Sou'wester Lodgepodge

Sou'wester Small Trailers

2011-08-29T16:43:00.000-07:00


Good things come in small packages!

Our small trailers are a cozy retreat for two- kind of like going for a little voyage in a boat. The wonderful thing is that no matter what size, your voyage includes a kitchenette and a bathroom while you are 'afloat'!

The Blue Wave:
A charming ride with a nice little bump in the front

Blue Wave conversation corner

Blue Wave sweet dreaming spot

The Tramp Tower:

A mural on it's east side depicts Charlie Chaplin's memorable character with a vagabond friend.

Tramp Tower nighty nite!


Tramp Tower in style dining!

The Boles Aero:
Built by an aircraft company was once a little coaster and does remind one of a vintage toaster!

Sleep tight!


		Ample leg room!

Our small trailers are a unique experience-anyone can stay in a regular motel at almost any time- come here and enjoy a jaunt unlike any other!

Got a cozy getaway of your own? You can bring your own little domecile, like a friendly couple did recently, which they decorated while they were here staying in our RV park.

                                      Don't forget- Your furry friends are Welcome!
     ("Wouldn't I make a magnificent trailer design? My feet are much more reliable than wheels!")

Time for a Change

2011-08-07T11:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, change is coming to the Sou’wester. And that’s no small thing! For some three decades our guests have been able to return here and find, essentially, nothing changed, a perception, I’ve learned, that was created, intentionally, through dogged attention to all the little things that make the place just so.

I’ve had a lot of conversations over the last ten months with people who’ve been coming here frequently for many, many years. And the one thing that comes through consistently, even when someone can’t quite say what brings them back, is the fact that they find something here that you don’t get many places nowadays. There is and has been, (if wanted), attention paid to relationships, an interest expressed in the life stories and intellectual pursuits of those who found here, whether on purpose or by surprise, the peaceful refuge that allows for introspection and the taking of those slight risks one must take to engage strangers at a level beyond casual acquaintance.

This is why so many will feel a pang of melancholy when they hear that now, after years of inn-keeping, after countless cultural events (and as many donations to charity), after land-use battles, wild Pacific storms, the emergence of a new forest in the dunes, the acquisition, installation and keeping of a fleet of vintage trailers and encounters with thousands of persons of every ilk, faith and countenance, Len and Miriam have decided to sell the Sou’wester. On June 25^th Len sent out an issue of his Sou’westerings, (our long-running newsletter), announcing:

"…it is time to put the Sou'Wester up for sale.

For someone who is attracted to it, the Sou'Wester, dignified yet unpretentious, is a unique property. That is certainly what we felt when we came upon it in 1980. In its peaceful setting, it struck a chord in us - the opportunity for a break from urban life. Within one day, we decided this was home."

The Atkins came for a vacation and stayed for what now seems like “a lifetime.” This solitary fact speaks more about this place than any other. Since arriving here to take over the inn keeping duties last year in October, I have heard it over an over again: There’s just something about this place, I can’t put my finger on it, but….

We don’t know what will happen next. We hope for a buyer who knows something of the history and traditions that imbue this place. There’s treasure here, beyond the land and its improvements. There’s a certain something that endures, and will endure in the hearts and minds of those who’ve tarried and felt its touch.

If you would like more, specific information about the Sou’wester property you can contact our realtor, Leslie Brophy of Pacific Realty.

Leslie’s Phone number: 360-244-0643

The Pacific Realty company web page for the property:

http://pacreal.com/featured-listings/248781

Leslie’s email address: leslie@pacreal.com

Recent Art Latest for a Long Tradition

2011-07-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

"Redemption Through an Artist"

One of Cumming's Pike Place Market Paintings

If you've never seen our living room you may not know our history as a haven for artists of many an ilk. On the North wall we keep a number of paintings by the late Bill Cumming who came here regularly for over two decades. Here and there you will see paintings and drawings by others, along with pots, baskets, musical instruments, books and CD's that have been given or otherwise proffered by the artists who made them out of gratitude for the refuge the Sou'wester provided.

