Mile 326 - Clatsop Plains, Gearhart Golf Course, Gearhart north - January 6, 2008

Report Details

We visit the beach on our mile once or twice a week when we are in the area. The biggest difference between the beach during this winter is the amount of sand that has accumulated on the top of the foredunes. Right now the beach drops off quickly and at high tide the water laps the bottom of the foredune leaving about a 4 foot vertical drop that can tend to trap someone at high tide as I can attest with some boots full of sand and water. Another change over years past is the number of people walking on the beach in the winter. Almost all with dogs, and almost all those dogs are running uncontrolled. I and my Labrador Retriever love to play fetch in the surf, but when I see someone approaching I put my dog on the leash until they are past. Other folks do not bother and we have had some tense moments with loose dogs approaching us in a threatening manner. Their owners do not seem to care that their animals are intruding on our space. There is no leash law in Gearhart, but there is such a thing as responsible pet ownership.

Conditions

Temperature: 44 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: SW.

Human Activities

Number of people: 3. Number of dogs: 1. Sitting: 2. Other Activities: Driving = 1. Pickup truck "exercising" his dog, driving on beach with dog running alongside, except the dog was checking everyone out while driver stopped and waited.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 2. RVs/Buses parking: 1. Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 1.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Wood pieces.