A BEACH WALK BLOG

Sunset at Pismo State Beach

Occasional observations from afternoon beach walks along Pismo State Beach,

between Oceano Beach, Grover Beach and Pismo Beach,

along with a few detours to our favorite local establishments.


Sand Castle by Pismo Pier Saturday, October 10, 2009 - A Magnificent Sand Castle by the Pier 

On most Saturday afternoons during "tourist season" there appears a most wonderful sand castle just north of the Pismo Pier. Hours of labor go into these imaginative creations - only to be washed away by the next tide.  A bucket for donations to the local Pregnancy counseling center is set up near by during the construction.





Seal at Grover BeachSunday, October  11, 2009  - See the Seal

A seal wades ashore and poses for tourists and photographers, before returning to the Ocean.

Thursday, October 22, 2009  - Dolphins at play

A pair of dolphins swim about 30 yards off-shore playing in the waves. Looks like they are having fun!

Saturday, October 24, 2009  - The Green Flash

As long as I can remember, father has always wanted to see The Green Flash, but until now, has never observed it.  The Green Flash is a rare atmospheric phenomena that occurs at sunset (or sunrise)  where a momentary green flash occurs just after the sun sets.  See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Flash for a further explanation.

My parents were visiting, so we decided to have a picnic at the Grover Beach picnic tables.  As sunset approached we went out on the boardwalk to the beach.  About 8 to 10 people were out there admiring the pretty sunset.  My father was there, with one eye in the camera to try to take a picture, one eye observing the sunset.  Just as the last bit of the sun went down it flashed green for about half a second.  It was not as big or as intense of a Green Flash as I have sometimes observed, but there was definitely a Green Flash.  Some of those on the boardwalk clapped or commented about it.  At last he had seen the Green Flash.  Unfortunately, digital cameras being slow, he was unable to capture the image.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 - A Dramatic Sunset, and another Green Flash

It was a most an unusual sunset this evening. As the sun set, the atmosphere refracted it into three parts, making it look almost like a goblet, with a large base, large top, and a smaller protrusion on the stem.  Soon the center protrusion disappeared, then the sun itself set below the horizon, yet the image of the sun still could be seen hanging over the ocean. Just as the final image of the sun disappeared into the ocean there was a bright Green Flash. 

Monday, November 2, 2009  - A Romantic Full Moon

Now that it is getting dark early, the Beach walks are sometimes by moonlight.  It was a beautiful evening, with a low tide, smooth ocean, a light, low ocean fog, and the nearly full moon reflecting off the wet sand.  I would even call it romantic - if I was not walking with my sister.


Wednesday, November 4, 2009  -  Scary Poppins

No beach walk today - we went to the Great American Melodrama in Oceano.  The main production was "Scary Poppins", a wonderful. playful, spoof on Mary Poppins, followed by their United Swing! Organization Vaudeville Revue.  Scary Poppins was very funny with non-stop parody songs and antics.  The vaudeville revue was a tribute to the U.S.O. clubs and featured song and dance from the 1940's and 1950's era.   Those actors must be exhausted after a show like that - not to mention serving food, seating patrons, etc!   As usual, the Melodrama provides an excellent evening of entertainment for a moderate price.


Thursday, November 5, 2009   -  The Phosphorescent Sea

We started our walk at Grover Beach shortly after the sun went down.  Though it was clear on the beach, the storm clouds in the distance had a bit of their red glow from the sunset, creating a dramatic nightfall.  It was dark by the time we reached the Pismo Pier.  The lights from Avila Beach twinkled in the distance.  On our return to Grover we noticed many of the waves had an unusually bright phosphorescent glow as they broke against the beach.  The lights of a ship could be seen in the distance.


Friday, November 6, 2009  - Dinner at Mama's Meatballs


We had dinner at Mama's Meatballs, a delicious Italian Restaurant on Pier Ave. in Oceano, before engaging on our evening beach walk.  As usual, the place was packed, the food was superb, and the service a bit inattentive.  I recommend it both for dining in or for take out. 

It was quite dark for our after dinner beach walk as the moon had not yet risen.  The waves flashed a eerie, bright, phosphorescent green.  The stars and Milky Way could be clearly seen overhead. The walk was a wonderful, relaxing way to end the day.

Saturday, November 7, 2009 - Big Waves


undulations in the sand at Pismo Beach A surfer near the Pismo PierThere were unusually large waves today, though by late afternoon they were starting to die down.  The waves had carved out all kinds of interesting patterns,  undulations and small streams in the sand.  The waves must have been strong as several large rocks with giant kelp attached to them washed up onto the shore.  The surfers were out by the Pismo Pier, as were the beachcombers with metal detectors looking treasures in the sand.