A recent visit by returnee Doug Cable continued this tradition. Doug stayed in the little "Boles Aero" this time out, one of our many 1950's vintage trailers. It's just right for an affectionate party of two. While here Doug kept busy with his pencils and was kind enough to send us some of the results along with some paintings from years past. Doug's work is, like many pieces that can be spotted in the cabins and around the lodge, representative and reveals, we think, an appreciation for the iconic stature of our stately (yes, that means old) lodge and it's timeless setting amidst the towering spruce and ambling salal.

An older piece, before The Pavilion had its facelift

Left to Right: The African Queen, The Potato Bug and the Blue Wave

The Old Spartan Manor

The South Face of the Sou'wester

Happy 4th!!

2011-07-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

What's the big deal about the number 4? My Tall Sheep are busy so I'm in charge of blogging today. If I could do more than yowl and bark and stare I would have a lot to say! I just can’t understand what all you tall sheep are doing. Usually I can hear the ocean, which is, after all, just a six minute walk from where I live. That is why I smile so much. (Truth is, I could make it in about 2 minutes if I weren’t on that strap thing that my Head Tall Sheep likes to put on me). Now I can still hear the ocean but I am also occasionally hearing: Whompf! Bang Bang Bang Bang! Wheeeeeee! Rat-a-tat-tat! Today, the center of my universe, (Head Tall Sheep, Stephen), put that strappy thing on me and tried to take me for a walk. He did not seem to understand that I did NOT want to stop and smell the rhododendrons or the neighbor kitty’s trail--I wanted to go home! I don’t care if I usually treat a walk with an epicurean’s rapture. (You would dawdle too if you had a magnificent nose like mine!) This is a serious matter--there might have been another random sound, a Phweee, a Boompf-tat-a-tat-- my large handsome doggy head just can’t take it! So I sat down, (about a 2 inch drop, since we’re talking numbers) and turned my 37 Corgi pounds exponentially into an immovable weight. Stephen finally took the hint and I lead him back to the lodge I love. Once inside, I headed for the corner behind the big comfy chair and have my nose here in the corner until further notice.

Why are my Tall Sheep so happy? My ‘Not-Stephen Sheep’, who others call Catherine, is smiling and giving other Tall Sheep perfectly good cookies that would be just right for me. Humph! My flock seem content that there are the gentle sounds and smells of summer at the beach. They are happy to greet new visitors and returning Tall Sheep, some of whom can draw! Okay, so it’s sunny, what’s the big deal? I am staying in my corner which smells just fine and waiting this out. I may make an appearance if offered a Newman’s Own peanut butter doggy treat or if the girls from Cabin number 8 return from the beach (they pet me just right!), but until then it’s me and doggy dreams of frolicking in the surf. I dream in color, by the way.

The African Queen

2011-06-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

Our grand trailer, The African Queen, is a tri-level travel trailer manufactured by Pacemaker in the mid-50's. When you stand next to it it's hard to believe such a big thing was pulled down the highway!

This trailer features a bedroom, loft and berth: a total of 6 beds. It has a propane-fired forced-air furnace, a kitchenette, dining table and small living room. Stephen recently built a new main door, which features a logo conceived and painted by Catherine.

If you scroll down you'll find several interior photos with captions. If you're headed to the coast with a group of friends or a large family, consider an accommodation that's also an adventure. Take a ride on The African Queen!

View From the Kitchen toward the Living Room

View of the Kitchen and Dining Area

Looking down into the Berth: 2 Single Beds

This is the Loft, a Double Bed above the Bathroom

2 Views of the "Master" Bedroom in The African Queen

The Sands of Time

2011-05-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

We often tell people that when the Sou'wester was built (originally named Westborough House by its original owner Senator Corbett of Oregon) it was literally a beach house, that is it was on the beach. Now it's hard to believe this is so because when you look west from the lodge now there is a new forest of Sitka spruce, shore pine, salal and (horror of horrors), Scots Broom. But recently we located this photo from the 1940's, when the lodge was named GrandView Lodge, (the Corbett's house was converted to a lodge by Mr. and Mrs J.D. O'Neil some time between 1937 and 1946) taken by someone who was actually standing in the water not far from our front door!

