Mile 284 - Cape Meares SP north - July 27, 2008 | Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition

Report Details

Very cloudy and cool start to the day which left me nearly alone on the beach when I started out. Mugginess increased, the sun peaked through and suddenly people came out from all sides. The South end of the mile is the most interesting because it's where mountains meet the sea. Multiple trees are down at the edge; likely from the December storm, but a few clearly dropped many years before. There's a cove at the Southern most end where shrimpers drop their nets. It's also where all the toilet paper, junked coolers, abandoned nets, etc. are. The woods were empty, which at this tide level is the only way to reach the cove at the Cape's edge. Outside of the gulls and the tide, there was no sound, but a plethora of color with foxgloves and thick greens. Photos soon, but I have dial-up, so it takes a bit.

Conditions

Temperature: 65 F. Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: -0.2 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 12. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 3. Playing in sand: 2. Sitting: 4. Fishing: 3. Mine was the only vehicle going out; on return there were six (apart from mine).

Concerns

Fire, Litter

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 6.

Notable Wildlife

WEstern Gulls in the water; tons of highly pungent kelp right at the Southern most curl of the Cape.

Beached Birds

None

Stranded Marine Mammals

None

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Oddly enough, a dead porcupine at the base of the rack.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Small rocks, Wood pieces. an old cooler, dilapidated crab traps, toilet paper

Natural Changes

embankment is clearly in slow erosion mode

Actions & Comments

There are visible gaps in the ground about 6" to a foot wide at the top of the embankment where it overlooks the shoreline at the South end. Stairs were built into the clay at the Southern most end and the bottom ones leading to the beach are gone. It's unclear whether they've been eroded by the ocean or whether it's human caused.