You will find trip reports by Lloyd Johnson here.  The most recent reports are at the top.  Gaps in coverage sometimes indicate bad weather.

December 30, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised the club flag and set a bulletin board under it.

The tide was way out, but the sand was wet in most places.  We raked a few spots, planning to move there after the sand dried, as well as to have dry spots for friends arriving later.  I set up reflectors to warm me after a swim and to stay warm late into the day.

I went swimming twice, both times out to the sand dollars.  The waves weren't much, but I did manage to catch one for a short ride.

Today was a good day for wildlife.  I saw grebes while swimming.  We saw a pair of falcons, one soaring overhead, the other eating its' kill on the hillside.  We saw at least two seals.  We saw a whale.  We saw it surface a few times.  We saw it blow, but we couldn't see a dorsal fin.  We also saw at least three dolphins swimming back and forth.

By 4pm it was getting cool, so I started packing.  Before I could finish, I saw the moon rise above the cliff, so I stopped to take a picture.  The sun set before I got to the trail, but I missed the actual sunset.

December 23, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I passed a few people, most of them sitting on small ledges a little above the beach.  The tide and surf were just coming up too high.  My friends at Valentine Slide were doing the same.  I saw a rock slide.  It was above Valentine Slide and all the debris was trapped in Valentine Slide.

I was the bold one, setting up a few things on the wet sand.  I set up some reflectors and raked a spot in front of them, to dry a spot for later.  I raised my club flag and set another bulletin board under it.  Waves were still reaching it, but it seemed safe enough.  I arranged my stuff in a way that seemed safe and went for a swim.

The waves were big and the interval between was short.  I fought my way past the waves.  I was nearly beyond them, when I noticed how far south I had drifted.  I caught the next wave and swam to shore.  The waves gave me a few tumbles, but no good rides.

My stuff stayed dry, so I laid out my other stuff.  I did a little reading, but found it impossible to relax.  Anytime the wind is calm, the flies just don't leave you alone.

It suddenly got cold about 3:30pm.  I packed and left.  I watched the sunset from the parking lot.

December 3, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and stocked up the bulletin board already there.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised flags, an American flag and my club flag.

I set up reflectors to keep warm longer.  One friend was feeling cold, so I lent one to her and it kept her warm.

I was feeling a little too cold about 4pm.  Apparently so was everybody else.  We all packed up about the same time.  I left the parking lot just a little before sunset, 4:30.

November 19, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised an American flag and my club flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I went swimming twice, once to the sand dollars.  I caught some good waves, and others just gave me a tumble.  Some dolphins were headed my way, so I waited while they passed.  Some of them came within five feet of me.  I just did some body surfing for my second swim.

Late in the day a volleyball net was set up.  I could see a net set up at Indian Canyon too.

There was some fog working its way south at about 3pm.  It looked like the day was all over.  I started packing, but then it wasn't so bad.  I stayed another hour, then finished packing.  I dressed and hiked up the trail.  I saw the sun disappear into a hazy horizon while I hiked up.  I left the parking lot about 5pm.

November 18, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised an American flag and my club flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I went swimming twice, both times to the sand dollars.  I caught some good waves, even got shot out of the face a few times.

Late in the day a volleyball net was set up.  People were still playing when I left.

I fell asleep and it was cold when I woke up at about 4pm, so I started packing.  I dressed at the trailhead and started up.  The sun was still up while I hiked up the trail.  I left the parking lot about 5pm.

November 10, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised an American flag and my club flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I went swimming twice.  I didn't make it to the sand dollars either time.  The current was pretty strong and I was drifting too far south.  I did a little body surfing instead.  I caught some good waves, even got shot out of the face a few times.

Late in the day a volleyball net was set up.  People were still playing when I left.

It cooled off about 4pm, so I started packing.  I dressed at the trailhead and started up.  The sun was still up while I hiked up the trail.  I left the parking lot about 5pm.

November 5, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I went swimming twice, both times to the sand dollars.  There were a lot of grebes in the water, in groups of a dozen or so.  The surf was pretty good and I even managed to catch some good rides body surfing.

There were two volleyball nets set up.  One was for Black's Beach Bares.  The other was north of me, at Indian Canyon.

It cooled off about 4pm, so I started packing.  I dressed at the trailhead and started up.  The sun was still up while I hiked up the trail.  I left the parking lot about 5pm.

October 28, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I went swimming three times, each time to the sand dollars.  The brown layer of ash was still there, but not so obvious, nor as deep.  The surf was small, but I managed to catch a wave to shore.

There were three volleyball nets set up.  One was for Black's Beach Bares.  The other two were north of me, one at Indian Canyon and the other even further north.

It cooled off about 5pm, so I started packing.  The sunset was looking very red, due to the smoke in the air.  I saw a piece of the sun separate at an inversion layer.  It turned yellow as it shrank, so I knew there would be a green flash, despite the smoke.  As the sun went down, it faded to a pale green, so there was a green flash.

October 27, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I went swimming twice, both times to the sand dollars.  Once past the surf, I could see a brown layer in the water.  It extended down nearly ten inches.  It was ash, from the Riverside fire.  I even found a vein of ash floating on the water, not yet mixed in.

I saw a man catch a surf perch.  He just threw it back though.  He said he just fishes for sport.

It cooled off about 5pm, so I started packing.  The sunset was looking very red, due to the smoke in the air.  The shadows were noticeably blue.  I left the parking lot about 6pm, before sunset.

October 22, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I didn't go swimming.  It just seemed that I wouldn't be able to warm up after the swim.  At one time I was packing to leave, then the sun came out and it warmed up.

Some of my friends worked on a sand sculpture of a shark.

I photographed a sea lion in the surf.  Unfortunately the picture looked like the Loc Ness monster, an out-of-focus black dot in the water.

I left the parking lot about 6pm.

October 20, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I went swimming twice, both times to the sand dollars.  I took a walk north, a little beyond Indian Canyon.

I left about 6pm.  I stopped on a ledge to watch sunset.  The sun gradually changed to green, lingered and gave us a very emerald twinkle at the end.  I left the parking lot about 6:30.

October 8, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I went swimming three times, twice to the sand dollars and once just a little short of the sand dollars.

I left about 4:30.  The hike up was a little warmer than I anticipated.

September 24, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

We had the grills set up, back away from the water, but we only had to light one.  We poured water on the sand around the grills to keep it cool, but it was mostly unnecessary.  Our picnic was well attended, 40 or so.

