Mile 173 Report
South end of Baker Beach, Sutton Creek, Heceta Beach
February 4, 2009
The beach was very clean and tranquil today.
Report Details
The beach was very clean and tranquil today. Since last month, the section of Sutton Creek between the riprap and the ocean has shifted approximately 200 yards north. In the area just above the delta, the creek depth was 10-12 inches today. Four birds which appeared to be snowy plover were observed in a small area above the high water line. The beach was remarkably free of litter and marine vegetation.
Conditions
Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: E. Tide Level: 1.0 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 3. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 3. vehicle tracks on beach on mile 172 and 173 up to Sutton Creek
Notable Wildlife
some seagulls in creek delta area, 1 dead crab on beach, four snowy plovers near north end of mile 173, just above high water line
Driftline Content
Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces. 1 plastic bottle; otherwise quite clean
Natural Changes
Newly exposed roots/trees falling, Landslides/major boulder falls. where creek parallels dunes, dead trees falling from dune
cheshire
CoastWatcher
All Mile 173 Reports
Mile 173
South end of Baker Beach, Sutton Creek, Heceta Beach
Hundreds of resting gulls, 8 humans 12 dogs-No humans encountered beyond the north of the creek mouth.
Ariana172
Mile 173
South end of Baker Beach, Sutton Creek, Heceta Beach
It has been a couple of months since I have had time to visit my mile.
cheshire
Mile 173
South end of Baker Beach, Sutton Creek, Heceta Beach
This is the first chance that I have had to walk this mile in several weeks.
cheshire
Mile 173
South end of Baker Beach, Sutton Creek, Heceta Beach
Walked miles 172-174 from south to north, then cut across the dunes inland and followed Sutton Creek back out to the ocean.
cheshire
Mile 173
South end of Baker Beach, Sutton Creek, Heceta Beach
The beach itself is cleaner than it has been, but there is quite a bit of debris that has blown into the dunes and into the area between the dunes and the brush on the north and west sides of Sutton Creek.
cheshire
Mile 173
South end of Baker Beach, Sutton Creek, Heceta Beach
Went back to Baker Beach, walking miles 172-176.
cheshire
Mile 173
South end of Baker Beach, Sutton Creek, Heceta Beach
I was able to cross the creek and check out the part of miles 173-174 North of Sutton Creek for the first time this year.
cheshire
Mile 173
South end of Baker Beach, Sutton Creek, Heceta Beach
Sutton Creek continues to migrate north, and the mouth of the creek has widened considerably.
cheshire