Marina State Beach - Salinas River Wildlife Refuge

 Waning Crescent Moon

Yesterday's beach hike was a mirror image of Saturday's southbound out and back. I walked northbound from Marina in deep sand  to the Wildlife Refuge, greeted the massive pelican colony again, and returned to Marina. The chilly marine layer once again gave way to sunshine as the tide receded, making the return hike on the firm sand a little more forgiving on the old knee bones. Guess what - it was a beautiful day at the beach.

There were several dead, decaying jellies on the way. I didn't count, but there at least ten I am sure. Old age? Sharks? Some other predators? I don't know, but there was plenty of jelly demise going on this month.

As I neared the mouth of the Salinas River (right now it is blocked by sand bars), the number and variety of birds increased. I walked past lots of little skittering snowy plovers, too many seagulls to count, a smattering of curlews, and once again a festive pelican-alooza. Crowds of the big birds relaxed in the surf, flew in tight formation, and dive-bombed after food into the waves. I could watch these critters all day long.

I am  pleased to report that the beaches I have visited so far this summer have been quite clean - props to Save Our Shores, a non-profit organization that sponsors cleanups and promotes safe, clean water up and down the coast. I think I will keep doing these beach walks this year until I have covered all of the public access portions of Monterey Bay. I absolutely love it.

Peace, Love, and Pelicans,

Jim

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