I went swimming three times, twice with buddies, twice to the sand dollars and one attempted swim to the reef.

I saw sunset from the beach and headed to the trail shortly afterward.  I left the parking lot about 7pm.

September 17, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  The sand was hot, but I didn't put on my sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

We had the grills set up, back away from the water.  We poured water on the sand around the grills to keep it cool, but it was mostly unnecessary.  Our picnic was well attended, 40 or so.

I went swimming three times, twice with buddies, once to the sand dollars, once to the reef and once nearly to the reef.  At the reef, I did a few dives and took a few pictures.

I saw sunset from the beach and headed to the trail shortly afterward.  I left the parking lot about 7:30pm.

September 11, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  The sand was hot, but I didn't put on my sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

We had the grills set up, back away from the water.  I liked it better.  Nobody was down wind.  We kept the sand cool by pouring water where we walked.  Our picnic was well attended, but far less than in previous weeks.  Estimates over the summer went as high as 220, while today there were only 40 or so.

I went swimming twice.  Once to the sand dollars and one to the reef, with buddies.  One of my buddies made it down near the reef.  I did three dives to the reef.

It cooled a little earlier than normal.  I was still nude when I watched sunset, still packing.  It was beautiful, but there was no green flash.  I hiked up the trail and left the parking lot about 7:45.  The guard was waiting to lock the gate at 8pm.

September 4, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  The sand was hot, so I put on my sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I spent much of the day body surfing and body boarding.

I watched sunset from the beach.  I saw a green flash as the sun went below an inversion layer, and another green flash as it went below another inversion layer.  I did not see a green flash when it went over the horizon, cue to too much haze.

September 3, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  The sand was hot, so I put on my sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I swam to the sand dollars once.  I also did a little body surfing and body boarding.

I left before sunset, and left the parking lot about 7pm.

September 2, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  The sand was hot, but I forgot to bring my sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I swam beyond the sand dollars once.  I also did a little body surfing and body boarding.

It was warm right up to sunset.  I stopped my hike to the trail to watch sunset.  It was a very red sun going below some clouds.  It took on a stair shape as half of it went below the horizon.  It faded to a pale green when there was a tiny piece left.  I wouldn't call it a green flash though.  The clouds all had a brilliant red lining after sunset.

September 1, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

One of my friends informed me that rangers were on the beach erecting a sign at the trailhead.  I went down to see what it was.  It faced trail and said Torrey Pines State Beach, with a list of no no's at the bottom, no dogs, no bottles, no fires, no camping.  None of these are issue I plan to take up with rangers.

I swam to the sand dollars twice.  They were pretty routine swims.

It was cooling off, so I started toward the trail about 6pm and left about 6:30.

August 27, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  The sand was too hot and I put on my sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I swam to the sand dollars once.  After that I was too busy judging or competing in the surf event.  I was a judge for the body boarding and surfing.  I competed and won in body surfing.

There were some clouds late in the day, but they moved south and gave us a clear sunset.  I didn't see a green flash, but I did see the setting sun fade to a pale green.  I hiked to the trail and up, after sunset.  I left the parking lot a few minutes after 8pm.  The guard was there ready to lock the gate.

August 26, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  The sand was too hot and I put on my sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I swam to the sand dollars once and led some near shore swims later in the day.

There were some clouds late in the day, and they cooled the beach nicely.  I left the beach before sunset and left the parking lot about 7:30pm.

August 25, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  The sand was too hot and I put on my sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I found other swimmer and we swam a little past the sand dollars.  An hour later, two of us swam to the reef and did a few dives.  We managed to find it most dives.  Later in the day I did another swim just past the sand dollars.

Some of my friends set up horse shoes and volleyball.  They played a few games late in the day, after the sand cooled off.

The sun descended into some clouds late in the day.  I headed toward the trail.  The sun set before I reached the trail.  I hiked up and left the parking lot a little before 8pm.  The guard was waiting there to lock it soon.  I made a point of looking at the other gate.  It was still open.

August 20, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

Our picnic was well attended.  There were over a hundred people in the area.  There were at least a few volleyball games.  People were sharing ceviche, hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, sweet corn, squash, shrimp and pineapple.

I led two swimming expeditions to the sand dollars.  The water was choppy beyond the surf.  The water temperature where most people swim was 71, but there were colder spots, especially a few feet down.  For some reason, it felt colder than 71.

It was finally getting too cold just before sunset.  I saw sunset from the beach.  We could see a red sun below the clouds.  I dressed at the trail and hiked up to the parking lot.  I left the parking lot a little after 8pm.  The gate was only half open, and there was no guard there.  It appeared to me as if the gate had been locked, then reopened.  As I drove away, I looked at the other gate.  It was locked.  I think both gates were locked, but somebody had just cut the chain and opened the one gate.

August 18, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Once there, I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I went swimming three times, once to the reef and twice to the sand dollars.  My first swim was to the reef but I encountered a lobster and a flounder, before I even got to the sand dollars.  I took two pictures then tried to catch the lobster.  It escaped me easily.  I took two pictures of the flounder, then it swam away.  I'm not sure what kind of flounder it was.  It's shaped like a starry flounder or a rock sole.  It didn't have the colors of a starry flounder, but it was mostly covered in sand.  It's challenging to find it in the picture.  I have it's eyes centered in this thumbnail pic.  Click on it and the full size pic shows the eyes to right and the dorsal fin in the upper left.  I didn't get the whole fish in the shot.  I found the reef on my first dive, but missed it in other dives.

It was still sunny about 5:30pm when I decided to leave.  I thought it would cool off soon, but it was warmer than I expected.  I dressed at the trail and hiked up to the parking lot.  I left the parking lot about 6:30pm.

August 16, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I put on my sandals when I got to the beach, since the sand was a little too hot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I went swimming three times, once to the reef, once to the sand dollars and once beyond the sand dollars.  I managed to find buddies for each swim.  I found the reef, sometimes.  Sometimes I missed it by at least a little bit.

It was still sunny about 5pm, but it was cooling.  I decided to leave early.  I dressed at the trail and hiked up to the parking lot.  I left the parking lot about 6:30pm.

August 15, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I put on my sandals when I got to the beach, since the sand was a little too hot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I went swimming three times, once to the reef, once to the sand dollars and once beyond the sand dollars.  I managed to find buddies for each swim.  I found the reef, sometimes.  Sometimes I missed it by at least a little bit.