Sunday, November 8, 2009  - Frozen Yogurt


View from the Board Walk trail between Grover Beach and Pismo BeachWe walked from the Grand Avenue parking lot, located next to the Grover Beach Golf Course, along the beach, to the Pismo Pier.  In Pismo we enjoyed a delicious fruit-topped frozen yogurt from Pismo Yogurt while listening to street musicians and watching the world walk by.  We took the board walk trail back to Grover Beach.   The "board walk" (actually only the first and last sections are wood) runs from Pismo Beach, through the Pismo State Beach campground, by the Butterfly Grove, then over the dunes, where one gets a wonderful view of the beach.  It was a throughly pleasant Sunday afternoon.



Sunday, November 15, 2009  - A Lovely Sunday Afternoon

It was a lovely Sunday afternoon as we strolled down the beach.  The weather was warm. The surf was quiet.  There were joggers, walkers, and lots of people walking their dogs.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009  -  Wonderful Green Flash(es)

The last bit of sun turned pale green just before it disappeared below the horizon.  The sun vanished and a moment later there was a brief but intense emerald green flash.  Unfortunately my digital camera was too slow to capture the wonderful but fleeting moment.

Thursday, November 19, 2009  - Birds on a dark night

It was a late walk tonight, due to a meeting at church.  It was a clear, dark, moonless night.  Dozens of Sanderlings were running back and forth in the surf in the dark, looking for dinner.  The more sedate Gulls just stood by watching the waves and hoping to find something to eat.  Watching the small Sanderlings quickly scurry about on their tiny legs is always fascinating. The amazing birds winter in the Pismo Beach area, then fly thousands of miles each year to breed in the Arctic during the summer.  I wonder when they sleep.

Saturday, November 21, 2009  - I'm Hungry!

Sunset at Pismo BeachIt was another lovely, late afternoon walk along the beach. We watched the sun disappear into the Pacific.  As we approach the Pismo Pier we are first hit with the magnificent aroma of garlic and butter emanating from the Sea Venture Restaurant.  Proceeding further we are get the smells of other delicious foods from some of the fine restaurants along Pomeroy Ave. in Pismo Beach.  I am getting hungry.  Too bad my wife did not come along so we could have dinner here.



Sunday, November 22, 2009  - Butterflies

Today we walked along the boardwalk over the dunes to the Pismo Butterfly Grove.  There were thousands and thousands of butterflies, some flying about, some resting in trees.  The Pismo Butterfly Grove is one of the largest Monarch Butterfly wintering areas in the United States. Butterflies stay here from about October to February, when the fly north.   It is a wondrous place to visit and spend a few minutes watching the butterflies.  The butterfly count is down this year, possibly due to the drought, however there were still plenty of butterflies to be seen.

Thursday, November 26, 2009  -  Happy Thanksgiving

The Pismo Beach Clam becomes a Turkey for ThanksgivingIt was a warm, sunny day.  We had a delicious Thanksgiving feast, then needed a beach waddle to work off some dinner, before engaging in deserts.  We saw a brief green flash when the sun went down, then walked inland to Pismo Beach where we passed this giant Clam Turkey in front of the Pismo Coast Village RV Resort.  The giant clam is one of several throughout the city. A few times a year the giant clams are done up in a seasonal costume.  This Thanksgiving it is a Turkey.  It is always fun to watch to see how the giant clams change throughout the year.



Sunday, November 29, 2009  - The Historic Price House

Historic Price Anniversary House in Pismo Beach, CaliforniaIt was another warm, sunny day.  Today we decided to explore the Price Historic Park in Pismo Beach rather then do our usual beach walk.  The park is the home of the historic Price Anniversary House and other historic structures, along with a replica of a traditional Chumash Indian village.  John Price, the founder of Pismo Beach, built the house to his wife for their 50th wedding anniversary in 1893.  We were expecting the Price House to be closed for the season, however to our delight we found Effie McDermott, President of the Friends of Price House, at the park.  She gave us, and another couple who was related to John Price, a personal tour of the house and grounds.  The Park shows the dedication and hard work of those who maintain the areas heritage.



