The Ship Report

Today we’ll see quite a few ships anchored off Astoria in the river, if they all arrive today. That will bring good shipwatching opportunities. We’ll talk today about why ships anchor here.

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I received a listener question about a seasonal phenomenon people are noticing in the lower river right now: patches of dull red in the water. What is it?

Turns out it’s not what many people think: it’s NOT a dreaded toxic algae bloom.

Instead it’s a good thing: a bloom of beneficial phytoplankton that is helping restore oxygen to the water and reduce harmful acidity. We’re seeing it more in recent years, and it’s helping the river become a healthier place for living creatures like salmon.

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The National Weather Service issued a low water warning for the Columbia this past weekend and today, as minus tides and seasonal low water levels make navigating the river more challenging.

We’ll talk today about why water levels can be lower at this time of year, and when they will improve.

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Today’s episode concludes this week’s interview series, where I’ve been sharing excerpts from my interview with Pat Dixon, fisher poet and author of the new book of poetry, Mending Holes.

Many thanks to Brad Wartman of The FisherPoetry Archive Project for his help engineering and recording this interview on Zoom  You’ll find Brad’s extensive library of Fisher Poet Gathering and other maritime related recordings and podcasts on his website at TheFisherPoetryArchive.com.

The post Pat Dixon: maritime author interview about his new book of poetry, “Mending Holes,” Part 5 appeared first on The Ship Report.

We’re continuing my interview with Pat Dixon, fisher poet and author of the new book of poetry, Mending Holes.

Today Pat and I talk more about his creative process as an author, and about how the book got its name.

The post A chat with fisher poet Patrick Dixon, about writing, life and his new book of poems, Part 4 appeared first on The Ship Report.

Today we’re continuing to hear parts of my interview with Fisher Poet and author Pat Dixon, who just published a book of poetry called Mending Holes, about his memories of life as a commercial fisherman. 

One of the topics I love to explore with people who make their way in the creative arts, is to ask them about their process: how do these magical works come to be, seemingly out of thin air. 

Every writer, poet, songwriter, for instance, seems to tap into that muse, that process, that creative spark,  in their own way. 

So today I’m talking with Pat about how he writes his poems.

Many thanks to Brad Wartman of the FisherPoetry Archive Project for his help engineering and recording this interview on Zoom  You’ll find Brad’s extensive library of Fisher Poet Gathering and other maritime related recordings and podcasts on his website at TheFisherPoetryArchive.com.

The post Interview with author and poet Patrick Dixon about his new book, “Mending Holes,” Part 3 appeared first on The Ship Report.

Today we continue my interview with fisher poet and author Pat Dixon about his new book, “Mending Holes,” a collection of his poetry, all about his life as a commercial fisherman in the waters of Alaska. Today, Pat shares some poems from the book.

Many thanks to Brad Wartman of the FisherPoetry Archive Project, for engineering this Zoom interview. https://thefisherpoetryarchive.com/

The post Interview with Pat Dixon, author of the new book of poetry: “Mending Holes,” Part 2 appeared first on The Ship Report.

This week I’ll be talking with Fisher Poet Pat Dixon about his life as a commercial fisherman, author, photographer and educator, and about his new book of poetry, “Mending Holes.”

Many thanks to Brad Wartman of the FisherPoetry Archive Project, for engineering this Zoom interview. https://thefisherpoetryarchive.com/

The post Author interview: Fisher Poet Patrick Dixon and his new book, “Mending Holes.” appeared first on The Ship Report.

Today begins one of the most anticipated annual fishing events in the region: the Buoy 10 recreational fishery on the Columbia River.

Hundreds of boats will dot the river this month, filled with eager folks hoping to catch salmon, and that can spell trouble when small boats get too close to giant ships.

Today I’ll talk with Columbia River Bar Pilot Capt. Dan Jordan, about how to stay safe during Buoy 10.

The post An interview with Columbia River Bar Pilot Captain Dan Jordan, as the Buoy 10 fishery begins appeared first on The Ship Report.

A few listener questions today regarding this week’s tsunami, caused by an earthquake in the ocean to the north of us.

And a few key takeaways:

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