Mile 287 - Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2 - January 22, 2011

Report Details

The large numbers of fresh trees and new driftwood logs high on the beach were no doubt a result of the recent heavy rains and flooding in the coast range. Tides in the past several days have been very high; at the northern-most end of the mile the foredune had been overtopped and new driftwood logs had been deposited either on top of or behind the dune. Photos taken at the same location in October 2010 and January 2011 illustrate the increased depth of the sand and degredation of the foredune.

Human Activities

Number of people: 24. Number of dogs: 4. Walking or running: 18. Playing in sand: 4. Sitting: 2. Other Activities: 1 domestic cat on a leash. There were many more folks on the beach than I've seen previously this winter - probably because this was the first sunny, dry weekend we've had in a long time. Everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves in the sun. One family had brought their cat along on a leash - the first time I've seen a domestic cat on Bayocean spit.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 36.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 2. 1 common murre, 1 northern fulmar

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), 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. Large quantity of fresh driftwood logs

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune, Evidence of wave overtopping.

Report Images

C Nelson

CoastWatcher

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Mile 287

Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2

March 17, 2024

The cloudy marine layer that was present when we first arrived eventually burned off, providing us with a pleasant but breezy sunny afternoon for our visit. 1) We encountered an intact hull of a fiberglass boat on the mid-section of the mile; photos and location information was provided to the State Park Ranger so it could be retrieved from the beach. 2) There had been a massive influx of velella velella (by-the-wind sailors) washed ashore several days before our visit. 3) Given the number of folks in the parking area when we arrived, we had expected to see more folks on mile 287 but encountered just a typical number of visitors. 4) There was more detritus on the beach than we've seen in recent previous visits.

C NELSON