Monday, November 30, 2009 - Fancy Riding on the Beach

Horseback riding on Pismo BeachIt was another beautiful, warm, day here on the Central Coast.  We watched a beautiful sunset on the beach.  The moon was almost full.  Numerous birds were feeding in the surf.  A horseman was practicing some fancy riding on the beach. 
For those who would like to try some riding, The Pacific Dunes Riding Stables in Oceano offers horseback rides along the shoreline and in the beautiful Oceano Dunes Preserve.



Sunday, December 6, 2009 - Family Visit

No beach walk today. Got a call today from a distant cousin who we have not seen for years.  She was in the area so we met at Cafe Andreini in The Historic Village of Arroyo Grande.  It was good to see her at an event other than a funeral, and to chat and visit in the relaxing, casual, atmosphere of the Cafe.
The Historic Village of Arroyo Grande  runs along East Branch Street.  It has a wonderful collection of small shops, antique stores, restaurants, and museums located in historic buildings. Adding to the "old time" atmosphere are a few chickens running loose.  If you visit, be sure to walk across the "swinging bridge" that crosses Arroyo Grande Creek.  Originally built in the 1800's, it is the last of its kind in California.

Monday, December 7, 2009 - A Beautiful Sunset

It rained today - we really needed it.  It has been a dry few years.  The clouds broke in the late afternoon creating a spectacular sunset with multiple layers of clouds reflecting the sun's orange rays.


Saturday, December 12, 2009 - A Short Walk

The rains continued off and on today.  After we finished dinner, there was a break in the rain, so we thought we would take a night beach walk.  We started at the Grand Ave. parking lot and headed north towards the Pismo Pier.  Alas, we did not get very far.  The rains caused the normally dry creek that is next to the Pismo State Park camp grounds to turn into regular stream that flowed across the beach.  Though the stream was not deep, it was wide,  the night was dark, and I was wearing socks and sandals.  After getting about half way across and getting my feet wet,  I decided to turn back and head for the comforts of a warm, dry, home.

Sunday, December 13, 2009 - Nature Center and Nature Trail

Oceano Lagoon from the Guiton Trail in OceanoToday we visited the Pismo Nature Center located in the Pismo Beach State Park campground off of Pier Ave. in Oceano.  Though not large, the nature center has exhibits on local wildlife and the Chumash Indians that inhabited the area, as well as a small gift shop.  Most of the exhibits are oriented towards children, though us adults learned some things as well.  The Nature Center is open Friday - Sunday 1 to 4PM Sept. to May, and daily except Tuesday and Thursday June through August. Docent programs are offered most weekends, so check their schedule.  Following our visit we attempted to walk the Guiton Trail.  The 1 1/2 mile loop trail guides you through the many habitats that surround the Oceano Lagoon. We saw a variety of birds and ducks, a deer and signs of beaver.  It is hard to believe as you walk through the woods and meadows that you are just a few hundred yards away from the state highway and housing developments.  It is all so quiet and peaceful.  The water level of the lagoon was high due to the recent rains.  Part of the trail was flooded out, so we will have to save the rest of the trail for another day.


Lake Oso Flaco, near Guadeloupe, CaliforniaWednesday, December 16, 2009 - Oso Flaco Lake

Oso Flaco Lake provides a lovely and varied nature trail.  The trail starts through a wooded area, then proceeds on a boardwalk that crosses the shallow lake.  You will then cross the huge sand dunes to end up at the ocean.  Numerous birds and wildflowers are found along the way.  It is a wonderful way to spend a few hours observing and enjoying nature.   The Oso Flaco Lake is located a few miles south Oceano off of Highway 1. 


A new Air Force PilotFriday, December 18, 2009 - Oklahoma!

No beach walk today. We are in Enid, Oklahoma.  Our daughter received her Air Force Pilot's wings today.  Mom and Dad (and the rest of the family) are very proud.


Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreational AreaThursday, December 24, 2009 -  Christmas Eve

A glorious, warm day today. Numerous people are walking and driving up and down Oceano Beach.  Oceano Dunes is the only public beach in California where vehicles are still permitted to drive on the beach.  Further down the beach others enjoying the ATVs and dune buggies in the dunes.  I am glad we are no longer in Oklahoma.  There are reports of heavy snow, blizzards, and below freezing weather.


Friday, December 25, 2009 -  A Donkey Cart

A Donkey Cart on Grover BeachMerry Christmas!   It was another warm day.  Many families were on the beach enjoying games of soccer, beach walking, dog walking, picnicking, building sand castles and so forth.  One of the more interesting was a couple that came trotting down the beach in a donkey cart!.


