Sorry for the delay. Much reporting and adventuring in Astoria last week in preparation for an upcoming feature for the May issue of the magazine. It’s going to be about the Columbia River Bar Pilots…the brave sea captains in charge of boarding and guiding the massive transit ships through one of the most dangerous crossings in the world. Not only do they risk their lives on a daily basis, but they’re basically in charge of keeping Oregon’s most famous port (and therefore our economy) cranking along. Get ready for death-defying boat on ship action, helicopter hijinx, run-ins with international vessels, and the back story of how one reporter in an emasculating white Prius was able to fit in with a bunch of salty bad asses.

Much more to come, but in the meantime, here’s a primer on the CRBP.