January 1, 2023

Report Details

One of the busiest days I've observed on Ocean Beach.  When we arrived there were 13 cars and 1 RV in the parking lot, when we left there were 28 cars and 2 RVs!  In addition to people on the beach, all the picnic tables were filled.  Lots of people rock hunting after the recent King Tide and big storm.  Also lots of people hoping to spot some whales since the ocean was calmer than it has been in recent days.  Since the King Tides, all the driftwood on the south end of the beach has been taken back out to sea.  The north end of the beach still has a large concentration of driftwood.  The rock fields typically present this time of year are drawing lots of rock hounds.  As usual the amount of trash, particularly large plastics, styrofoam and fishing line, were present in the driftline especially on the north end of the beach where they got caught in the rocks. The waterfalls along the bluff are gushing water creating multiple small streams across the beach. Finally, a word of caution, although it was a lower tide for the winter, the waves were unpredictable.  I saw lots of people running to get out of the way of incoming waves. Remember to never turn your back on the ocean; always be aware.