June 17, 2007

Cloud Cover: Rain. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW.

Number of people: 6. Photography: 2. Fishing: 2. Other Activities: litter pickup: 4.

Seaweeds and seagrass.

minor landslides and boulder falls

On 6-16-07, I descended at the usual access point and proceeded for a half mile south to retrieve 16 bags of trash. While in the area, I saw a man and woman taking photos, and I was met by Vivi Tallman, and two or three of her friends. I moved the bags a few at a time, and as I got them closer to a place they could be hoisted up to the trail, Vivi and friends, and also the other two photographer/hiker folks returned from their hikes, and all of them helped in carrying the trash the rest of the way. I also rebagged some of the garbage using heavy-duty grain sacks. This took place 5:00am to 9:00am. Later that day, CoastWatcher Bill O'Brien arrived solo and surveyed the area in preparation for the trash liftout scheduled for Sunday.On 6-17-07, Bill, Jaxon Clanton (15 y/o) and I arrived and surveyed the area first from above, then from sea level. We decided on the safest method of getting the trash hoisted from sea level up to the narrow trail above. I remained below and secured bags to hoisting lines. Jaxon and Bill went on up above, and Jaxon pulled the bags up. Vivi Tallman arrived, accompanied by friend Phil Blanton, and Meghan McGuire arrived, representing the Tillamook Headlight-Herald newspaper. Everybody took turns moving trash to vehicles (except me, as I was down below for the duration). We hoisted about three dozen full bags, plus a length of metal cable tied in a typical way used by loggers, a 55-gallon hard plastic drum, and the interior of a commercial crab pot. We left the exterior framework of the pot, and also a dented, rusted metal drum with Asian markings on it, as they were too heavy and awkward to deal with safely.All items were taken to Cart 'Em in Manzanita, where 75% - 80% could be directly recycled, and the rest could be disposed of safely. A $25 dumping fee was paid by Vivi.Supplemental information:A second crab pot apparently remains shallowly buried. If it can be unearthed and placed with the one we have, perhaps it will make it worthwhile for someone to salvage them. We may be able to cut them up with a portable torch and hoist the pieces at some point.The Coast guard, upon finding out the rusted drum had Asian writing on it, says it'll investigate and retrieve the drum from the area.No injuries or property loss accurred during the project. Several of the grain bags were salvaged for re-use at a later time.Half of a plastic bin or barrel remains stuck in rocks and logs at a half mile from the hoisting point. I may be able to dig it out by hand or shovel or chainsaw or some combination thereof.KTIL radio did a taped phone interview with me at 8am on 6-18-07 and said they'd play excerpts for listeners. Meghan McGuire also did a follow-up phone interview with me and said her article and photo(s) on the project would appear in the H-H in a week or two.