Saturday, December 26, 2009 - Santa Maria Museum of Flight

Today we visited the Santa Maria Museum of Flight, located at the Santa Maria Airport.  We had a personalized tour of the exhibits, which included two hangers as well as outdoor exhibits.  Included were a variety of early airplanes, "home built" experimental aircraft, military jets and numerous models and exhibits.  The facility was used in filming the 1991 Disney film "The Rocketeer", so material related to the movie is also exhibited.  The museum also houses extensive historical achieves.  I recommend a visit for anyone with an interest in aviation.

Photographers at Grover Beac, CaliforniaTuesday, December 29, 2009 - Photographers Out To Get Another Beautiful Sunset Shot

There are really a lot of gorgeous sunsets here in the Pismo Beach area in winter and today was no exception. The sun sets over the ocean, which allows for long, wide vistas. Even when it is clear on land, there are often clouds over the ocean which pick up the bright orange, pink and red hues of the setting sun.  It is not hard to get a beautiful sunset picture, so there are often a lot of photographers out to that always impressive sunset shot.

Walking a baby goat on Pismo BeachFriday, January 1, 2010 - Walking a Goat

Many people walk their dogs along the beach.  The people enjoy the beautiful scenery, and the dogs enjoy all the intriguing smells found along a beach.  Today we saw someone walking a baby goat.   Previously we have seen someone walking their pig.   You never know what you will see on the beach.


Saturday, January 2, 2010 - Guadalupe Dunes

Guadeloupe DunesWe drove a few miles south, to the Guadalupe Dunes to begin our beach walk.  There is a small museum at the dunes which has exhibits about the Dunites and Cecil B. DeMille's 1923 silent film classic "The Ten Commandments".   The Dunites were a group of artists, writers, misfits, and mystics that inhabited the Dunes between Oceano and Guadeloupe from about the 1920's to the 1940's.   Buried somewhere beneath the Dunes is the set used to create Cecil B. DeMille's 1923 epoch movie.  Giant sets were constructed to recreate the glories of ancient Egypt.  When the film was completed the sets were buried in the sand.  Occasionally pieces are found after a storm shifts the dunes.  According to some of the Dunites the “Pillars of Atlantis” are also buried beneath the Dunes, however they have yet to be discovered.


Sunday, January 3, 2010 - Dinosaur Caves Park

Beach near Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach, CaliforniaWe walked from the Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach, along the bluff, and down to the beach.  There are no dinosaurs or caves at Dinosaur Caves Park, however there once was an amusement park and roadside stand that featured a headless dinosaur (the neighbors objected, so the dinosaur was never completed).  One could enter a cave beneath the bluff by going through the belly of the dinosaur.  Alas, the dinosaur the dinosaur was removed in the 1950's, and the cave collapsed some years later.  Now all that is left is a peaceful park with multi-million dollar views of the cliffs and the ocean.  Included are benches to watch the surf,  restrooms, a small play area and nearby picnic tables. One can observe the jagged rocks of the rugged coastline from the park and bluff and can easily imagine what it would have looked like when dinosaurs did roam the area.   Farmers Markets and Artists sales are held regularly at the park.


Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - A Beautiful day with lots of surfers

Sand Castle on the Beach near Pismo State Beach CampgroundIt was a wonderful, warm day.  I read about the thick Tule fog in the central valley, and how the much of the nation is experiencing snowstorms, near record cold spells, and I am glad to be here in Grover Beach / Oceano area. Winter is probably the nicest season.  The weather tends to be mild and pleasant with little or no fog, and there are no crowds.  On the beach someone built a magnificent sand castle.  Dozens of surfers were out catching the waves near the Pismo Pier.  This is truly a wonderful place.


Wednesday, January 6, 2010 - Blimp, Bird, and a Beautiful Sunset.

Egret in the surf at sunset near Pismo BeachSunset at Pismo BeachIt was another warm day. Across the bay we could see a blimp circling near Avila Beach. Eventually it flew overhead, and then headed south towards Santa Maria. Though it is common to see a bi-plane, this is the first time I have seen a blimp over the beach. An Egret was fishing for its dinner in the surf. We had a beautiful sunset with bright, florescent reds and oranges.


Saturday, January 9, 2010 - The Exploration Station

We attended the opening of The Exploration Station's Children's Interactive Science Center today.  The place was packed with kids trying out a variety of hand's on exhibit, including exhibits on flying airplanes and the human body.  Looks like they were having a LOT of fun.  The Exploration Station is located in the old fire house at 9th and Ramona St. across the street from Ramona Gardens Park in Grover Beach.  It is one block north of Grand Avenue.  There were heavy clouds today. It looked like it would rain, but just before sundown the clouds broke, revealing another gorgeous sunset.

