Mile 188 - Neptune SP, Strawberry Hill Picnic Area - October 2, 2023

Report Details

Mile 188 has no notable changes since my last visit two months ago. Erosion of the bluffs and the path to the south beach remain major problems. Erosion of sand from the north beach remains considerable, exposing rock formations that make it dangerous to walk to the northern part of the north beach, except at low tide.

Conditions

Temperature: 56 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SE. Tide Level: 4.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 2. Walking or running: 2. The site was almost deserted, due to the forecast of rain.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 1.

Notable Wildlife

As usual in calm weather, there were 30-35 seals resting on the rocks just off the bluff below the parking area. There were many gulls and a large group of cormorants on the large rocky island at the northern end of the north beach.

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Wood pieces. As usual, there was very little human debris at the site. The only major exception was a large red bucket someone had left on the south beach.

New Development

Steps down bluff, Bluff development. The path from the parking area to the south beach continues to erode and is quite dangerous. There is considerable bluff erosion elsewhere, as noted in my previous reports.

Natural Changes

Newly exposed roots/trees falling, Visible retreat of solid bluff.