Mile 53 Report

September 4, 2022
by SchoenL

Location:
Curry
South of Elk River mouth, north of Paradise Point SW
Conditions:
Sunday 9:30 AM
60° F
Wind:
Calm/Light
Humans / Pets:
People:
4
Dogs:
1
Activities:
Playing in sand:
4
A truck and a jeep drove past me and my dog on the beach.
Concerns:
Apparent Violations:
I am not sure of the rules. I did not confront anyone. 2 tents were pitched next to the bank just before the Elk River comes out to the beach. It appeared that they had a campfire on the beach as I saw smoke drifting in front of tents. No sight of people or pets.
Disturbances:
Vehicles:
Cars/Trucks parking:
2
Cars/Trucks on beach, allowed:
2
Activity Comments:
I am not sure of the rules. I did not confront anyone. 2 tents were pitched next to the bank just before the Elk River comes out to the beach. It appeared that they had a campfire on the beach as I saw smoke drifting in front of tents. No sight of people or pets.
Notable Wildlife:
I saw a Bald Eagle in flight. I filmed a small group of 4 pipers of some kind, in the surf about a 1/4 - 1/2 mi south of the Elk River. I couldn't get very close and I didn't have my binocs!!! Sea Gulls, Cormorants sunning. I saw a few pelicans fly over the surf.
Dead Birds:
Total:
1
Species/names:
I am not sure what the dead bird is. I will attempt to add the photo.
Stranded:
Total:
1
About 1/4 mile north I came upon a fairly recently deceased Sea Lion. I reported it and texted photos. I received a response in kind.
Fish & Invertebrates:
Driftline:
Small rocks·Kelp or Algae·Shells·Animal casings (e.g. crab, shrimp molt)·Wood pieces
There lots of scattered plastic strips all along the shoreline. I believe a feed sack decomposing. Only one water bottle. The beach was very clean otherwise.
New Development:
Modifications:
This was my first coast watch walk for the full 3 miles. I don't know what is allowed on the sand banks, etc. in regards to the public or private roads. It looked like a couple new motorized vehicles trails were going up and over the bluffs eastward and potentially causing erosion and destruction of the bank.
Natural Changes:
Comments:
Summary:

This was my first coast watch walk for the full 3 miles. I don't know what is allowed on the sand banks, etc. in regards to the public or private roads. It looked like a couple new  motorized vehicles trails were going up and over the bluffs eastward and potentially causing erosion and destruction of the bank. There lots of scattered plastic strips all along the shoreline. I believe a feed sack decomposing. Only one water bottle. The beach was very clean otherwise. I am not sure of the rules. I did not confront anyone. 2 tents were pitched next to the bank just before the Elk River comes out to the beach. It appeared that they had a campfire on the beach as I saw smoke drifting in front of tents. No sight of people or pets. About 1/4 mile north I came upon a fairly recently deceased Sea Lion. I reported it and texted photos. I received a response in kind.

  • Sea Lion dead
    Mile 53. Paradise Point about 1/4 mile north This was reported and acknowledged.
    September 4, 2022
  • unknown bird
    Beached bird
    dead bird about 1/2 mi northward.
    September 4, 2022
  • Sand bank road
    Rec road over the bank
    About 2 mile point going north
    September 4, 2022
  • Sand pipers?
    Close to the 3 mile mark
    September 4, 2022
Other Mile 53 Reports (5)

2022

February 1, 2022 - SteveJT
This is my initial survey of this mile. Total length was 1.5 miles. Remainder of this section is uninspected by me. No photos this time. Litter removal. Stunning day; light winds, clear air, moderate...
read more
January 29, 2022 - SchoenL
I walked 1.5 miles and observed the bluff crumbling and gorse falling down the banks. It was very clear and very calm this day. I picked up styrofoam bits, plastic wrap and a water bottle. Beautiful...
read more

2008

July 29, 2008 - [email protected]
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...
read more

2007

November 21, 2007 - [email protected]
This a very rough surf area of the coast with a sharp drop off. It appears to have very little use by the public. There are small driftwood pieces, some amazing roots of large trees ( stand 7 or 8...
read more
September 27, 2007 - [email protected]
This was my first time as a mile 53 Walker.
read more