There were a few clouds late in the afternoon.  About 5pm I decided to leave early, figuring traffic congestion shouldn't be too bad by the time I got on the road.  I dressed at the trail and hiked up to the parking lot.  I left the parking lot about 6:30 and still had minor problems with traffic.

August 13, 2006: Black's Beach

Parking at 11am	street parking: plenty gliderport: plenty of spaces
Visibility	I could see past Flatrock.
Burro Trail	mostly good, only a few big steps
Climate	hot and sunny, wind from west
People	over a thousand
Activities Observed	paragliding, swimming, body surfing, body boarding, surfing, Frisbee, horseshoes, volleyball, fishing, kayaking, sailing
Water	surf: 3' tide: highest about 1pm, very low when I left temperature: 73º current: It was carrying me south. visibility: about 10'
Wildlife Observed	western gulls, squirrels, ravens, pelicans, sting rays, heermann's gulls, whimbrels, willets, marbled godwits, sand dollars, garibaldi, spined stars, kelp bass, sargo, senorita fish, lizard, croaker
Lifeguards and Law Enforcement	I saw city lifeguards in white jeeps, in a yellow camper and one above on the perch.

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I put on my sandals when I got to the beach.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I went swimming three times, once to the reef, once to the sand dollars and once beyond the sand dollars.  I managed to find buddies for each swim.  I found the reef, sometimes.  Sometimes I missed it by at least a little bit.

The grill had been fired up while I was at the reef.  I put some sweet corn in the coals and passed it around later.  People were also cooking hot dogs, sausages, hamburgers, squash, chicken, pineapple and salmon.

A sailboat passed just beyond the surf.

The sun went behind some clouds about 6pm.  The sun went below those clouds to a clear horizon.  I saw sunset from the beach.  The last sliver of the red sun faded to a pale green.  I packed up, dressed and headed to the trail.

I tried to leave the parking lot about 8:30pm.  The gate was locked, so I drove to the other exit.  It was also locked.  There were quite a few confused people looking for the way out.  I parked and scouted for the exit.  Somebody else found the third exit route.  I followed the wagon train.  First we headed north, near the golf course.  Then we followed a road east, turned southeast and found a stop sign at the exit.

August 11, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I put on my sandals when I got to the beach.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I went swimming three times, once with a buddy, twice to the sand dollars and once to the reef.  I did four dives, taking pictures.  I found it twice and missed it twice.  The current made it difficult to stay in position. I saw a fisherman reel in a surf perch.

Since it was cloudy and cooling, I packed up and headed to the trail early.  I then dressed and started up the trail.  I left the parking lot about 7pm.

August 7, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I put on my sandals when I got to the beach.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I went swimming three times, twice to the sand dollars and once to the reef, with a buddy.  I did a few dives, taking pictures and video.  I took a picture of a scorpion fish, but I didn't get his head in it.  My buddy was not able to reach the reef, but he did get close enough to see it.

Clouds blocked the sun about 5pm.  I packed up and headed to the trail.  I then dressed and started up the trail.  I saw sunset from the top of the trail and I left the parking lot just before 8pm.

August 6, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I put on my sandals when I got to the beach.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I swam to the reef and found it without much trouble.  I did a few dives, taking pictures and video.

There were perhaps a hundred people at our picnic.  Some of the hot food included hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, sausages, sweet corn and pineapple.  There were a few people getting body painted, including myself.

Clouds blocked the sun most of the day, but it didn't get cold until about 5pm.  After packing up, I dressed before heading south to the trail.  I didn't stay for sunset.  I left the parking lot about 7:30.

August 5, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I put on my sandals when I got to the beach.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

I swam to the reef and found it without much trouble.  I did six dives, taking pictures and video.  While at the reef two people passed on crafts I couldn't quite figure out.  They were laying on their stomachs and paddling with their arms.  They appeared to be laying on something like a longboard, but perhaps a little like a canoe.

I went in the water later, but it was for body surfing.  I was trying to get better pictures, but they don't look so good.

Late in the day clouds started to block the sun and it cooled off.  I was hiking toward the trail when the sun set.  I saw a green flash, but I hit the button too soon and didn't capture it.

I left the parking lot about 8:30pm.  The gate was locked, so I drove to the other exit.

August 4, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I put on my sandals when I got to the beach.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  I raised my flag and set another bulletin board under it.

Before I could set up my stuff, some rangers approached in two trucks.  They stopped and talked a little, showing us the signs they were about to install at the southern boundary.  Please visit the alerts page and read about these signs.

I went for two swims, once to the reef and once just to do some body surfing.  From above the reef I could see what I thought were star fish, but turned out to be fish.  Down at the reef I could see the usual fish and coral.  Later in the day I was starting a swim to the sand dollars when I heard dolphins.  I decided to do some body surfing and hope to get close to dolphins.  Apparently I was very close, according to my friends watching from shore, but I didn't see them.  I later saw them from shore and managed to get this picture from a video clip.

It cooled early, and some of the guys dressed before heading to the trail.  The sun set while we hiked.  I saw some green as the sun went into a cloud near the horizon.  I was sure that there would be a green flash, especially when I saw the inversion lays distorting the sun below the cloud.  I was wrong.  the sun simply turned red and faded.

I dressed at the trail head and hiked up with my bulletin boards.  I left the parking lot just after 8pm.  The gate was locked, so I had to drive to the other exit.

August 2, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I put on my sandals when I got to the beach.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went for two swims, one just beyond the sand dollars and one to the reef.  The water was choppy and the current made it difficult to stay above the reef.  I did a few dives to the reef.  I had to swim through a layer of water with poor visibility.  Once I got through that layer, I usually found that I was off target and had to swim horizontally.  I swam back to shore, dissatisfied.

I dozed off for a while, since the temperature was ideal.  It cooled early, so I dressed, hiked up and left the parking lot just before 8pm.

July 30, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and added newsletters to the bulletin board already there.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

Once there I joined in the picnic preparations.  Much of the work was already done, so I helped move some of the seaweed.

I went for one swim, past the sand dollars.  I didn't find any of the invertebrates I was hoping to see.  I guess I had to swim a little further and deeper.

I had to leave early, so I cooked and passed out my sweet corn.  Then I left about 3pm.  It was still overcast but warm when I left.

