Mile 129 - Horsfall Beach on North Spit, directly west of Jordan Cove - November 30, 2008

Report Details

The ocean was impressively turbulent. Most visitors did not venture as far as our beach, probably due to the ferocity of the ocean, and the very high tide, allowing little safe beach passage. We picked up as much debris as we could carry, including plastic lattice fencing, rope, plastic bottles and containers, and 6-pack plastic. In addition, we found shells, kelp/algae, small rocks, wood pieces, plastic pellets, and Styrofoam on the beach. One dead Common Murre. Erosion of vegetated foredune and evidence of wave overtopping of foredune. The usual large amount of driftwood at the northern end of our mile. Two cars/trucks and 6 ATV's on allowed beach.

Conditions

Temperature: 56 F. Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 7.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 2. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 2. Other Activities: Coastwatching - just us!. Also two horse truck/trailers, 2 horses, 2 riders in the parking lot. Headed away from our beach.

Concerns

Litter

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 6. ATVs/OHVs parking: 3. RVs/Buses parking: 10. Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 2. ATVs/OHVs on beach, allowed: 6.

Notable Wildlife

None!!!!!

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. Common Murre See photo

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. Plastic bottles and containers.

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune, Evidence of wave overtopping.

Actions & Comments

We picked up as much debris as we could carry, including plastic lattice fencing, rope, plastic bottles and containers, 6-pack plastic. The ocean was impressively turbulent. Most visitors did not venture as far as our beach, probably due to the ferocity of the ocean, and the very high tide, allowing little safe beach passage.We were impressed by the lack of bird life, and amount of human debris. Question: If we dutifully pick up beach debris, and dipose of it into the dumpster provided, doesn't the trash just get re-dumped off of the coast? And thereby someday wash up on our beaches again?