Mile 104 - Bullards Beach west of the Campground - December 7, 2007

Report Details

The pitch of the beach (about 20 degrees) and the heighth of the tides are moving the accumulated logs from the dune base. Some are tossed inland; others out to sea or wherever. There will be at least two nonexistent beach areas at stormy high tides; at the southern end and perhaps a quarter mile past the horse trail sign northward. There was minimal animal activity and nonexistent human activity, probably because of the high wind and still-stormy tides. One Solv bag of litter removed. Shells, kelp/algae, wood pieces, ocean-based debris, Styrofoam, plastic bottles and plastic fragments. Some Sanderlings foraging in the surfline. A few gulls flying offshore.

Conditions

Temperature: 40 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Strong. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 7.4 feet.

Notable Wildlife

Not much activity: a few crows picking at the dune line; a half-dozen Sanderlings in the surf; a few gulls flying offshore.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. Freshly dead large seabird--perhaps a coot.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. also plastic bottles and fragments

Natural Changes

Evidence of wave overtopping.

Actions & Comments

The beach now has a pronounced tilt to it, perhaps 20 degrees. and the storm tides of Dec. 2 and 3 went far into the grassy dunes, sometimes as much as 20 feet. This was particularly evident at the southern end of mile 104 and a few places where the fishermen flock because of deep water offshore.