July 28, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I put on my sandals when I got to the beach.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming twice, once well beyond the sand dollars, and once to the reef.  On my way to the reef I found a star flounder, sand dollars, tunicates and sea pens.  The flounder swam away before I could reach for my camera.  The reef was crackling with activity.  Fish make crackling sounds and a reef sounds like a bowl of Rice Krispies.  I had a little trouble staying above the reef, but managed to find it once I got below about 20 feet.  There was a variety of fish I couldn't catalog during a few brief free dives.

I found this empty egg case as I was entering the water for a swim.  The lower end resembles an open mouth.  At the upper end is a sea snail, perhaps placed there by the mother, as food for the embryo.

The sun came out for only brief periods.  I was warm the whole time, but decided to leave about 6pm.  I felt a little sprinkle while heading to the trail.  I left the parking lot about 6:30pm.

July 27, 2006: Black's Beach

Parking at 12pm	street parking: full gliderport: plenty of spaces
Visibility	I could see well beyond Flatrock.
Burro Trail	mostly good, only a few big steps
Climate	hot and sunny, occasional wind from west
People	maybe two hundred
Activities Observed	paragliding, swimming, body surfing, body boarding, surfing, fishing, volleyball, Frisbee
Water	surf: 3' tide: I didn't notice a change. temperature: 79º current: I didn't notice any. visibility: about 15'
Wildlife Observed	western gulls, squirrels, ravens, pelicans, bat rays, heermann's gulls, terns, whimbrels, willets, sting rays, marbled godwits, sand dollars, tunicates, spiny sand stars, sea pens, garibaldi, kelp bass, crab, dolphins, seals, lizard
Lifeguards and Law Enforcement	I saw city lifeguards in white jeeps, on a jetski and one above on the perch.

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  The trail was hot enough that I was wishing I'd worn shoes.  I put on my sandals when I got to the beach.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming four times, once to the sand dollars, twice about half way to the reef and once to the reef.  I actually found the reef.  I did s a few dives down, about 35 feet, and took pictures, but none of them were any good.  I found some new wildlife on my way to the reef.  I managed to get a few pictures of white sea pens.  During one return to shore, I spotted a spider crab.  I took two pictures in one dive.  Then I surface to catch my breath before going down to catch it, but I couldn't find it.  It was just small enough I should have been able to get a grip on the main body.

It was hot right up to sunset. It set as I was packing.  The sun turned a deep red and went below the horizon.  I dressed at the trailhead, then left the parking lot right about 8:30pm.  The guard had just locked the gate, so I had to drive to the other exit.

July 26, 2006: Black's Beach

Parking at 11:30am	street parking: full gliderport: plenty of spaces
Visibility	I could barely see beyond Flatrock.
Burro Trail	mostly good, only a few big steps
Climate	mostly overcast and warm, hardly any wind
People	maybe two hundred
Activities Observed	paragliding, swimming, body surfing, body boarding, surfing, fishing
Water	surf: 3' tide: I didn't notice a change. temperature: 75º current: It carried me south. visibility: about 10'
Wildlife Observed	western gulls, squirrels, ravens, pelicans, bat rays, heermann's gulls, terns, whimbrels, willets, sting rays, black phoebes, marbled godwits, sand dollars, sponges, sand anemone, spiny sand stars
Lifeguards and Law Enforcement	I saw city lifeguards in white jeeps, on a jetski, in a boat and one above on the perch.

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot, but the hot sand on the beach forced me to put on sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming four times, once to the sand dollars and three times past the sand dollars to a depth of 25 feet.  I found wildlife I don't usually see, spiny sand stars and sponges I haven't managed to identify.

The weather cooled off a bit.  I packed up early, dressed at the trailhead and left the parking lot right at 8pm.  The guard had just locked the gate, so I had to drive to the other exit.

July 23, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot, but the hot sand on the beach forced me to put on sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  There were ultra light aircraft flying south, as I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I joined in the work detail of setting up for our picnic.  Some were setting up the table and spreading our umbrellas around.  I picked up the pitchfork and used it to remove seaweed.

I went swimming soon after, with a buddy.  Then I went swimming a little later with three buddies.  Both times I swam out to the sand dollars, explored a little and swam back.

I cooked my sweet corn, between body boarding sessions.  People were also sharing chicken, hamburgers, bratwurst, zucchini, squash, hot dogs and pineapple.

The weather cooled off a bit.  I packed up early, dressed at the trailhead and left the parking lot right at 8pm.  The guard was waiting for a break in the traffic so he could lock the gate.

July 22, 2006: Black's Beach

The ground had the texture of a recent sprinkle of rain and the trail was a little damp.  I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I didn't put on sandals right away, but should have.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

The texture of the sand made it clear that it had rained.  There were thunder clouds around us much of the day and many of us were hoping for just a little sprinkle.  That never happened, but there were times when the sun went behind a cloud and a cool breeze blew through for a few minutes.

I went swimming twice.  I got up close to dolphins once.  I also spent a lot of time riding waves on a body board.

I packed up to leave about 7pm.  Then sun when below a thick cloud while I was going up the trail.  I left the parking lot about 7:30pm.

July 21, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  The beach sand was too hot and I had to put on sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming five times.  I caught rides on the waves during some of my return swims.

It clouded over about 6pm, but it was still warm.  I was on my way to the trail when the sun set.  It went behind some clouds, but showed itself in the clear patch between the clouds and the horizon.  The haze made it look red and it just faded.  I left the parking lot about 8:30pm.  The gate was locked, so I had to drive to the other exit.

July 20, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  The beach sand was too hot and I had to put on sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming four times.  I caught rides on the waves during some of my return swims.

It clouded over about 6pm, so I packed up and left.  I left the parking lot about 7:30pm.

July 17, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  The beach sand was too hot and I had to put on sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  It rained a little, before I was even done setting up.

I went swimming once.  I swam out to the sand dollars and took several pictures on the way, since the water was so clear.

I was unsure about the weather, so I decided to leave early.  As I was heading up the trail, it looked like it would stay sunny, despite the clouds on the western horizon.  I left the parking lot about 5pm.

July 16, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  The beach sand was too hot and I had to put on sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming twice, once with buddies and out to the sand dollars.  I tried, but didn't really catch any waves.

A lot of people spent a lot of time in the surf.  I went out a few times, just to cool down.  I also took out a Boogie board and caught a few waves.

