Mile 269 - South of Cape Lookout, Camp Meriwether north, Rover Cr - October 21, 2008

Report Details

This is the first report on 269 and for myself. Thanks to Phillip and Olli on getting me started.A beautiful day here. No clouds or fog present. Wind was out of the north in more of a summertime pattern. Waves were breaking clean at about 4 ft. The beach was pretty clean overall with the only trash of note seeming to be washed onshore from boats. From my experience on other beaches, it was a very end of summer look with lots of sand built up and a bit of dune growth at the southern end of the mile at Rover Creek. The winter storms haven't come to deposit driftwood or take away the sand yet.There were 3 campsites built along the mile just above the beach including 1 treehouse! marking the northern border of 269. I'm sure these are not officially sanctioned sites.Access to this mile is limited. Most access is via the 1.8 mile South Trail In Cape Lookout State Park. There were 3 surfers and a dog today as well as several day hikers that we passed to and from. Recent ATV tracks are evident and is not allowed on 269.Lots of pelicans could be seen, especially at the southern end of the mile at the mouth of Rover Creek mixed in with the gulls. I'd say numbering close to 2 dozen. 2 dead pelicans were found, one very fresh.Though there's been no recent erosion, there were several areas from last winter to watch more closely as time goes by. One major slide on the north end of the mile is notable. The included pic shows clearly the chunk of Cape Lookout that fell to the ocean and took a lot of trees and vegetation with it. Note the light area of fresh exposed rock up high in the photo.

Conditions

Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 2.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 10. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 7. Playing in surf: 3. Sitting: 1. Surfing: 3. Evidence of ATV use within restricted area

Concerns

Litter

Apparent violations: ATV tracks from Sand lake..

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 6. ATVs/OHVs on beach, prohibited: 1.

Notable Wildlife

Pelicans and Seagulls

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 2. Both Pelicans. One long dead on the rocks at the north end of 269. Other recently dead on the sand mid way.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces.

Natural Changes

Newly exposed roots/trees falling, Landslides/major boulder falls. Noted erosion seems from previous winter. Major recent slide evidence from base of Cape lookout on northern part of 269. Photos available.