Mile 118 Report
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
March 26, 2009
There was the usual wet &/or muddy sections on the trail, streams and waterfalls, and erosion in the areas where I would expect to see them at this time of the year.
Report Details
There was the usual wet &/or muddy sections on the trail, streams and waterfalls, and erosion in the areas where I would expect to see them at this time of the year.There was new vandalism in the form of writing on the new concrete base for the replacement bench(yet to be installed) and the remaining bench.There was more than usual trash from picnics along the trail (I picked it up). Also more "stuff" than usual on the beach section of this mile. Ex-wood pallet, lumber, much styrofoam, crab pot buoy. Since the beach is closed at this time of year for wildlife,I could not pick any of it up.The major human activity (29) was watching for marine mammals, esp. whales.Many marine mammals were observed. Grey whales-21 this morning during Whale Watch, 2 while on this hike. Elephant Seals-2 tagged pups, 3 adult females, California Sea Lions-100-200, Stellar Sea Lions-very few, Harbor Seals-200-300,many yearlings and 1 early pup nursing.Birds were Bald eagle, immature OspreyTurkey Vultures,Crows-around a tide pool,Pelagic Cormorants-some w/ breeding plumageBlack Oystercatchers, Harliquin Duck-1 male & 1 female together, Black Turnstone and Pigeon Guillemont.
Conditions
Temperature: 52 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW.
Human Activities
Other Activities: Observing Wildlife-29. Trash from lunch was left on the trail.There was writing on the new concrete base for the replacement bench(not installed yet).More writing on the bench that remains. Hasn't been cleaned yet.
Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 9.
Notable Wildlife
Elephant Seals-2 tagged pups, 3 adult females, Harbor Seals-200 to 300, many yearlings,and 1 pup, California Sea Lions-100 to 200, Stellar Sea Lions-very few, Gray Whales-Whale Watch observed 21 here this morning. I saw 2 while here. Immature Bald Eagle-1, Osprey-1, Black Oystercatchers-2, Harlequin Duck-1 male & 1 female, Pigeon Guillemont-6, Black Turnstone-1, Pelagic Cormorants-many, some w/ breeding plumage, and Crows-6 around a tidepool
Driftline Content
Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Styrofoam, Wood pieces.
Natural Changes
Slight erosion in areas that I expect to see it this time of year.
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