To the left, those of you already familiar with our property, will notice what is now our Cabin #9. A closer look reveals something not so familiar: the cabin was originally built with a masonry fireplace and chimney! You will notice too, that at this time in its life the Sou'wester's front porch wasn't glassed in as it is now.

The construction, and subsequent extension of the North Jetty at the mouth of the Columbia river has resulted in an exponential acceleration of the steady deposit of sand that long ago began to form the Long Beach Peninsula. The aerial perspective provided in the image below shows just how much land has been created in less than 70 years. The Sou'wester is at the intersection of 38th Place (the beach access road) and J Place (the western-most north/south road in the photo). It takes about 6 minutes to walk from the Lodge to the beach, approximately one quarter mile. If you fill a 5 gallon bucket with sand and carry it from your car to your garden you will begin to appreciate the enormity of this physical transformation! To really appreciate it you have to be here and walk the beach and feel the tremendous force of the surf and hear its concert with the wind! Come on down!

Joyful Artists Grace the Lodge Living Room

2011-05-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Sunday, we were pleased to present Kim Angelis and Josef Gault in concert. The living room was full (34 attended!) as the two presented an energetic afternoon of beautiful and heartfelt music that was full of joy and grace. The audience was attentive and appreciative, giving long ovations for each performance. It was the kind of performance visitors to the Sou'wester have come to expect over the years. Enlivened by the music, the audience enjoyed an intermission of mingling and tasty treats, tea and coffee from our kitchen. Last night we put the living room back in order and this morning Gizmo helped us send Kim, Josef and Paco (their big Collie) off to their next adventure, a visit for Paco to the vet in Longview. Best wishes to them, and to all Sou'westerers!
We're on the brink of summer now. Be sure to make reservations to stay with us during the fabulous months ahead!
(360)-642-2542

Fiddlin' for Free (Kinda)

2011-05-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday Concert at the Historic Sou’wester Lodge

On Sunday, May 22^nd at 2pm violinist Kim Angelis, accompanied by guitarist Josef Gualt, will be returning to Sou’wester Lodge in Seaview for a free

concert to take place in our living room. The lodge is located on the Beach Access Road (38^thSt. & J Place). The Sou’wester and the musicians provide their services for free. A monetary donation to charity is appreciated but not obligatory. Light refreshments will be served. Please call ahead to reserve your seat(s) as room is limited, (360)-642-2542.

Ms Angelis is an internationally known musician and composer who has successfully transcended artistic boundaries—her music is built on a solid classical foundation, but the inspiration flows freely from the Romany Diaspora of Eastern Europe, Russia and Spain. Angelis’ brilliant compositions showcase the beauty, power and excitement of her playing. Her music has been featured on network TV, PBS, NPR, and during the 2000 Olympics, when world champion gymnast Kui Yuanyuan of China used Kim’s music for her floor exercise. For ten years, Angelis’ first CD, Violin Voyager, resided on the Taiwanese Billboard charts. The film Sweet Nothings features her music, which was nominated for Best Original Score by the California Independent Film Society and Best Score by the International Independent Film Tour. Her 1996 CD, Esperanza, was selected as a “Choice Recording” by Strings magazine and received a nomination by Just Plain Folks for Best Instrumental Album. Kim’s 2005 release, Gypsy’s Odyssey, made Top Ten lists from Santa Cruz, CA, to Herford, Germany. In 2007, her song, “Zingaro!” won Global Rhythm Magazine’s international songwriting competition. In 2009, the violinist’s music was once again heard throughout the international sports scene, as Junior World Champion gymnast Amelia Racea of Romania performed her floor routines to a Kim Angelis recording. Currently, Angelis is releasing a new CD, The Prophecy (2011), which has been described as “beautiful, a burst of sunshine”.

Since 1994, Josef Gault has devoted himself to music. His Romany-styled guitar artistry has been inspired by such flamenco luminaries as Manitas de Plata and Sabicas, and by the Russian band, Loyko. Currently, Josef is a part-time host of the very popular All Kinds of Folk radio program on KMUN/KTCB, Astoria, Oregon. He is also the Cultural Events Coordinator at Clatsop Community College in Astoria.

