Mile 224 - Beverly Beach north, Johnson Creek - August 26, 2014

Report Details

Nice day on the beach, quite warm despite the stiff breeze. I estimated tide height: according to my tide table, high tide this afternoon at the HMSC dock at Yaquina Bay was 7.6' at 1:54 p.m. so the tide might've been less then 7.0'. My mile is approximately 12-13 miles north of the dock (I think). I was on the mile from about 3:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., during that time the human population decreased--many of the surfers left the beach, as had most of the children and their adults. One of the parking lots was almost empty and the on street parking going up to and at the viewpoint (and where Mo's and another shop are located) had fewer vehicles when I left. The parking lot I parked in, nearest the beach stairs & restroom, was still 2/3s to 3/4s full, there was only one empty space when I arrived. Beach was remarkably clean-looking given how many people have been using it. I walked the mile yesterday too, a little later in the day, and there was perhaps a slightly smaller number of people on the beach, probably more at the viewpoint. Noted beach fire remnants, several driftwood structures (forts, etc.), and one synthetic material wind/sun protection day use structure on beach (I'm sure it's got a name, I don't remember what it is). People mostly seemed clustered near beach stairs & the Alpine Chalet access which is 1/3 mile-1/2 mile south of public/viewpoint access. All dogs seen today under good control, either leashed or well behaved off lead. 2 under not so great control yesterday, all others yesterday were fine.

Conditions

Temperature: 62 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 7.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 50. Number of dogs: 5. Walking or running: 7. Playing in sand: 7. Sitting: 21. Surfing: 15. Other Activities: standing, included in number of those sitting. I saw ATV tracks on the south 1/2 of the mile. I don't know if those belonged to a beach ranger/state campground ranger (Beverly Beach) or an unpermitted ATV.

Concerns

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 60. RVs/Buses parking: 3.

Notable Wildlife

Some seagrass clumps.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Wood pieces.

Natural Changes

continued slow erosion of beach bluffs, especially where exposed, i.e, not covered w/salal, etc.

Actions & Comments

No problems noted. Big & very visible fog bank offshore, just beyond the sea stacks (if that's the right term). When I arrived I could see Yaquina Head, at some point the fog moved far enough in that when I was halfway back (walking north) I looked back and noticed that I could no longer see Yaquina Head or the ridge running from YH east. My mile & Cape Foulweather were still in the sun, I suspect that Depoe Bay was foggy. I could watch the fog bank flowing north on the wind. Dramatic or perhaps I should say a dynamic sight.

malachite

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