September 9, 2012

Temperature: 65 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 3.2 feet.

Number of people: 5. Other Activities: horseback riding. 5 horseback riders seen in the distance, and myself made 6. The 5 women came down the path over the foredune for only a few minutes, let their horses look at the Pacific, and returned

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

one sea lion beyond the rough surf very interested in my horse and me. He (she?) raised himself as far out of the water as possible for a very good, long look. Sanderings on beach and Turkey Vultures flying overhead.

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam.

Litter on this ride consisted mainly of only 3 items: plastic water bottles, orange colored chunks of Styrofoam(approx. 1x1' with edges looking torn), and a pale aqua blue Styrofoam. I put in a call to BLM to ask if they had identified the source of these two types of foam, and am waiting for word. These were numerous at the high tide mark. There are always water bottles on the beach, but the number on miles 124 and 125 was higher than anything I'd seen before. Other debris included one pallet and one mop bucket. Checked on Snowy Plover rope/post enclosure at request of BLM ranger. The entire two mile stretch was in perfect order.