For more information go to: http://www.skysong.com/

2011-05-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

This is the area called "the Fishing Rock" on the north wall of North Head, home to the famous lighthouse of the same name.

I had a chance to walk down to the edge of North Head with a friend recently, arriving at high tide and staying a few hours, long enough that the water level dropped and we were able to walk around the rocks and get this picture of the surf and birds. There was a large, bull sea lion fishing in this chaotic bowl of seawater and numerous species of shorebirds present.

While waiting for this chance I napped in the dunes for a bit and also spoke with a man who was fishing for (and catching!) surf perch. He said he was a commercial crabber who has hauled his gear in for the year, although the season is not quite closed. He had some interesting things to say about both the fishing and the crabbing.

It seems there is a trough a short distance off the beach that they call "the sink." It runs all along the Long Beach Peninsula and during very low tides sometimes the waves break both out beyond the trough on a bar there and on the beach. The crab boats sink their traps in the zone between, which often produces a bounty of crab. He described the practice as "dicey." A typical crab boat draws 20' of water and that doesn't leave much room for error so close to the shore! We often stand on the shore and see the crabbers dotting the water off the peninsula. Sometimes they stay out all night in calm weather. We have a romantic moment: O, look, a boat! It was good to talk with a man who owes his living to the practice, who, like the sea lion, lives with the threat as well as the grace of the sea.

The Royal Spartan Manor

2011-04-28T18:39:00.000-07:00

This is our Spartan Royal Manor, manufactured in the 1950's. It measures about 8'x35' and features original birch paneling. The trailer has a comfortable living room with a love seat. Like many of our trailers there's a small VCR/TV combo to play one of the many VHS movies we have in the Lodge living room. There's a kitchen with a range, refrigerator, sink and all the cookware and tableware you'll need for your beach getaway. Like most of our trailers, there's also a bathroom on board with a shower. The Manor just has it all, including WiFi and forced air heat!

The Spartan Aircraft Company of Oklahoma built this and a number of other models beginning in the 1940's.

At the end of World War II aviation manufacturing was at a stage similar to that of Computer technology in the 1990's. There were a lot of aircraft manufacturers and a post war lull in demand spurred competition in a new outlet for the particular capabilities of these companies. Travel trailers were taking off in popularity and the processes used to make them were very similar to those used in making airplanes. The products had to be tough, lightweight and weatherproof. Spartan, along with the famous Airstream, became a leader in this new area of commerce.
Like all the units here at the Sou'wester, the Royal Manor is furnished Salvation Army Style, everything selected to harmonize with the Vintage feel of our property. Over the years the Manor, along with our other Spartan trailers, the Spartan Imerial Mansion and the Spartan Royal Mansion, have proven to be durable accommodations and have housed countless vacationers, including many writers and artists who have come here and made the most of our quiet, secluded location.At the end of a long day on the beach, or hiking the Discovery Trail, there's nothing like settling down in the cozy confines of the yacht-like Spartan Royal Manor

Renewal

2011-04-24T16:43:00.000-07:00

Gizmo Celebrates the Season!

As a dog of privilege, Gizmo sometimes forgets his blessings. So, as a reminder of just how right things are in his world, we did a forced march to the beach after a recent storm and made him fetch the constructs of this sculpture. Further, Gizmo had to sit (and remain sitting) while we put it together, using only sand and gravity. Receiving, at last, the okay to resume his olfactory survey of the "world's longest beach," he peed on our work before moving on to inspect the nearest tangle of kelp, crab-pot rope, gull bones and driftwood.

As residents of the Sou'wester, we too sometimes forget how good things are, in spite of horizontal rain. A trip to the beach (a 6 minute walk) works every time to remind us what a glorious environment we're in, with its maleable facade of seagrass, spruce and pine. Sometimes too we forget that the world toils for a chance to come to where we are, to breathe the air we breathe here, on the edge of the continent where everything seems new again.

