Mile 188 - Neptune SP, Strawberry Hill Picnic Area - January 16, 2023

Report Details

There were two mudslides on the north beach, 20-40 yards north of the parking area, that appeared to be recent. And some trees seem to have fallen down from the top of the bluffs overlooking the north beach. So bluff erosion is continuing to occur. There did not seem to be as much erosion on the south beach bluffs. However, the bluff erosion on the south side of the parking area may have increased, with thew bluff edge now only 7-8 feet from wooden fence and maybe 10 feet from the parking area curb. 35-40 ducks were paddling in the surf. I have not seen ducks here before, so they were probably seasonal migrants. I could not get close enough to identify what type they were. 30-35 harbor seals were resting on the rocky islands just offshore, as is common here. The water level was so high that, despite low tide, very few tidepools were accessible. Those that were had the usual quantities of green anemones, small crabs, barnacles, mussels, and limpets. Sea stars are common here but usually at depths not visible with high water levels.

Conditions

Temperature: 48 F. Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 2.6 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 15. Number of dogs: 1. Tidepooling: 2. Fishing: 1.

Concerns

Apparent violations: None..

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 12.

Notable Wildlife

35-40 ducks were paddling in the surf. I have not seen ducks here before, so they were probably seasonal migrants. I could not get close enough to identify what type they were. 30-35 harbor seals were resting on the rocky islands just offshore, as is common here. The water level was so high that, despite low tide, very few tidepools were accessible. Those that were had the usual quantities of green anemones, small crabs, barnacles, mussels, and limpets. Sea stars are common here but usually at depths not visible with high water levels.

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Wood pieces, Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Styrofoam. Recent storms have brought considerable driftwood and a small amount of plastic debris onto shore.

Natural Changes

Landslides/major boulder falls, Newly exposed roots/trees falling, Visible retreat of solid bluff. There were two mudslides on the north beach, 20-40 yards north of the parking area, that appeared to be recent. And some trees seem to have fallen down from the top of the bluffs overlooking the north beach. So bluff erosion is continuing to occur. There did not seem to be as much erosion on the south beach bluffs. However, the bluff erosion on the south side of the parking area may have increased, with thew bluff edge now only 7-8 feet from wooden fence and maybe 10 feet from the parking area curb.