain bike rental

attract dogs too (another reason to keep your dog under your control).

■ Be mindful of where and when trapping activities may occur — on public lands and on private lands by permission. Most trapping seasons and activities occur during the winter because pelts are in prime condition at this time.

■ Carry the appropriate tools (wire cutter and length of rope) and know how to use them to release dogs from a trap.

Traps set for coyotes, bobcats and raccoons are the types of sets most likely to inadvertently capture a dog.

It is illegal to disturb or remove the traps or snares of another person. Individuals who see traps they believe are illegally set should not disturb the trap, but contact Oregon State Police. OSP can identify the owner of a legally set trap through a unique branding number required on each trap.

Most trapping seasons opened Nov. 15 or Dec. 1 and end Feb. 28 or March 31. A few seasons are open the entire year, but winter is the most popular time to trap.

program to capitalize on the trail’s success. The program is bringing more business to a local ski shop that rents the bikes, to hotels and restaurants in the city.

Sandy Assistant City Manager David Snider said that more than half of those people live farther than 15 miles from Sandy, and a large chunk come from other countries.

Northwest-based bike shops do demonstration days at Sandy Ridge, to unveil new bikes and equipment, or to show off a brand.

The trail has also con-

verted locals.

“The first time you do a flow trail, you’ll be addicted. Once you get down to the bottom, you’ll be ready to get back up to the top again,” Snider said.

There is one last loop included in the Sandy Ridge master plan, which was created by the International Mountain Biking Association, but its completion is dependent on finding the money.

“If we continue to have this kind of demand, we’d have to look at re-engaging in a planning process and see what’s out there for expansions,” Milnor said.

e

e your chedul NOW s o t l l Ca ction l inspe lectrica

The mudflats around Coos Bay, the lower Coquille River, Winchester Bay and others provide winter feeding areas for shorebirds of a variety of species. While most shorebirds winter much farther south than the Oregon coast, some do winter here. Those interested in seeing these birds will find an opportunity along Cape Arago Highway, South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Area and New River Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

Marine Mammals Seal and sea lion abundance in coastal waters around Coos County is high this time of year, especially south of Coos Bay. At Simpson Reef, a heavily used haul out exists.

From the look out, viewers can see California sea lions, Steller sea lions, harbor seals and elephant seals.

Do not approach seals and sea lions you may find on Oregon beaches. If you think an animal you find is, in fact, in trouble, contact your local ODFW office to report the animal or contact the Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 800-452-7888.

FISHING: Tenmile Basin Bass fishing has been decent for anglers in Tenmile Lakes but will slow down as the water temperatures drop.

Yellow perch fishing has been very good in Tenmile Lakes recently. Anglers are catching lots of yellow perch fishing in water 20 feet or deeper. If fishing slows down in one location don’t be afraid to pick up and move to another spot. The best baits are jigs and/or night crawlers fished on or near the bottom. Some of the yellow perch being caught are very large (12 to 15 inches).

Fishing for wild coho is open in Tenmile Lakes until Dec. 31. The daily bag limit is one wild coho adult per day and five for the season.

Winchester Bay Steelhead will be migrating up the Umpqua for the next several months. Most steelhead fishing in the lower, Main and North Umpqua is catch-and-release since most of the fish are wild. Anglers wishing to harvest a hatchery fish should focus on the South Umpqua.

Pacific Ocean and beaches Recreational Dungeness crabbing has reopened in the ocean.

Fishing for bottom fish including rockfish, lingcod and cabezon is now open at all depths. The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish and a separate daily limit for lingcod (two). Retention of one cabezon per day is still allowed.

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Saturday, Dec.21, 2013 • Go! • 7

Wintering Shorebirds

Saturday, Dec.21, 2013 • Go! • 8