I was heading for the trail when the sun set.  I saw it go behind some clouds, then I saw a very red sun beneath some clouds.  Then it faded for a while and I didn't see it again.

It was after 8pm when I left the parking lot.  The gate was locked and I had to drive to the other exit.

July 15, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  The beach sand was too hot and I had to put on sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming five times, once with a buddy, each time out to the sand dollars.  I caught good waves a few times on my return.

A fisherman drew a crowd.  I wasn't close enough to see for myself, but I was told he hooked three leopard sharks and let them all go.

I watched sunset from the beach.  I was watching for the silhouettes again, but didn't see them.  It was nearly 8:30pm when I left the parking lot.  The gate was locked and I had to drive to the other exit.

July 14, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  The beach sand was too hot and I had to put on sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming five times, once with a buddy, each time out to the sand dollars.  Once we swam a ways beyond the sand dollars and I found a star fish.  I brought it up, took a few pictures and let it sink.

A few clouds came in and cooled the beach a little.  I watched sunset from the trail.  I saw what appeared to be two triangles cross from left to right across the setting sun.  I thought it was a ship with two sails.  Some friends insist it was Catalina Island.  You can judge for yourself, but I think it's man-made.

July 14

May 30

Catalina Island Janauary31, 2005

I left the parking lot about 8:30pm.  The gate was already locked, so I drove to the other exit.

July 11, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  The beach sand was too hot and I had to put on sandals.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming four times, each time out to the sand dollars.

A few clouds came in and cooled the beach a little.  I expected them to ruin the sunset, so I left early.  I was later told that sunset was nice and Catalina Island was seen in silhouette, as I predicted in my July newsletter.  There are also claims it was seen July 12 and 13.

I left the parking lot a little before 8pm.  There was a guard ready to lock up.

July 9, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming five times, each time out to the sand dollars, once with buddies.  There was a fishing boat off-shore.  They were using nets, probably to catch anchovies.  I could hear dolphins very clearly.  I thought they were close, but I never saw them close.  They were probably trying to get at the fish in the nets.  I was close enough to hear the PA system on the boat.  I heard them say something about dolphins, maybe something about keeping them out of the net.  I caught a few good rides on the waves.

We had two grills going and we had a wide variety of hot food circulating.  There were hot dogs, sweet corn, squash, chicken, pineapple, salmon and veggie burgers.

I watched sunset from the trailhead.  There was a pale green flash following sunset.  I dressed and hiked up.  I left the parking lot about 8:30pm.  The gate was locked, so I drove to the other exit.

July 8, 2006: Black's Beach

Parking at 11:30am	street parking: plenty gliderport: plenty of spaces
Visibility	I could see beyond Flatrock.
Burro Trail	mostly good, only a few big steps, work had been done during the day, but not completed
Climate	hot and sunny, steady breeze from west
People	maybe a thousand
Activities Observed	paragliding, swimming, body surfing, body boarding, surfing, volleyball, horseshoes, kayaking
Water	surf: 5' tide: It was rising late in the day. temperature: 75º current: none that I noticed visibility: less than 10'
Wildlife Observed	western gulls, squirrels, ravens, pelicans, bat rays, corbina, sand dollars, heermann's gulls, guitar fish, terns, leopard shark
Lifeguards and Law Enforcement	I saw city lifeguards in white jeeps, one on an ATV, a jetski and one above on the perch.

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming five times, each time out to the sand dollars, twice with buddies.  I saw the tail of a leopard shark in chest deep water.  It was too fast for me to get a picture.

I watched sunset from the beach.  I saw the inversion layer separate a piece of the sun that became a green flash above the setting sun.  Then I saw another green flash after the rest of the sun went over the horizon.

I left the parking lot about 8:30pm.  The gate was locked, so I drove to the other exit.

July 7, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Approaching my spot, it was obvious that there had been a rock slide.  I later spoke with an eyewitness who saw it about 6am and watched for 45 minutes.  This is the biggest rock that fell.

I went swimming four times, each time out to the sand dollars.  I could feel much colder water beginning about five feet under.  When I took my last swim at 5:30, the thermocline was less obvious and the water had warmed up a few degrees.  I saw a fuzzy dark thing swim under me.  It had about the right size, shape and movement to be a small shark, perhaps a leopard shark.

I was hiking up the trail when the sun set.  There was a green flash, but I took my picture a moment too early.

I left the parking lot about 8:30pm.  The gate was locked, so I drove to the other exit.

July 4, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming three times, each time with a buddy and out to the sand dollars.  One time a lifeguard on a jetski insisted that we swim away from a rip current.  During another swim, a lifeguard on a jetski checked on us, but left satisfied that we were not in danger.

I was on the beach when the sun set, but missed it.  I was walking south during twilight and saw fireworks beyond La Jolla.  I hiked up the trail about 8:30pm.

I met with a few people at the top of the trail and watched fireworks.  We could see the La Jolla fireworks, but could only hear the Del Mar fireworks.  If we had sat on the other side of the gliderport, we might have seen those too.

July 2, 2006: Black's Beach

Parking at 10am	street parking: plenty gliderport: west lot nearly full, already a few cars in east lot
Visibility	I could barely see beyond Flatrock.
Burro Trail	mostly good, only a few big steps, some work had been done, but not completed
Climate	hot and sunny, light breeze from southwest
People	thousands
Activities Observed	paragliding, swimming, body surfing, body boarding, surfing, volleyball, Frisbee, horseshoes, paddleball
Water	surf: 6' tide: It was rising late in the day. temperature: 74º current: none that I noticed, but there was a water rescue visibility: better than 15'
Wildlife Observed	western gulls, squirrels, ravens, pelicans, bat rays, corbina, sand dollars, heermann's gulls, guitar fish, leopard shark, crab
Lifeguards and Law Enforcement	I saw city lifeguards in white jeeps, one on an ATV, a harbor patrol boat, a jetski and one above on the perch.

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot, but had to put on sandals as soon as I reached the beach.  The sand was very hot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming only once, with a buddy and out to the reef.  We could hear the snap, crackle, pop of the fish, so we knew we were near, but never found it.

There was a water rescue.  It seems that citizens started the rescue, but lifeguards finished it.

A fisherman caught a leopard shark.  He walked north trying to bring it in.  He drew quite a crowd, including myself.  I tried to get a picture, but it got loose.  I could see that it was about the maximum size of five feet.

