Mile 129 - Horsfall Beach on North Spit, directly west of Jordan Cove - September 21, 2007

Report Details

Our beach was remarkably clean. No trash, and only 2 plastic bottles. The foredune is eroding. The topography comes off of the foredune at 90 degrees, then the beach levels off to a mesa-like flat area that is approximately 50 yards wide. There is then another drop off at about 15-45 degrees to the shoreline, approximately 5-10 yards away.The North wind was approximately 25 mph, and seagulls were plentiful but resting (hunkered-down) on the beach. Sands was blowing across the dry areas. There were a number of scallop-type shells and a few razor shells. Small piles of bull-whip kelp, sea grass, and a few sea palms scattered on the beach. Crab carapaces were found close to the foredune, probably from the last molting season. Beach waves carried in green scummy algae. All in all it was a pleasant walk South to complete this task. The walk back against the North wind took twice as long as the walk out. Moderate human impact (9)- 7walking and 2 horseback riding.

Conditions

Temperature: 61 F. Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 4.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 9. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 7. Other Activities: Horse Riding.

Concerns

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 3. ATVs/OHVs parking: 15. RVs/Buses parking: 5.

Notable Wildlife

No mammals. Ring-billed gulls. Sand crabs. Bull-whip kelp, sea grass and sea palms washed up on beach.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces. Remarkably clean beach.

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune.