Mile 118 Report
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
December 9, 2007
About a week before this observation, there had been sizeable storms in the area.
Report Details
About a week before this observation, there had been sizeable storms in the area. This was evidenced by downed branches and trees as well as slides along the bluff(none were too serious). There was considerable trash in the driftline as well along the trail. Some of the trash indicated inappropriate use of the area(sex and alcohol). Vandalism of the telescopes at the Simpson Reef overlook was disappointing to see. As usual,the wildlife on Simpson Reef was active although in smaller numbers (several hundred California Sea Lions and Steller Sea Lions) as expected for the time of year. There was 1 dead California Sea Lion on the beach. Bald Eagle flew over and deer tracks were seen on trail. Ground squirrel mounds along trail. Low human impact (3)-watching pinnipeds.
Conditions
Temperature: 35 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: W.
Human Activities
Number of people: 3. Other Activities: Watching pinnipeds.
Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 1.
Notable Wildlife
Several hundred California Sea Lions and Stellar Sea Lions on Shell Island.A 3rd year Bald Eagle flew over. Saw deer tracks on the trail and ground squirrel mounds.
Stranded Marine Mammals
Total stranded mammals: 1. California Sea Lion just south of the viewing platform-dead.
Driftline Content
Wood pieces. Board from destoyed bench(last report) has moved a 1/4 mile south.Lots of plastic bottles.
Natural Changes
Newly exposed roots/trees falling, Landslides/major boulder falls. A section of the trail on top of the bluff had downed branches and 2 trees of about 8 inch diameter were down over the trail.
Actions & Comments
Two of the three telescopes and stands have been stolen. The third telescope is missing and the stand twisted beyond repair. Trash picked up at the bench near the north end of the mile indicated drinking and sexual activity had happened. Also,there was a dirty diaper. No respect!
D Bone
CoastWatcher
All Mile 118 Reports
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
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
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
Thirty-seven people were observing wildlife at Simpson Reef.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
Wildlife was a major feature of this trip, as usual.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
I saw a total of 5 people.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
Human Activities; 2 people walking their dogs and picking up trash, 2 people fishing, and 2 people watching wildlife.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
The little available beach on this mile is still closed for Harbor Seal birthing.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
Not much happening.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
A lady sketching seals and sea lions from the Simpson's Reef Viewing Area pointed out an Elephant Seal with two pups.
Pat&RobertaSmit