I watched sunset from the beach.  There was a lot of haze, so it was a fizzle.

Then I headed for the trail, dressed and hiked up.  It was after 8:30pm when I found the gate locked and drove to the other exit.

July 1, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot, but had to put on sandals as soon as I reached the beach.  The sand was very hot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming four times, three times to the sand dollars and once to the reef.  I heard dolphins, but they sounded far and I didn't see them while in the water.  I swam out to the reef with a buddy, but never quite found it.  We could hear the snap, crackle, pop of the fish, so we knew we were near.

It was still warm when I watched sunset from the beach.  Inversion layers became very apparent and we even saw a green flash above the setting sun.  There was too much haze to see another green flash after sunset. Then I headed for the trail about 8pm.  I put on my clothes and hiked up.  I left the parking lot at almost 8:30pm.  The gate was locked, so I had to drive to the other exit.

June 30, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot, but had to put on sandals as soon as I reached the beach.  The sand was very hot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming five times, four times to the sand dollars.  During one swim I heard dolphins, so I stayed close to shore, hoping they would come close.  They never did.

It was still warm when I headed for the trail about 7pm.  I put on my clothes and hiked up.  I left the parking lot at almost 8:30pm.  The gate was locked, so I had to drive to the other exit.

June 29, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot, but had to put on sandals as soon as I reached the beach.  The sand was very hot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming four times, each time to the sand dollars.  I heard dolphins very close during one swim.  I eventually saw them in the distance, but never close up.

It was still warm when I headed for the trail about 7pm.  I put on my clothes and hiked up.  I left the parking lot at almost 8:30pm.  The gate was locked, so I had to drive to the other exit.

June 17, 2006: Black's Beach

Parking at 10:30am	street parking: still some spaces left gliderport: plenty of spaces
Visibility	I could see beyond Flatrock.
Burro Trail	mostly good, only a few big steps
Climate	sunny and warm, strong wind from southwest
People	probably a thousand
Activities Observed	paragliding, swimming, body surfing, body boarding, surfing, volleyball, kite flying
Water	surf: 8' tide: I didn't notice a change. temperature: 72º current: I was carried a ways to the north. visibility: about 10'
Wildlife Observed	western gulls, squirrels, ravens, pelicans, bat rays, dolphins, snowy egret
Lifeguards and Law Enforcement	I saw city lifeguards in a white jeep and one above on the perch.

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming three times, twice to the sand dollars.  One swim was done with buddies, but they had problems with their fins and we had to cut the swim short.

People in my group played a few games of volleyball.  There was at least one 3 on 3 game and another game with more players.

It was still warm when I headed for the trail about 7pm.  I put on my clothes and hiked up.  I left the parking lot at almost 8pm.  I was surprised that there wasn't a guard waiting to lock the gate.

June 16, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I needed sandals for the hot sand, but didn't bring any.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming four times, twice to the sand dollars.  The other two times I stopped just beyond the surf and watched as dolphins swam close.  I took some pictures, but nothing good came out.

People in my group played a few games of volleyball.  There was at least one 3 on 3 game and another game with more players.

The ranger pulled up to a couple south of me.  I saw them packing, so I walked over and learned that he gave them a warning for glass bottles and ordered them off the beach.

It was still warm when I headed for the trail about 6:30pm.  I put on my clothes and hiked up.  I left the parking lot about 7:30pm and there was already a guard waiting to lock the gate at 8pm.

June 15, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot, but had to put on sandals at the beach, due to hot sand.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming only once.  It was a bit of a fight to get out past the surf, due to the short interval between big waves.  The water wasn't very clear and I could see that the current had already carried me far to the south.  I cut my swim short and swam to shore.

The baby squirrels were out of their nests and on the beach.  With so many squirrels, they seem to be hungrier and bolder.  The best way to keep them out of your food is to hang it from your umbrella.

It got very cloudy about 6pm, so I started packing.  The sun came out just before I started up the trail.  I left the parking lot about 7:30pm and there was already a guard waiting to lock the gate at 8pm.

June 11, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  I set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming three times.  I caught a few good waves on my return.

An osprey was very visible today.  It flew within about ten feet of me.  It swooped down and caught a few fish from the shallow surf.  It even landed on the beach for a short time.

There were a lot of horseshoe matches and volleyball games in my area.  There were also a lot of paddleball games and Frisbee throwing.

It was cooling off when I left at 7pm.

June 10, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  I set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming three times.  I caught a few good waves on my return.

There were a lot of horseshoe matches and volleyball games in my area.  There were also a lot of paddleball games and Frisbee throwing.

It was cooling off when I left at 6pm.

June 4, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming three times.  I caught a few good waves on my return.  I saw dolphins twice.  I heard dolphins on my third swim too, but I never saw them.

There were a lot of horseshoe matches and volleyball games in my area.  There were also a lot of paddleball games and Frisbee throwing.

It was cooling off when I left at 6pm.

June 3, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming five times, four times to the sand dollars.  I caught good waves on my return, and my fifth swim was just for body surfing.  I picked up a big hermit crab in a beautiful shell and took it to shore.  I showed it off a little, complained about how they hog all the best shells, then returned it to the surf.

It was still hot when I left at 7pm.

June 2, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.

I went swimming four times, each time to the sand dollars.  I startled a cormorant as I surfaced after a dive.  I managed to ride a few waves, but they were all mediocre rides.

Twice, I watched ravens chasing a hawk away.

It was still hot when I left at 6pm.

May 31, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Our usual spot was still mostly clear of seaweed, not so for most of the beach.  A few of use cleared the new seaweed by burying it.

We raised flags, the American flag and our club flag.  I also posted another bulletin board under our club flag.

I went swimming three times, once to the sand dollars.  I managed to ride a few waves, but they were all mediocre rides.  The current was so weak that I managed to return to shore in same place.

It started clouding up about 5pm, and cooling off a little.  It was still warm when I left about 7pm.

May 30, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Our usual spot was still mostly clear of seaweed.

I went swimming three times, once to the sand dollars.  I managed to ride a few waves, but they were all mediocre rides.

I watched sunset while hiking up the trail.  As it was going down, there was a distinct outline on the horizon.  I quickly realized it was Catalina Island.  I think I saw some pale green at the end.  I got to my car about 8:05pm.  The guard was just locking the gate, so I drove southeast to the other exit.