Tuesday, January 11, 2010  - Night Rain

A storm approached this evening as we walked along the shore.  Just after sunset it started to sprinkle, and continued to rain throughout the night.  By morning the skies had cleared, yielding another beautiful day.  For some reason it seems to rain more often at night than during the day around here.  We are not quite like the song in Camelot, where it only rains at night, but the Central Coast is a magical area, and it does rain more often at night, leaving us with beautiful days.

Monday, January 18, 2010  - Big Storm

A big storm blew through today (OK, so it does rain during the day some to the time).  We had a few hours heavy rain starting in the morning followed by very strong winds.  It knocked power to much of the area, including our house.  The skies cleared, and it became a beautiful sunny afternoon.  Having the choice of staying in a dark house, or enjoying a sunny afternoon on the beach,  we headed down to the beach for a walk and to observe the heavy surf.  Seems a lot of other people had the same idea.  There were lots of people walking up and down the beach, discussing the storm and blackout.  The power was still out at our place when we got back, so we went to Mexico Viejo Restaurant on Grand Ave. in Arroyo Grande for dinner.  The place was busy, and as usual, our dinner was delicious.  And the power was back on when we got back home.

Rough Surf next to the Pismo Beach PierTuesday, January 19, 2010 - Rough Surf

There is still a lot of rough surf caused by the storms that are passing through this week.  It is fascinating to watch the large waves tumble ashore.


Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - A Double Rainbow

About 5PM sudden gale force winds blew in extremely heavy rains.  I was immediately drenched.  Though there were heavy clouds overhead and the rain was pouring down, the sky was clear over the ocean.  The sun, low on the horizon shown brightly through the rain, creating a spectacular double rainbow.  The wind and rain ceased within a few minutes.  As we drove east on Grand Avenue, one of the rainbows appeared to end at The Girl's Restaurant on Grand Ave. in Arroyo Grande. We immediately drove there.  Alas, we did not find a pot of gold, however we did find a delicious dinner and friendly service (along with a dry towel).


Pismo Beach after a stormSeaweed left by the stormSaturday, January 23, 2010 - The beach after the storms

The storms passing through this week have carved small cliffs into the sand and left the beach littered with seaweed.   The waves and tides have left intricate patterns in the seaweed and and small pieces of debris swept upon the beach.  
 


Thursday,  January 28, 2010  - Sunny Days Are Back.

The beautiful Pismo Beach weather has finally returned.  It is again sunny and warm.   The normally tiny or non-existent creeks running into the sea have turned into small rivers from the recent storms, which limits where we can walk along the beach without getting our feet wet.


Friday, January 29, 2010 - Dr. Danger at the SLOdown Pub

After this evenings beach walk we visited the SLOdown Pub on Grand Avenue at Brisco Road in Arroyo Grande.  Ellie's Cafe, a wonderful, "casual gourmet:"  restaurant shares the facility.  The Pub is a relaxing, mellow, establishment that features local wines, local beers, local bands, local art, dancing and friendly conversation.  There is live music most evenings, supplemented by an occasional poetry reading or other activities.  Check  their calendar at http://www.slodownpub.com/event_calendar.shtml.    Tonight music was provided by one of our favorites,   Dr. Danger Blues Band.
They preformed their usual, slightly eclectic, mix of blues, soft rock and a few other odds and ends thrown in as well.

Saturday, January 30, 2010  - Full Moon and Dinner at Cafe Vostro

It was a gorgeous full moon tonight.  The sky was almost clear, with just a few bright, whispy, clouds reflecting the moon's rays.
Dinner tonight was at Cafe Vostro, located about 2 blocks from the beach on Grand Avenue.   Dinner was delicious, the Lemon Cake we had for desert was absolutely wonderful, and the service excellent.   The Cafe is usually open for Breakfast and Lunch, though not always for dinner.  

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 - Unusual Colors

We started our beach walk shortly before sunset.  The Ocean was an unusual yellow-green, almost peridot,  in color.  The sun and clouds were bright orange.  The orange sky reflected on the wet sand creating a fascinating array of colors on the beach


Sunday, February 7, 2010  - A delicious Thai dinner

We had friends visit from out-of-town. After enjoying a delicious bottle of wine from the local Edna Valley Vinyard,  we brought them to one of our favorite local restaurants:  Thai Dheva, located at the corner of 5th and Grand in Grover Beach.  It is a great, little, Thai restaurant.  The food is wonderful, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is friendly and accommodating.  A relaxing and tasty dinner was enjoyed by all.

