March 16, 2024

There was a beach hazard statement issued and I wanted to see what impact that would have as we were experiencing the first fine weather after so many weeks of cold rain. I was charmed by a family of six playing on the beach, the children even playing in the water.

Report Details

There was a beach hazard statement issued and I wanted to see what impact that would have as we were experiencing the first fine weather after so many weeks of cold rain. The advisement warned of sneaker waves, but I did not notice any. However, I did speak to a fisherman who got very soaked from an unexpected wave. They were fishing for, and catching Kelp Greenlings, which they said tasted like cod. I was charmed by a family of six playing on the beach, the children even playing in the water. I saw people sunbathing! Yes, most of my observations were of humans, as normally this site is little visited. I did find Velella Velella again...at least I think that's what they were. They were completely transparent, but, though my picture doesn't show it, they were very much shaped like a Velella Velella. I was pleased to see a sea star in an unusual area. I really hope they are continuing to rebound. I did find a sea urchin in an unusual spot as well, just a single one. I did see them in there normal spot at the northern border. I also watch to older gentlemen accessing the south part of middle cove, but you really can't walk on much of that section. I did find a large collection of pulverized wood pieces which probably account for the large amount of small wood pieces in the wrack line.

Conditions

Temperature: 65 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Tide Level: 1.19 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 40. Sitting: 31. Tidepooling: 10. Fishing: 2. No one can bring land vehicles to this beach. I did count 12 cars in the parking area, but there could have been more, as, every possible spot was filled. Such a contrast to the last time I did a report. I am sure the fine weather brought people out after months of RAIN. I was so please to see children on this beach, playing in the surf and sand. People were sunbathing!

Notable Wildlife

I had hoped I might see harlequins, but no joy. I saw very little above water wildlife. The usual assortment of snails and limpets and chitons were arrayed everywhere. I did see I nice fat sea star in an area I usually don't fairly high on the north side of the bay. I also spotted a lone sea urchin. I also saw a small mossy chiton.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Wood pieces, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.). Saw a few Velella Velella, but they were purely transparent. I need to research whether they lose their color after a time, or if maybe I have misidentified the creature.

New Development

The bottom of the main trail has had some rudimentary enforcement. I did not take pictures, as I was too focused trying to get across! I saw some rebar, and I am not sure if that hasn't been there for quire some time, with erosion exposing more of it. There was a rope supplied for getting around the washout. As I was returning that way, I needed assistance in traversing that area, because I was bringing out a bag of trash. I think any trail maintenance is nessesary and good here, as if parks did not provide a way, alternate, more damaging access would be used.

Natural Changes

Newly exposed roots/trees falling, Visible retreat of solid bluff.