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Except for the folks who visit the cauldron by car via the parking lot on 101, the trail between this point and Short Sands appears to be lightly used. I spotted four hikers total on my trip down and back. I would have expected to see a lot more in the way of seabirds or sea lions, but the whole mile was pretty well devoid of wildlife. I spotted two garter snakes on the trail and one rather curious mole, who simply sat in the middle of the trail as the hikers all tip-toed past him. Sick perhaps?

Conditions

Temperature: 56 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 0.1 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 5. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 3. Sitting: 2. A few people were sitting past the fenced off area on the overlook point to Devils Cauldron.

Concerns

Apparent violations: None.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 6.

Notable Wildlife

With binoculars, I spotted a single gull preening atop the ocean-bound rock. Judging by the white surface of the rock, I would have expected many more seabirds, but perhaps it was just the time of day. A single cormorant was spotted diving in the water in the bowl of the cauldron. Two groups of pelicans flew by, heading north.

Man-made Modifications

none

Natural Changes

looks like a landslide may be in the forming stage in the sand above the cauldron rock. I can spot a faultline within the beachgrass, but I don't know how long it's been there.

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All Mile 302 Reports

Showing 2 of 2 reports

decorative elemnt for a coastwatch report.

Mile 302

Oswald West SP, Neahkahnie Mountain, Devils Cauldron

August 15, 2012

THREE TEENAGERS WERE SHOOTING AT THE BIRDS OFF THE CLIFFS WITH BB/PELLET GUN (w/a scope on top).

Lisa Marie

Mile 302

Oswald West SP, Neahkahnie Mountain, Devils Cauldron

October 9, 2009

Except for the folks who visit the cauldron by car via the parking lot on 101, the trail between this point and Short Sands appears to be lightly used.

beachmike