Mile 218 Report
Agate Beach, State Wayside, Little Creek
May 19, 2011
The most striking development here is at the junction of Miles 218-219 where Big Creek now runs up against Yaquina Head, especially at low tide.
Report Details
The most striking development here is at the junction of Miles 218-219 where Big Creek now runs up against Yaquina Head, especially at low tide. Oldtimers say this is unusual for the 'mouth' or 'delta' of the creek to migrate so far north in a season. Now that we're probably past any serious surf and/or torrential rains for the summer, this is likely where Big Creek will exit the beach until fall at least. Freshwater is now running through the tidepools on Yaquina Head's SE side and it will be interesting to note if there are any changes in the marine inhabitants. Also note, if you use the Lucky Gap Trail for access, you will have to wade Big Creek to get to the lower beach and surfline.In addition, I should point out that with the prevailing wind direction veering around to the NW, seasonal dune-building on the upper beach is in full swing.
Conditions
Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: -2.1 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 40. Walking or running: 10. Surfing: 5. Other Activities: 25 Clamming. Minus tides had clammers working the exposed bars.
Vehicles
Notable Wildlife
Turkey vultures, whimbrels
Beached Birds
Total dead birds: 15. Western gull
Stranded Marine Mammals
Total stranded mammals: 1. California sea lion, deceased
Driftline Content
Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces.
Natural Changes
Mouth of Big Creek has moved to Yaquina Head (unusual that it gets that far north)
All Mile 218 Reports
Mile 218
Agate Beach, State Wayside, Little Creek
*** Watch Note *** This is my first documentation of Mile 218 (Agate Beach) and I will use today's report as a baseline for reporting future changes.
Darlynd
Mile 218
Agate Beach, State Wayside, Little Creek
I first attempted this survey on June 17.
dderickson
Mile 218
Agate Beach, State Wayside, Little Creek
Very few people on the beach; most of them arrived just prior to sunset (which was beautiful).
dderickson
Mile 218
Agate Beach, State Wayside, Little Creek
Beautiful clear afternoon with no problems noticed.
Peacecoaster
Mile 218
Agate Beach, State Wayside, Little Creek
Most of the people were at the north end of the beach.
dderickson
Mile 218
Agate Beach, State Wayside, Little Creek
A lot of people on the beach this evening -- hard to keep count!
dderickson
Mile 218
Agate Beach, State Wayside, Little Creek
Better late than never -- I missed reporting in March!
dderickson