Mile 40 Report
North of Sisters Rocks, cliffs south of Arizona Beach
December 28, 2009
Bicycle, road sign, tires, glass, plastic, styrofoam, tin - the only sign of humans was what they left behind.
Report Details
Bicycle, road sign, tires, glass, plastic, styrofoam, tin - the only sign of humans was what they left behind. Garbage and debris, both discarded and drifted in from offshore activities, is very damaging and offensive to this beautifully wild and pristine area. However, where the beach travel was difficult, and humans did not further venture, the wildlife is natural and rewarding. Erosion in the area, above and down into the foredune, is very evident and somewhat extreme.Perhaps significant, the anchored staircase was not there -- removed for the season, or just gone?But wait. There is great news! The Brown Pelican juvenile, rehabbed at Free Flight Bird Rehabilitation for several months, and released by us at Arizona Beach in August '09, apparently went south with the flock!! Happy New Year!
Human Activities
This incredible day the only evidence of human presence was LITTER! We began our mile actually at the Frankport site (Mile 39) and within 10 mins. filled a SOLV bag of all manner of debris, both from campfire/cooking activities in the rocky area above the sand, and that which came ashore from the sea.
Concerns
Litter
Notable Wildlife
Ferruginous Hawk! (juvenile) roosting on highway sign just before the turn into Arizona Beach; 8 BLOY (paired) along the mile; female Belted Kingfisher.
Driftline Content
Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. relatively clear of human-caused debris along the 40 driftline
Natural Changes
Erosion of vegetated foredune, Major cracks appearing in bluffs, Visible retreat of solid bluff. sands of Summer and Fall have disappeared
Actions & Comments
This was a very rough mile. We walked south to north, crossed Mussel Creek in knee-deep water, and then walked 101 back (not recommended). The beach mile consisted mostly of major rock and boulder crossing, tho the tide was outgoing, near low. We spent 4+ hours doing this wild mile! Erosion prevalent, along beach route and highway above.
Report Images
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All Mile 40 Reports
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North of Sisters Rocks, cliffs south of Arizona Beach
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North of Sisters Rocks, cliffs south of Arizona Beach
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North of Sisters Rocks, cliffs south of Arizona Beach
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North of Sisters Rocks, cliffs south of Arizona Beach
Tracks of apparently illegal vehicle spotted.
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North of Sisters Rocks, cliffs south of Arizona Beach
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North of Sisters Rocks, cliffs south of Arizona Beach
Mussel Creek channel is meandering, narrower and deepening.
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Mile 40
North of Sisters Rocks, cliffs south of Arizona Beach
Mussel Creek continues to flow south to north, and then west to join the ocean.
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