Houston & Katie Vandergriff, Down & Towns

Mike Wendel, Tillamook Bay Watershed Council

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Wendel, the Council Coordinator for the Tillamook Bay Watershed Council, to talk about how they’re working to protect the region’s watershed. Learn what a watershed is, how they’re partnering across the region to protect it, and how you can help support their mission. Below are the organizations, partners, and information about the waterways mentioned in our conversation. Explore the links to learn more about the people and places shaping the future of the Tillamook Coast. Helpful links: * * Tillamook Bay Watershed Council [https://www.tillamookbaywatershedcouncil.org/] * * TBWC on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/tillamookbaywatershedcouncil] * * TBWC on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tillamookbaywatershedcouncil/] * * More about Mike [https://www.tillamookbaywatershedcouncil.org/staff] * * Tillamook Estuaries Partnership [https://www.tbnep.org/] * * Leave No Trace [https://tillamookcoast.com/leave-no-trace-tillamook/] * * Wild & Scenic Film Festival [https://wildandscenicfilmfestival.org/] * * Cape Meares Lake [https://tillamookcoast.com/where-to-go/cape-meares/] * * Nehalem River [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nehalem_River] * * Wilson River [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilson_River_(Oregon)] * * Trask River [https://tillamookcoast.com/blog/grants-getaways-trask-river-camping/] * * Tillamook River [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tillamook_River] * * Kilchis River [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilchis_River] * * Rockaway, OR [https://www.gorockaway.org/] * * Netarts Bay [https://tillamookcoast.com/where-to-go/netarts/] * * Bayocean Spit [https://tillamookcoast.com/blog/bayocean-spit/] Credits: * Hosted by Nicole Steen * Music by Eric Sappington & Mercury Coast [https://mercurycoast.com/] * Edited by Jon Richardson [https://www.jrmediaservices.net/]

Sharlys Leszczuk, Nestucca High School's Hospitality and Tourism Program

In this episode, we sit down with Sharlys Leszczuk, educator, real estate agent, and lifelong hospitality professional, to talk about how she’s bringing tourism education to life for students at Nestucca Valley High School. From her start in fine dining and PR in New York City to serving and teaching on the Oregon Coast, Sharlys shares how hospitality is more than service—it’s about connection, creativity, and community. Below are the organizations, local businesses, and partners mentioned in our conversation. Explore the links to learn more about the people and places shaping the future of Oregon Coast tourism and hospitality education. Helpful links * Nestucca Valley Jr./Sr. High School [https://www.nestucca.k12.or.us/] * Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (TCVA) [https://tillamookcoast.com/] * Tillamook Estuaries Partnership [https://www.tbnep.org/] * The Schooner Restaurant & Lounge (Netarts Bay) [https://www.schooner.restaurant/] * Garibaldi Boathouse (Garibaldi, OR [https://www.tillamookbayheritageroute.org/historicboathouse] * Grateful Bread Bakery & Restaurant (Pacific City) [https://www.gratefulbreadpacificcity.com/] * The Riverhouse Nestucca (Pacific City) [https://www.riverhousenestucca.com/] * Heartfelt Hospitality [https://www.heartfelthospitality.com/] * Tillamook County Parks Departmen [https://www.tillamookcounty.gov/parks] * Tillamook Air Museum [https://www.tillamookair.com/] * Pacific City Chamber of Commerce [https://pacificcity.com/chamber/] * Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce [https://tillamookchamber.org/] * Explore Tillamook Coast – Adventure Guide [https://tillamookcoast.com/content/2021-Tillamook-Coast-Adventure-Guide.pdf] * Tillamook County Library System [https://www.tillabook.org/] Credits: * Hosted by Dan Haag * Music by Eric Sappington & Mercury Coast [https://mercurycoast.com/] * Edited by Jon Richardson [https://www.jrmediaservices.net/]

Sydney Elliott, Kayak Tillamook

In this episode of Tillamook Coast Conversations, Nicole interviews Sydney Elliott, the owner and operator of Kayak Tillamook. Sydney shares her journey from being an English professor to running a guided kayak tour business, emphasizing the transformative power of nature and the importance of connection to the environment. She discusses the unique experiences offered through her tours, the significance of accessibility, and the role of her guides as ambassadors for the waterways. Sydney also highlights the importance of safety, community engagement, and the joy of celebrating milestones on the water. Helpful links: * * Kayak Tillamook [https://kayaktillamook.com/] * Alice’s Country House [https://www.facebook.com/p/Alices-Country-House-100055389165363/] * Juntos Afuera [https://opencampus.oregonstate.edu/juntos-afuera] * WEBS | Friends of Netharts Bay Watershed, Estuary, Beach, & Sea [https://www.netartsbaywebs.org/] Credits: * Hosted by Nicole Steen * Music by Eric Sappington & Mercury Coast [https://mercurycoast.com/] * Edited by Jon Richardson [https://www.jrmediaservices.net/]

