Mile 287 Report
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
June 19, 2011
A quiet day on mile 287, cool and cloudy with few people on the beach.
Report Details
A quiet day on mile 287, cool and cloudy with few people on the beach. Most notable observations were: 1) tire tracks on the beach (the first time we've observed evidence of vehicles within this closure area) and 2) substantial sand deposition over the course of the spring that has largely filled in the previously eroded foredune area in the center of mile 287. See photos for reference.
Conditions
Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 1.5 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 8. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 7. Other Activities: bicycling - 1. This was the first time we have seen tire tracks on Mile 287. The apparently large vehicle with a wide wheel-base and wide tires had driven on the beach the length of the mile and beyond to the north at some time between our Sunday afternoon visit and the previous high-high tide (tracks had been partially obliterated by the most recent high), probably had been on the beach on Saturday, 6/18.
Concerns
Apparent violations: tire tracks in vehicle closure area.
Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 12.
Notable Wildlife
Saw a bald eagle perching on a spruce tree above the beach, several gulls and crows, and a pair of terns, but no shorebirds.
Driftline Content
Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. 2 common sea stars (purple stars, yellow color phase)
Natural Changes
considerable sand deposition has filled in much of foredune in previously eroded area
Report Images
C Nelson
CoastWatcher
All Mile 287 Reports
Mile 287
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
A wonderful day on mile 287; sunny, relatively warm, light breeze.
C Nelson
Mile 287
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
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
Mile 287
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
A lovely, busy day at the beach on this sunny, late summer SOLVE clean up day.
C Nelson
Mile 287
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
An absolutely gorgeous summer day -- warm, clear, sunny, light breeze.
C Nelson
Mile 287
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
We were disappointed that the SOLVE beach clean-ups have not been re-initiated following the pandemic, so decided to do our own.
C Nelson
Mile 287
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
The primary purpose of this visit was to observe the impact of the last of this winters king tides.
C Nelson
Mile 287
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
Remarkably clear smooth sand with small amount of driftwood pushed high up the beach.
JuliaH
Mile 287
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
A pleasant December afternoon.
C Nelson