Mile 218 - Agate Beach, State Wayside, Little Creek - May 19, 2011

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.

Activities

Number of people: 40. Walking or running: 10. Surfing: 5.

Other Activities: 25 Clamming. Minus tides had clammers working the exposed bars..

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 15.

Notable Wildlife

Turkey vultures, whimbrels

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 15. Western gull

Stranded Marine Mammals

Total stranded mammals: 1. California sea lion, deceased

Wrackline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings or molts, Marine debris, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Plastic debri (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)