Mile 188 - Neptune SP, Strawberry Hill Picnic Area - October 17, 2022

Report Details

It was a beautiful day at Strawberry Hill. 40-50 seals were lounging on the rocky islands just offshore. Many gulls and cormorants were there, as well as a few pelicans. A few seastars were visible despite the high tide, with many more undoubtedly present below the waterline. Erosion of the bluffs remains a serious problem. New graffiti north of the parking area indicates people continue to climb on the bluffs, contributing to erosion.

Conditions

Temperature: 59 F. Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 3.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 12. Walking or running: 10. Playing in surf: 2. Sitting: 2. Photography: 1. Few people were at Strawberry Hill, despite the beautiful weather. The parking area, lower bluff, and north and south beaches were litter-free.

Concerns

Fire, Climbing bluffs/seastacks

Apparent violations: There was new graffiti carved into the sandstone bluffs about 50 yards north of the parking area, indicating someone had been climbing on these bluffs during the past three months. There were remnants of a campfire near a driftwood shelter on the south beach. See attached photos..

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 6.

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces. There was much less kelp, algae, and animal casing than usual, presumably due to the recent calm weather.

New Development

Erosion of the bluffs below the parking area and overlooking the north and south beaches remains substantial, though probably not any worse than noted in previous reports.