Mile 121 - Gregory Point, Lighthouse Beach, Mussel Reef - March 17, 2009

Report Details

The areas described in my last report that were down to rock have again filled in with sand. This beach seems to do the opposite of most in that it fills in during the winter & washes out to rock in many places during the summer. There were many more large logs than usual and extreme amount of small woody debris. Do not see any evidence of the Osprey. I guess they have moved out permanently. I have been looking at the cliffs more closely, and it is interesting to note some small fossils. Lots of rock fall and changes in the cliffs. Shells, animal casings, kelp/algae, plastic pellets, land-based debris, Styrofoam and pieces of aluminum cans in driftline. Low human impact (2)-walking.

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 0.8 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 2. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 2.

Concerns

Apparent violations: none.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 2.

Notable Wildlife

none

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Styrofoam. many pieces of beer or soda cans

Man-made Modifications

New riprap or shoreline protection structures. Lots of erosion on this cliff beach. Home owners always seem to be trying something new.

Natural Changes

Landslides/major boulder falls, Major cracks appearing in bluffs, Newly exposed roots/trees falling, Erosion of vegetated foredune, Visible retreat of solid bluff. One house that looks like it is no more than a foot from the cliff has black plastic flapping around the ocean side. There is also a ridge just below this plastic like the area was undercut.

Actions & Comments

none. Reviewed the area with someone a couple of years ago. Was told the people in the house so near the cliff were considering moving the house back. They sure must have an exciting time when it storms.