Mile 53 - South of Elk River mouth, north of Paradise Point SW - July 29, 2008

Report Details

The day was beautiful and clear. A perfect day for a walk. This area is barren of people, ocean debris and life. The cliffs are wearing from the high tide wave activity and are amazing in the variety of colors showing. Near the mouth of the Elk River the dunes replace the cliffs. Along the top ORV are crushing down the grasses. I'll be checking on this next time to see if more damage has been done. Near the mouth of the river the surf line is scummy green and the waves are dirty appearing. I will check to see if I can find out what causes this and report back next time.

Conditions

Temperature: 65 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: W. Tide Level: 6.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 2. Fishing: 2. the people had been to the mouthof the Elk River fishing

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 3. ATVs/OHVs on beach, allowed: 1.

Notable Wildlife

this area has little bird life on the sands. As you get to the river mouth there are a few gulls

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.).

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune, Visible retreat of solid bluff. this seems minor, but consistent - the dune between the river and ocean has tire tracks on the top. This driving on the dune is wearing away the grasses. I will check again soon to see if it is worse.