Mile 118 - Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint - December 30, 2008

Report Details

A total of 25 people were observed.17 were at the Simpson Reef Overlook watching the marine mammals below and looking for whales. Two of the 7 hikers had 2 dogs on leashes. One of the hikers was collecting moss,which is his hobby. Construction to replace the bench destroyed by vandals has begun. Writing was on the other bench on this mile,which included names(see body of report).Most of this mile has no beach,so there is little shore. There is, however, a great many rocks that are a part of Simpson Reef. I observed over 100 Harbor Seals on the Shell Island beach. There were only a couple of hundred CA Sea Lions and only a few Stellar Sea Lions.This is the birthing and mating time for the Nothern Elephant Seal-3 females and 1 male. 15 CA Gray Whales were observed during today's Whale Watch. Brown Pelicans are still present in large numbers. ODFW says it is due to a large successful hatch the last 2 years and a large herring run. I also observed 1 Great Blue Heron,cormorants,and gulls.Considering the amount of rain recently,the trail was in great shape with only a few muddy spots and puddles. Some erosion is taking place on the bluffs. The seasonal streams and waterfalls are running.

Conditions

Temperature: 45 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 6.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 25. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 7. Other Activities: 18. 17 people were watching the marine mammals. 1 was collecting moss.Names on the bench included: Kimberley Renee McKinney, Madison Sky McKinney,and J. Long (the bench is dedicated to the Longs)and also, a swastika.

Concerns

Litter

Apparent violations: Magic marker writing on a bench.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 9.

Notable Wildlife

15 CA Gray Whales were spotted during today's Whale Watch.4 Elephant Seals (1 male), over 100 Harbor Seals on the Shell Island beach, small numbers of CA Sea Lions and only a very few Stellar Sea Lions. Brown Pelicans (unusual for this time of year), 1 Great Blue Heron, cormorants, and gulls. The kelp forests appear in good shape.

Driftline Content

Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Wood pieces.

Natural Changes

Only small amounts of rock or soil have eroded.The trail was in great shape for all of the rain lately.

D Bone

CoastWatcher

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Mile 118

Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint

August 22, 2022

Shore Acres State Park is a lovely place, with beautiful vistas and hiking trails, hundreds of marine mammals visible at Simpson Reef Overlook, and a wonderful botanical garden.

GasiorowskiM