Sou'westering: Passover and Easter, April 17, 20ll

2011-04-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

[This entry is a copy of the email newsletter, Sou'westering, a publication that had it's beginnings in the days before the internet and continues, almost monthly, to this day. Sou'westering is published via the authorial and editorial teamwork of Len and Miriam Atkins ( Lodge owners) and its content ranges from Sou'wester news and publicity to commentary to philosophy. If you would like to subscribe send an email to souwester@willapabay.org with "subscribe to Sou'westering" in the subject line. NOTE: This is NOT the Sou'wester business email address! For business and reservations contact: sou'westerlodge@gmail.com]

Dear Sou'westerers, friends and family,
The Easter/Passover season is once again with us. We wish you well and hope you will all enjoy yourselves as you celebrate the return of Spring with good food, warm companionship in the spirit of the holidays. The origins of Passover and Easter, celebrations of freedom and rejuvenation, lie in distant times of turmoil in the Middle East.

My mind turns too to the present turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa.

I think of the different types of leaders that these events spawned.

Pharoah was a king whose rule depended on the suppression of enslaved peoples.

Moses was a leader who sought to unify and hearten a disparate rabble of ex-slaves around a code of morality declared of divine origin.

Jesus was a leader whose leadership was based on love and universality.

Time passes but some things remain the same.

We witness leaders whose power had rested on suppression of their people.

There are still others who claw onto power inflicting bloodshed and suffering.

Despite the secular nature of much of the revolution in Egypt, the new unifying constitution declares a legal code deemed to be based on a divine source.

Contrast all this with the Dalai Lama. His leadership too is based on love and universality. Rather than cling to power, he wishes to relinquish his power now, while he is still in good health and in a position to help with its transition to new leaders.

Far from resenting him, his followers have not accepted his request to retire and wish him to continue to remain in authority.

I am reminded of a quotation sent me about a chat with Dawn Liebenberg. A question posed to the Dalai Lama.

"What about humanity surprises you most?" His answer was as follows.

"Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money in order to recuperate his health. And he is so anxious about the future that he doesn't enjoy the present. And as a result he doesn't live in the present or in the future. And he lives as if he is never going to die, and then he dies having never really lived."

This is, perhaps, a somewhat starker picture of life than you may fully agree with. I hope, however, we are not overly presumptuous when we humbly wish that, away from the hubbub of daily life, a sojourn in the bare-bones, down to earth environment of the Sou'wester adds to your experiences of living in the present, in the deepest sense of the term.

THE WHATEVERLY BROTHERS.

Our thanks to the Whateverly Brothers for their generous rollicking evening of entertainment a few weeks ago.. The siblings flawlessly bounced off each other, their enjoyment of their music and flawless bouncing off each other rivalled only by the great pleasure the audience derived from their performance. A total of $340 (including some funds paid directly by an audience donor) was raised for Mercy Corps to aid the Japanese Tsunami relief.

And our thanks to all of you who have reached this point in the Sou'westering without having clicked the delete key.

With Easter, Passover and Spring greetings to all,

Len, Miriam, Stephen, Catherine and Gizmo.

PS In dire need of freedom and rejuvenation? Let us know and we will remove your name from our mailing list.

Best Wishes,

Historic Sou'wester Lodge, Cabins & Tch,Tch! & RV Park
(360) 642-2542

5 Days of Razor Clam Digging OK'd by Washington State

2011-04-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

Make sure you eat a big breakfast before you go clam digging!

Well, we can't promise results like these, but come on down and try your luck! Clamming is open for digging April 19 through April 22 until noon each day, plus April 23 until 1 p.m. The tides for this dig are the lowest in several months. Generally, the lower the tides the easier and more plentiful the harvest will be.
For details, including tips on methods and tools go to:

http://funbeach.com/activities/clamming/

Neither Out Far nor In Deep

2011-04-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

At times like this, nothing really matters!

Neither Out Far Nor In Deep

The people along the sand
All turn and look one way.
They turn their back on the land.
They look at the sea all day.

As long as it takes to pass
A ship keeps raising its hull;
The wetter ground like glass
Reflects a standing gull.

The land may vary more;
But wherever the truth may be---
The water comes ashore,
And the people look at the sea.

