March 6, 2011

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 3.5 feet.

Number of people: 20. Number of dogs: 3. Walking or running: 12. Sitting: 5. Surfing: 2. ATVs, etc., not allowed on this beach w/out permit.I was on beach from about 3:35 to 4:20pm. It was overcast when I arrived and for much of my walk, sunny for about the last 15 minutes. Total of 6 people on beach (4 of them children) when I walked from the north to south end, on my way back the number had increased to about 20 including 2 surfers. That the tide was going out (low tide will be close to 7pm, I think) may be the reason.

Litter

Saw some gulls flying overhead and what looked like a great blue heron. Only occasionally see birds on this beach and then usually gulls.

primarily a huge number of plastic pieces ranging from 1/8" to 1" along longest side, all colors

usual steady erosion

Pleasant day at the beach, except for seeing so many plastic bits & pieces in the driftline(s). See photo. Also see other small pieces of plastic, what look like toothpaste tops, etc. Otherwise clean beach, saw maybe two plastic water bottles in driftline. Continue to see changed distribution of drift logs, to the north of another Otter Rock access/Alpine Chalet access, w/some logs deposited somewhat south of the Alpine Chalet access. But area from OR access to AC access is basically bare beach. Some cobble beach towards the south end of the mile, not as much as seen during last walk in January (which I don't think I did a report on). Garnet sands still present but looked like other sand particles being deposited on top below median driftline (not sure about this). Could see narrow channels incised in beach bluffs by water running down.