Mile 188 - Neptune SP, Strawberry Hill Picnic Area - July 10, 2013

Report Details

Oyster catchers greeting tidepoolers on a gorgeous clear morning. So much sand has come in that many of the usual anemone pools are covered up. But beach walkers can easily walk from the north section to the south section of coastline as the sand has paved a way over the rocks and usual seaweed there. Access trails to the beach are getting deeper and deeper.

Conditions

Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: -0.9 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 12. People getting very close to seals, as sand has moved in.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 9.

Notable Wildlife

Two loud oyster catchers on north island rock. Few gulls flying over. Lots of squid eggs.

Driftline Content

Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Small rocks, Wood pieces. hardly any plastic

Natural Changes

a lot of sand has moved in this summer, more than I've seen before, especially on north side.

Actions & Comments

Graffiti on sandstone cliff continues to grow, causing gradual erosion. Is this activity illegal? Is there any mention of a restriction for our waysides. The central coast cliff sides are being seriously damaged by people who just have to leave a record of "I was here". We need some educational signage at the cliff against this vandalism.