Mile 116 - Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove - December 23, 2009

Report Details

Due to the tide height, this was not an ideal day for a CoastWatch of mile 116. Anything that might wash up was certainly submerged or floating in the cove. However, I was very surprised at the volume of human activity. Some of the 10 surfers were excited about the plane over head and left the trail at the lower portion. This area is very eroded and I took the opportunity to kindly lecture one apologetic shortcutter as he shortcutted his way back up the trail. Most of the other 27 visitors were picnicing or sight seeing. Two in my party are avid birdwatchers, photographing and identifying many bird species. One in my party stopped to rest on the lower bench on the trail, and a porcupine wandered past! There was a group of about 10 harbor seals on a large rock in the vicinity of the southern border of my mile, though a ways out. Shells and kelp in driftline. Black Phoebes seen flying above beach.

Human Activities

Number of people: 37. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 17. Playing in sand: 4. Sitting: 2. Photography: 3. Tidepooling: 1. Surfing: 10. In human totals, I am including my party of four. This MAY be the most human activity I have ever seen since monitoring this mile. A party of ten surfers had a Cesna Skylane circling the cove, presumably to take arial photos of them as they surfed. Surprising to me, as the ocean was very flat today.

Concerns

Apparent violations: Short cutting on eroded hillside.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 10.

Notable Wildlife

There was a group of about 10 harbor seals on a large rock in the vicinity of the southern border of my mile, though a ways out. I have never noticed them before. Also sighted Black Phoebes, which are an unusual sighting this far north, I am told.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells.

Actions & Comments

Nothing of note this trip.

Report Images

alaingamerica

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Mile 116

Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove

March 16, 2024

There was a beach hazard statement issued and I wanted to see what impact that would have as we were experiencing the first fine weather after so many weeks of cold rain. I was charmed by a family of six playing on the beach, the children even playing in the water.

Elaine Cramer