Houston & Katie Vandergriff, Down & Towns

On this episode of Tillamook Coast Conversations, Mother & Son duo Katie and Houston Vandergriff share Houston’s inspiring journey documenting their worldwide travels while advocating for disability awareness and accessibility in travel. They discuss the origin of their platform, Downs and Towns, and how Houston's Down Syndrome has shaped their experiences and perspectives. In this conversation with host Dan Haag, they stress the importance of travel for personal growth, the challenges faced in accessible travel, and the positive trends in awareness and support for individuals with disabilities. They also share memorable experiences from their travels, particularly in Oregon, and emphasize the power of storytelling in changing perceptions around disability. Helpful links: * Downs & Towns [https://www.downsandtowns.com/] * Photographer With Down Syndrome's Viral TikTok Gets Over a Million Likes [https://www.newsweek.com/photographer-down-syndromes-viral-tiktok-gets-over-million-likes-1581120] on Newsweek * TravelAbility [https://www.travelability.org] * 4-H [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4-H] * Annual Dahlia Festival [https://www.canbyoregon.gov/tourism/page/annual-dahlia-festival] * Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival [https://www.woodenshoe.com/tulip-festival/] * Pacific City, OR [https://tillamookcoast.com/where-to-go/pacific-city/] * Rockaway Big Tree Boardwalk [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/rockaway-big-tree-boardwalk] * Tillamook Estuaries Partnership [https://www.tbnep.org] * Tillamook Air Museum [https://www.tillamookair.com] * Cape Meares Lighthouse [https://tillamookcoast.com/where-to-go/cape-meares-lighthouse/] * Old Wheeler Hotel [https://tillamookcoast.com/blog/old-wheeler-hotel/] * Garibaldi Boat House [http://www.garibaldiboathouse.org] * Wheel the World [https://wheeltheworld.com/] Credits: * Hosted by Dan Haag * Music by Eric Sappington & Mercury Coast⁠ [https://mercurycoast.com/] * Edited by Jon Richardson⁠ [https://www.jrmediaservices.net/]

Trevor Rogers, de Garde Brewing

In this episode, Trevor Rogers from de Garde Brewing shares the journey of establishing their brewery in Tillamook, focusing on their unique brewing techniques that emphasize spontaneous fermentation and local ingredients. Trevor discusses the challenges and craftsmanship involved in their brewing process, the importance of seasonality, and their commitment to sustainability. Trevor also highlights the significance of community engagement, collaborations with other breweries, and the evolution of de Garde's locations. Dan and Trevor touch on their annual anniversary event, milestones in de Garde’s journey, and future plans for the brewery. Helpful Links: * de Garde Brewing [https://degardebrewing.com] * Belgian Lambic [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lambic] * Drie Fonteinen [https://www.3fonteinen.be/en/] * Coolship [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coolship] * Crosby Hop Farms [https://www.crosbyhops.com/] * Fort George [https://fortgeorgebrewery.com/] * Brew Häus [https://www.livinghausbeer.com/] * Ruse Brewing [https://www.rusebrewing.com/] * Port of Tillamook Bay [https://www.potb.org/] * Tillamook Air Museum  [https://www.tillamookair.com/] * TCVA [https://tillamookcoast.com/] * Trailkeepers of Oregon [https://trailkeepersoforegon.org/] * Tillamook County Fairgrounds [https://www.tillamookfair.com/] * Night of the Great Thirst [https://www.lambic.info/Nacht_van_de_Grote_Dorst] * BXL [https://www.bxlbeerfest.com/] * Cantillon Brewery [https://www.cantillon.be/?lang=en] * Country Squire Food Truck [https://www.countrysquirekitchen.com/] Credits: * Hosted by Dan Haag * Music by Eric Sappington & Mercury Coast [https://mercurycoast.com/] * Edited by Jon Richardson [https://www.jrmediaservices.net/]