I watched sunset while hiking up the trail.  As it was going down, there was a distinct outline on the horizon.  I quickly realized it was Catalina Island.  I think I saw some pale green at the end.  I got to my car about 8:05pm.  The guard was just locking the gate, so I drove southeast to the other exit.

May 29, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Much of the set up for the picnic was already done.  I raised another flag and helped remove seaweed.

I went swimming four time, twice to the sand dollars.  I managed to ride a few waves, but they were all mediocre rides.

There were about sixty people at the picnic.  There were hot dogs, chicken, sweet corn, hamburgers, carne asada, bratwurst and pineapple.

I watched sunset, about 7:45, while walking to the trail.  There was a green flash.  I found some new damage to the trail, in the W stairs.  I got to my car about 8:15pm.  The gate was locked, so I drove southeast to the other exit.

May 28, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide.  Much of the set up for the picnic was already done.  I raised another flag and helped remove seaweed.

I went swimming twice.  I didn't make it past the surf.  The southern current was strong and the surf kept pushing me back toward shore.  I tried to ride some waves, but never really got anything.

There were about sixty people at the picnic.  There were hot dogs, chicken, sweet corn, salmon, bratwurst and squash.

I didn't get to my car until 8:30pm.  The gate was locked, so I drove southeast to the other exit.

May 25, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, looking for damage from the rainstorm.  I found very little.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flags.

I went swimming twice.  I swam out past the surf, but not to the sand dollars.  It was a little difficult to get past the surf, and I tried to ride some on my way back.  I never managed to catch one, but one attempt threw my camera into my head.  I was bleeding, so I went to see the lifeguards.  I wanted to use their mirrors to see how bad it was.  It wasn't much bigger than a scratch.

At the time the lifeguards had detained a man and they were waiting for the ranger.  A ranger came, handcuffed the man and searched his bag.  They wrote him some sort of citation and released him.

Some of the guys played a few games of volleyball.  There were others playing volleyball near the trailhead.

It was still nice when I left about 5pm.

May 21, 2006: Black's Beach

It was cloudy and cool when I arrived, but I decided to hike down any way.  It was too cold to undress.  I set up my bulletin board at the trailhead and headed north to my usual spot.  I picked up a lot of tar at the surf line on the way.

There were a few friends there ahead of me.  They had windbreaks set up and only one of them was nude.  We set up more windbreaks.  I wore a fleece shirt much of the day and was only nude for a short time.

We watched dolphins breach for a while.  They were jumping out higher and more often than usual.

I gave up on the weather and left about 3pm.

May 20, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  I set up my bulletin board, then headed north to my usual spot.  I picked up a lot of tar at the surf line on my way.

There were a lot of friends there ahead of me.  They had already set up the volleyball court.  I raised my flags and set up another bulletin board.

I left about 6pm.

May 12, 2006: Black's Beach

It was cloudy and cool when I arrived, but I decided to hike down any way.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  I didn't think I'd be there long, so I just wandered around near the trail head.  I picked up a lot of tar at the surf line.

I could also see Black's Beach Diggers installing new steps near the bottom.  They were drilling into the rock.  Then they hammered spikes through railroad ties and into the rock.

I gave up on the weather and left about 3pm.  I tested the new steps on my way up.  They seemed very secure.

May 10, 2006: Black's Beach

It was cloudy and cool when I arrived, so I waited in the parking lot.  About 12:30pm it was looking better, so I hiked down the Burro Trail with two friends.  A few steps had been added and there was still some work-in-progress.

I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flag.

I went swimming once.  I swam out past the surf, but not to the sand dollars.  I spotted a few dolphins, after they had passed me.  I rode a few waves to shore.

Geoff set up the volleyball net, but it clouded up and cooled just about the moment he finished.  We all packed up and left about 3pm.

May 7, 2006: Black's Beach

It was cloudy and cool when I arrived, so I waited in the parking lot.  About 1pm it was looking better, so I hiked down the Burro Trail.  I could see that there had been improvements in the trail and some works-in-progress.

I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flags.  Some of the Bares spent time improving volleyball poles, and eventually found time for a few games.

I went swimming twice.  I swam out past the surf both times, but not to the sand dollars.  I caught a glimpse of something surfacing and submerging.  I waited and looked around, and caught another glimpse.  I didn't see a dorsal fin, so I figured it was a sea lion.  Eventually, I saw it's light brown face as it surfaced again.  I also rode a few waves to shore.

I was feeling a little cool about 6pm.  Other Bares stayed warm playing volleyball.  They were still playing when I left.

April 30, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flags.

I went swimming twice.  I swam out past the surf both times, but not to the sand dollars.  I found a crab when I was almost out of breath.  I surfaced for air, but couldn't find it again when I went back down for a picture.

It was cloudy and cool when I left about 5pm.

April 21, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flag.

I sat in the shade for quite a while and fell asleep.  At times it was so cold I had to put a shirt on.

It was cloudy and cool when I left about 5pm.

April 19, 2006: Black's Beach

As I hiked down the Burro Trail, I could see UCSD art students decorating the trail and the beach with twigs and seaweed.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flags.

I sat in the shade for quite a while.  Later in the day I caught some photons and fell asleep.

It was still sunny, but cooling when I left about 6pm.  I watched sunset from the trail.  There was a green flash.

April 11, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flags.

I went swimming twice.  I swam out to the sand dollars both times.  I caught a good wave on my way back.

It was still sunny, but cooling when I left about 6pm.

April 9, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail taking pictures of the trail.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flags.

I went swimming twice.  One time I managed to swim out just past the surf.  The second time, I couldn't get past the surf.  The big waves and short interval were pushing me back to shore faster than I could swim against it.  I managed to catch some good rides on the waves.

It clouded over about 3pm.  Lots of people packed and left.  I was packing and about to leave when the sun came out again.  I left about 6pm, passing Black's Beach Diggers working on a water diversion at the top of the S staircase.

April 8, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail taking pictures of some of the trail improvements.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flags.

I went swimming twice.  There were dolphins swimming in the area, but I didn't spot them while in the water.  I did manage to pick up a hermit crab, show it off a little on shore, then threw it back.

It was getting a bit cool and windy about 6pm, so I left.

April 2, 2006: Black's Beach

As I hiked down the Burro Trail barefoot, I noticed a few trail repairs.  The Q staircase had been rebuilt and the height of a U stair had been changed.