Monday, February 8, 2010 - A Flying Saucer!

The tide was high this evening, so we were forced to walk on the soft sand rather than the hard, damp, sand that we prefer.  As we looked up, over the ocean, we saw in the sky a large saucer outlined in white lights. Glowing red lights were on the top and bottom center of the saucer.  It proceeded silently and slowly across the sky, heading north.  Perhaps it was going to Moffett Field.

Campfire on the beachMonday, February 15, 2010 - Campfires


It was a pleasant, warm day and a cool evening.  Between Grand Ave. and Pier Ave there were a few groups were gathered around campfires. Someone with a guitar was singing into thel evening breeze.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 -  Beach Zones

Sand Dunes near Oceano Beach, CaliforniaPismo Beach has about 20 miles of beautiful, continuous, white sand, which provides a lot of opportunities for everyone to enjoy various beach activities. Both officially and unofficially, the beach has been divided into zones for different activities.   The beach starts below the cliff north of the Pismo Pier.  Below the cliffs are tide pools and small caves that can be explored during low tide.  There are a number of nice motels and hotels with easy beach access between the Cliffs and the Pier.  During summer hundreds of vacationers enjoy relaxing on the this section of the beach.  Near the Pismo Pier are some beach volley ball courts and swings to be enjoyed by all.  Surfers and boogie boarders often gather near the Pismo Pier to catch a few waves.  The shallow bottom and relatively mild waves make the Pismo Pier an excellent place to learn to surf, and nearby surf shops as well as the city recreation department offer surfing lessons.  Surfers do have to be careful about getting too close to the Pier, as there are often fishermen casting their lines from the Pier.  Rods may be rented and bait purchased from the concession stand on the pier, and no fishing license is required.  The area south of the Pismo Pier to Grand Avenue in Grover Beach is a favorite for local walkers.  Each day hundreds of walk along this stretch of the beach, with many walking their dogs.  Both a public and a private campground are located just off the beach, allowing campers easy access to the beach.  Parallel to the beach but a few hundred yards inland is the boardwalk with provides beautiful beach views.   Cars are allowed to drive on the beach from Grand Avenue to the area around Oso Flaco Lake about 6 miles to the south.  Campfires are also allowed in this section of the beach.  It is the only public beach on which cars are allowed, making it a popular vacation destination.  Families will load up the car, find a comfortable spot on the beach, and spend the day.  Cars may enter the beach either at Grand Ave. in Grover Beach, or at Pier Ave. in Oceano.  Just south of Pier Ave. is a small group of homes built next to the beach.  The area, generally known as the Strand neighborhood of Oceano Beach consists primarily of second homes, long term rentals and vacation rentals. It is a popular area for family reunions, get togethers and church retreats.  About a mile or so south of the Pier Ave. entrance to the beach is the on beach camping area.  Many campers bring their Recreational Vehicles as there are minimal public facilities.  You can camp right on the sand at on the beach, however there are no formal camping sites and it can get a bit crowded on busy weekends. South of the camping area is the ATV area. Those with All Terrain Vehicles or Dune Buggies may ride them on the huge sand dunes. At the end of the ATV area is Oso Flaco lake.  From Oso Flaco lake to the end of the beach the area returns to its natural peace and quite.  The beach here is pretty much empty except for the hundreds of birds that live along the shore.  In order to protect some endangered species, the beach is sometimes closed to the public for parts of the year.


Saturday, February 27, 2010 - Tsunami?

The beach was closed for much of the day due to a Tsunami warning from the Chilean earthquake.  Apparently there were some surges, however but we did not notice them, perhaps because we were not close enough to the water, and the waves were already large due to off-shore storms.  By evening the tide and waves were high enough (without any Tsunami) that most of the beach was covered up to the sand dunes, limiting our ability to walk on the beach.


Thursday, March 4, 2010 - Starry, Starry Night

It was a clear, cool, night.  There was no moon.  The stars shined brightly in the sky.  The waves lapped quietly upon the beach.


Sunday, March 7, 2010 - Kiteboarders

It was a windy afternoon.  Dozens of kiteboarders or kitesurfers were on the beach between the Grand Ave. entrance and the Pier Ave. entrance.  Some were learning, some were performing amazing stunts, some were leaping high into the air.  They all looked like they were having a LOT of fun.




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