Mile 197 Report
San Marine, Tillicum Beach, Tillicum Beach CG
December 18, 2015
Finally a sunbreak -- a cloudy one, at that -- in the midst of our ongoing series of storms.
Report Details
Finally a sunbreak -- a cloudy one, at that -- in the midst of our ongoing series of storms. Only one site was occupied at Tillicum Beach campground. Five people and three dogs, one leashed, were out walking on the sand. Natural driftline debris consisted largely of what looks like short sandy hairs -- wish I knew what that is. There were also a fair number of sand dollar fragments. I was surprised at how little driftwood there was, large or small. Not as much manmade debris as I would have expected, but I did fill a satchel with medium-sized plastics and had to leave three large items I couldn't handle by myself. (See photos 2 and 3.) One of the items, which I didn't photograph, was a tangle of heavy-gauge rope; it was about halfway down the mile. None of the manmade debris looked to be of tsunami origin. Gulls were few and far between. I found one dead bird I couldn't identify (photo 5). The big waves have finally begun carrying off some of the layers of sand that have accumulated over the past couple of years (photo 1). I'd say 18 inches or more have been scoured off here. There was even a smattering of stones on the beach -- no great finds among them, but the mere sight was enough to gladden my rockhounding heart. There was no evidence of substantial new cliff erosion. However, compare the two photos (6 and 7) of the campground's north steps, taken a week apart.
Human Activities
Number of people: 5. Number of dogs: 3.
Notable Wildlife
Just a few gulls
Beached Birds
Total dead birds: 1. Could not determine species
Driftline Content
Small rocks, Shells, Wood pieces. Rope and various plastics
Man-made Modifications
New steps cut into clay at existing entrance to beach, at S end of the mile
Report Images
All Mile 197 Reports
Mile 197
San Marine, Tillicum Beach, Tillicum Beach CG
It was so good to get back on the mile for a full report!
mudslide
Mile 197
San Marine, Tillicum Beach, Tillicum Beach CG
What a gorgeous February day.
Marney Roddick
Mile 197
San Marine, Tillicum Beach, Tillicum Beach CG
A pleasant afternoon on the mile.
mudslide
Mile 197
San Marine, Tillicum Beach, Tillicum Beach CG
Clean beach, mostly sunny day, although toward the end of my visit a chilly fog enveloped us.
mudslide
Mile 197
San Marine, Tillicum Beach, Tillicum Beach CG
Another beautiful day and a very clean beach -- impressive given the full campground at the height of summer.
mudslide
Mile 197
San Marine, Tillicum Beach, Tillicum Beach CG
A pleasant, sunny, slightly breezy afternoon on the mile.
mudslide
Mile 197
San Marine, Tillicum Beach, Tillicum Beach CG
Large chunks of bluff have fallen right at S boundary of Tillicum Beach CG.
mudslide
Mile 197
San Marine, Tillicum Beach, Tillicum Beach CG
Another beautiful day on the mile, warm and calm, after a couple of days of heavy rain.
mudslide