Mile 104 - Bullards Beach west of the Campground - January 13, 2008

Report Details

There is much dune erosion in my mile and one beyond. The water from the high tides, pacific storms and surf advisories has encroached well into the dunes, leaving exposed beachgrass roots and numerous logs and other debris above the normal water line. Ocean-borne litter is abundant; I removed 1 Solv bag full and could have taken out three more if I'd been able to cart them all at once. Styrofoam chunks and plastic bottles were the most common debris. Shell fragments and small rocks were notable in the surf line. Canada Geese flying south and a few gulls offshore. Low human impact (5)-3 walking and 2 rockhunting. 3 dogs.

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Tide Level: 2.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 5. Number of dogs: 3. Walking or running: 3.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 5.

Notable Wildlife

Not much activity. A flying wing of Canada Geese going south; a few gulls offshore.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. Seabird was double-tagged; unsure what it was but not a gull.

Driftline Content

Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. Many huge chunks of trees

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune, Evidence of wave overtopping.

Actions & Comments

It appears from the eroded state of the dunes that there is no beach at all at high tide. The surf has been high, according to the weather forecasters and amateur observations, and the surge has been dramatic during almost a week of non-stop pacific storms with high winds and rain. There is a heavy accumulation of logs at areas where the tide normally runs in and a scattering elsewhere, including in the dunes.