They cannot look out far.
They cannot look in deep.
But when was that ever a bar
To any watch they keep?

by Robert Frost

2011-04-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

The Zelmar Cruiser

Here's a look at the Zelmar Cruiser. It's a favorite, renting far more frequently than most of our vintage, 50's trailers. Perhaps it is the bigger windows, or maybe the fact that it sits at the end of the row where there may be less foot traffic nearby. It's perfect for a couple and can be stretched to accommodate three. There's a stove and an ample refrigerator (vintage, of course) and a nice booth for sharing meals. We have several returning guests who request the Zelmar specifically. Try it, you'll see why!

Is this Breakfast Nook Vintage 50's or What?!

Every Cruiser Needs a Galley

View from the Kitchen through to the Living Room

Hideaway Here!

2011-04-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

Surf-crabbing at Seaview on an incoming tide.

There are a lot of things to do, (or watch being done), here. We saw this fellow casting a little crab-bait cage into the surf. That's Beard's Hollow and North Head in the distance, south of Seaview. You can walk down there in an hour or so. At low tide there are tide pools and small caves and you can walk around the rocks. Just get out of there in plenty of time before the tide comes up!

Our dry spell continues a third day, this one with clouds. I suspect a rain will begin a few hours after dark this evening. I went in to Long Beach this morning for plumbing parts. The go-carts and putt-putt golf were in operation. Here comes summer! I even saw a couple on the sidewalk with gigantic ice cream cones stacked with some kind of blue ice cream! I'm not ready for that, but I'll take the increasing light and influx of families and lovers to our little corner of the world. Let Spring reign!

The beach at Beard's Hollow

Finally! A Bluebird Day

2011-04-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

Dinner is THIS way!

Here in Seaview even long time residents are whining about all the rain. Yesterday the weather broke and we waltzed down to the shore with friends. Nothing is so restorative as a good look at the ocean's surf. It was fairly big and disorganized, a "washing machine" the fishermen say. It is better, I think, to be next to rather than in!

Evening Low Tide, April 7th

Our friends and guests' daughter loaned these pictures, seeing with fresh eyes the wonders wherein we dwell. Thanks, Liv!

April Showers Bring More Showers

2011-04-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

Well, after a big wind overnight on Friday the rain has resumed. Outside the bedroom sit the New Yorker and the Royal Spartan Mansion, II, and it doesn't take much rain to make a drummer of the giant spruce trees as they gather the ocean mist into drops as big as teaspoons. We are soon aware of the slightest changes. This morning the rain is fine, just enough to make Gizmo need a nudge out the door (and down the steps) to do his business. He gives me one last look over his shoulder (wouldn't I like to come along?) before making the short circuit that terminates in front of his mini-chunk breakfast. Some things in life you can count on. Here we can count on the rain and Gizmo can count on a mini-chunk breakfast. We're wanting guests and a little sun. There's something in the spring air now that says we'll have both soon....

Birthday, for Catherine and this Blog!

2011-04-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

On a quiet day at the Lodge a small group enjoyed a brief celebration of Catherine's Birthday marked by the performance of a few traditional Swedish folk songs on violin by her sister, Christine, (an accomplished concert musician) and a lunch of locally smoked fish, vegetables, cheeses and, of course a birthday cake with just one candle. There were tears at the table when our special guest, Adam, (who is staying in the Blue Wave), sang a pair of Italian love songs as his gift to the celebration.

The day also saw the birth of the Sou'wester Lodgepodge, this blog, where we hope to post a stream of observations about doings here in Seaview. There are so many dedicated, returning guests who know the magical attraction of our place. But many, as they seek information, find our web page insufficient. Of course, the best thing to do, if you're really interested, is to give us a call (360-642-2542), but, we thought, perhaps the addition of a blog would give everyone a chance to check in on the old place. Our plan, (O, the folly), is to post the ordinary happenings as well as publicize our various cultural events here. As time goes by it's certain we'll discover exactly the best use of this medium. Meanwhile we'll ramble along. The signature for these post will be "The Sou'wester Family," with the intention that various official functionaries of the institution may, from time to time, capture their thoughts and place them here.