Mile 116 Report
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
May 1, 2022
I came for the minus tide since the weather would be dry.
Report Details
I came for the minus tide since the weather would be dry. Very light human use. Very healthy seeming population of Pisaster ochraceus, and a possibly corresponding healthy seeming population of urchins, compared to overgrowth in seasons past. Noticed a bit more kelp in wrack than usual. Spring time has arrived at the cove. I met two students from OIMB, one of which has great eyesight and spied a very small creature, possibly a nudibranch.
Conditions
Temperature: 45 F. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: -0.7 feet.
Activities
Number of people: 6. Walking or running: 6. Tidepooling: 2.
Other Activities: I was surprised to find two cars parked ahead of me this morning. The whole Cape was otherwise deserted. Nothing concerning..
Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 5.
Notable Wildlife
Sparrows were very active in the cliffs.
Wrackline Content
Seaweeds and seagrass, Marine debris, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.).
Natural Changes
Visible retreat of solid bluff.
Actions & Comments
Nothing concerning.
There was a small craft warning today, and the cove had pretty good surf as well.
Muddy trail after recent rains
I saw a bit more fresh kelp in the wrack than usual. The oak leaf shape caught my eye. It's not in my book.
Spring time at the cove, Sea Sacs are budding
Lots of slippery green algae convinced me not to go out to far. Seemed very spring-like.
Saw a good amount of Ochre Stars, all healthy, ranging in size from big, extra big and half size.
I've seen grass do this before. I don't know if this is last years growth, but I think so.
Notice new water courses on the cliffs
I thought I was seeing a strange gumboot chiton, but when I walked around, I saw the coralline algae was just curved around a rock.
I don't know what this is. It was about 2 inches long, hollow and covered in stuff.
Articulated coralline algae
Just a couple sea anemones hanging around, waiting for the tide to come in.
Now this IS a gumboot chiton. Is it being picked on?
I met Daisha and Lauren, students at Oregon Institute of Marine Biology
Lauren really gets into her studies. She was intrigued by an extremely small, light blue speck of a creature, possible a nudibranch.
I've never before noticed this plant growing amongst the driftwood.
Report Images
alaingamerica
CoastWatcher
All Mile 116 Reports
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
A lone California Sea Lion was surprised by me as I made my way to the Northern most tip of the cove.
Elaine Cramer
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
I visited the cove on my own time, and I was struck by the wrack content. I also investigated what I consider an "unsanctioned" trail, or a "surfer trail".
Elaine
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
I'm sorry, but life events prevented me from completing this report in a timely manner.
Elaine Cramer
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
The day before, there was a much lower tide and I thought everyone must have come that day, because I was the only one at the start, but more people kept coming as the day wore on.
Elaine Cramer
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
Was a beautiful Saturday at the Cove.
Elaine C
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
A minus tide brought many visitors to South Cove, one group being led by Larry, a Oregon Shores board member.
Elaine Cramer
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Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
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.
alaingamerica
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
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.
Elaine Cramer