Mile 118 Report
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
June 9, 2009
What little accessable beach on this mile is closed at this time of the year for protection of harbor seals that might be giving birth.
Report Details
What little accessable beach on this mile is closed at this time of the year for protection of harbor seals that might be giving birth.All 4 usual species of marine mammals were present. I would have expected fewer Ca Sea Lions since it is time for them to start heading to their breeding grounds. Note:Last night about 8PM,I observed a pod of Orca passing this site.The Brown Pelicans are back in good numbers, as are the vultures. Only saw 1 osprey.The main human activity was 12 boats fishing by the reef.The vandalized bench has been replaced. Some new writing on the other bench. Some of the old had been cleaned. Found the remains of a campfire at one of the overlooks.In the midden area,I found some burned wood sticking up out of the soil.Found at least 13 species of plants in bloom:however,no signs of the bog lily. Wood and plastic bottles in driftline. One person with a dog on trail. Nine watching wildlife at viewing platform.
Conditions
Temperature: 68 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW.
Human Activities
Number of people: 1. Number of dogs: 1. Other Activities: wildlife watching-9. There were 12 boats fishing along this mile.There was new writing on the north bench.Some of the old had been cleaned.
Concerns
Fire
Apparent violations: Found a dead fire on the trail.Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 4.
Notable Wildlife
Usual 4 species of marine mammals were present.Was surprised at how many Ca.Sea Lions were present instead of on their way to the Channel Islands.
Driftline Content
Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Wood pieces. Many plastic bottles
Actions & Comments
Picked up litteralong the trail and at the north bench site.
D Bone
CoastWatcher
All Mile 118 Reports
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
Shore Acres State Park is a lovely place, with beautiful vistas and hiking trails, hundreds of marine mammals visible at Simpson Reef Overlook, and a wonderful botanical garden.
GasiorowskiM
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
Thirty-seven people were observing wildlife at Simpson Reef.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
Wildlife was a major feature of this trip, as usual.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
I saw a total of 5 people.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
Human Activities; 2 people walking their dogs and picking up trash, 2 people fishing, and 2 people watching wildlife.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
The little available beach on this mile is still closed for Harbor Seal birthing.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
Not much happening.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
A lady sketching seals and sea lions from the Simpson's Reef Viewing Area pointed out an Elephant Seal with two pups.
Pat&RobertaSmit