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.

Report Images

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Elaine Cramer

CoastWatcher

All Mile 116 Reports

Date

Showing 8 of 46 reports

Mile 116

Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove

June 23, 2024

A minus tide brought many visitors to South Cove, one group being led by Larry, a Oregon Shores board member.

Elaine Cramer

Mile 116

Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove

May 11, 2024

Two separate study groups were present, one measuring Gumboot Chitons and the surrounding algae and one studying sea urchins, ones living in pits versus ones not. I saw a couple families bringing their small children to South Cove, and a flock of pelicans.

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