Mile 129 - Horsfall Beach on North Spit, directly west of Jordan Cove - July 23, 2008

Report Details

Another beautiful, if windy day at the beach. Shells, animal casings (numerous crab carapaces), kelp/algae, wood pieces, land-based debris and Styrofoam in driftline. Frothy green algae in surf. Shorebirds moving in response to humans. Numerous Western Gulls, and a few Brown Pelicans, Turkey Vultures and Crows. The tourists are here! Especially ones with ATVs and all their accoutrements. Moderate human impact (12)- 4 walking, 3 playing in sand, 4 sitting and 1 playing in surf. 4 dogs. 1 car and 6 ATVs on beach in allowed area. The face of the foredune is a cliff, leading down to a flat plain, then another sandy cliff-let (2-4 ft)to a 25 degree slope down to the water.

Conditions

Temperature: 62 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 0.9 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 12. Number of dogs: 4. Walking or running: 3. Playing in surf: 1. Playing in sand: 4. Sitting: 4.

Concerns

Apparent violations: None.

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 11. ATVs/OHVs parking: 45. RVs/Buses parking: 15. Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 1. ATVs/OHVs on beach, allowed: 6.

Notable Wildlife

No mammals, numerous Western Gulls, and small beach peeps, Gray Pelicans (5), Turkey Vulture (2), Crows (3).

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Shells, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. Frothy green algae in surf

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune.

Actions & Comments

Another beautiful, if windy, day at the beach. The tourists are here! Especially ones with ATVs and all their accoutrements. The face of the foredune is a cliff, leading down to a flat plain, then another sandy cliff-let (2-4 ft) to a 25 degree slope down to the water. Numerous adult crab size carapaces.