I undressed at the trailhead, set up my bulletin board and headed north to my usual spot at Valentine Slide.  I raised my flags there and set up another bulletin board.

I sat in the shade for a while, but eventually needed the sun to keep warm.  The clouds got thicker about 3pm and I left.

On my way up the trail, Black's Beach Diggers were tearing out the S stairs.  They said they were going to rebuild them, but the job would only be about half done today.  It would likely be a week until the stairs are done.  There will be a big gap at the top, in the meantime.

March 26, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail.  I undressed at the trailhead, set up my bulletin board and headed north to my usual spot at Valentine Slide.

Clouds rolled in about 3pm and I left.

March 25, 2006: Black's Beach

On my way down the Burro Trail I spotted two white trucks with rangers.  I undressed at the trailhead, set up my bulletin board and headed north to my usual spot at Valentine Slide.  I raised my flag and set up another bulletin board there.

I called the rangers and learned they were on their way to pick up a dead sea lion between Mussel Rocks and Flat Rock.  I also arranged for them to return south and pick up some trash we had collected on the beach.

Clouds rolled in about 3pm and I left about 4pm.

March 24, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  I set up my bulletin board and headed north to my usual spot at Valentine Slide and joined a few friends.  I raised my flag and set up another bulletin board there.

I collected a little tar from the beach, some of it I put in a trash bag.  Some it I cleaned off my feet with baby oil.  I also had to pick a few tumble weed thorns out of my feet.

It was still warm when I left about 3pm.

March 22, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  I set up my bulletin board and headed north to my usual spot at Valentine Slide and joined a few friends.  I raised my flag and set up another bulletin board there.

I collected a little tar from the beach, some of it I put in a trash bag.  Some it I cleaned off my feet with baby oil.  I also had to pick a few tumble weed thorns out of my feet.

I left about 3pm.

March 15, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  I set up my bulletin board and headed north to my usual spot at Valentine Slide and joined a few friends.  I raised my flag and set up another bulletin board there.

I just sat in the sun and soaked up a few photons for three hours.

I collected a lot of tar from the beach, some of it I put in a trash bag.  Some it I cleaned off my feet with baby oil.  I also had to pick a few tumble weed thorns out of my feet.

I left about 5pm.  Black's Beach Diggers were working on the trail as I was going up.  I talked with them and learned they are planning to rebuild the crooked S staircase.

March 1, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  I didn't set up my bulletin board because I wasn't planning for a day at the beach.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and joined a few friends

I didn't bring my my flag, or even a towel to sit on.  I just sat in the sun and soaked up a few photons for two hours

I left about 3pm.  Black's Beach Diggers were working on the trail as I was going up.

February 25, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  I set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flag.

Some of my friends had set up windbreaks.  I decided I wouldn't swim unless it warmed up.  I set up a reflector to keep a little warmer.  I was in and out of my fleece shirt a few times.  Some of my friends actually got dressed.

I left about 3pm.  Black's Beach Diggers were filling sandbags on the trail.

February 24, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  I set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flag.  I also set up a reflector to warm up after my swim.

I went for one swim.  There were dolphins swimming in the area, and they got pretty close, but I didn't get any good pictures.

I was still warm when I left at 4pm.

February 22, 2006: Black's Beach

The trail weathered the storm well.  It was a little damp, but showed no obvious signs of erosion.  The rain seemed to pack the new steps better.

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  I set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flag.

It was still warm when I left about 3pm.

February 8, 2006: Black's Beach

Parking at 12pm	street parking: full gliderport: wet sand, packed hard, few spaces
Visibility	I could see a hazy San Gabriel Mountain.
Burro Trail	Significant improvements had been made. Broken boards in the V staircase had been replaced. New steps had been added to the G and M stairs. The M stairs still has one very big step, but it looks like they're building up to it. The S staircase is still a problem.
Climate	hot and sunny, no wind
People	a hundred or so
Activities Observed	surfing, Frisbee, paragliding
Water	surf: 10' tide: It was was out when I arrived and rose only a little during my short stay. temperature: I didn't get in
Wildlife Observed	western gulls, squirrels, ring-billed gulls, ravens, hermann's gulls, dolphins, sanderlings
Lifeguards and Law Enforcement	I saw lifeguards in a white truck and one on an ATV.

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  I set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flag.

The high tide and surf had carved a ledge and all my friends were sitting on what little dry sand it offered.  I sat in a chair, just under that ledge.  I quickly learned that didn't matter.  The flies were such a bother that I couldn't relax anyway.

I saw dolphins from shore.  There were a few of them riding waves.

It was still warm when I left at 3pm.

January 22, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  I set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flag.  I also set up a reflector to warm up after my swim.

I went for one swim.  I caught a wave, but it wasn't much of a ride.  I saw dolphins from shore.  I saw them breach a few times and ride the surf.

Once the wind picked up, it cooled down just a little too much, so I left at 4pm.  I stopped at the L staircase and saw whale spouts about a mile off-shore.

January 20, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  I set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flag.

Recent surf must have taken away more sand.  My spot was now a ledge of sand about two feet above the rest.  The sand was dry up there, but it was narrow.

I went for one swim.  I noticed the rip current on my way out.  I swam long enough to get my temperature reading, caught a wave and swam back through the rip.

It cooled down just a little too much, so I left at 3pm.

January 10, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  I set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flag.

The entire beach was wet from the morning high tide, but the tide was now way out.  I sat in a chair close to Valentine Slide.

I went for one swim.  I swam out past the surf, but I didn't see sand dollars.  I did notice a pod of dolphins, after they had already passed me.  I thought I saw a rip current south of me as I was swimming back.  I was surprised to see how far out I was.  I had to struggle a little to get back.  I think I was in a rip current and what I saw earlier was a shear zone between a rip current and normal currents.

It cooled down just a little too much, so I left at 4pm.

January 9, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  I set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flag.

The entire beach was wet from the morning high tide, but the tide was now way out.  I sat in a chair close to Valentine Slide.

I went for one swim.  I didn't get past the surf, nor did I see any wildlife.  I had to struggle a little to get back.  I think I was in a rip current.  I caught one good ride on a big wave.

It cooled down just a little too much, so I left at 3pm.

January 7, 2006: San Onofre Beach

I carpooled with Dave, Claudia and Blair.  We hiked down Trail 6 then south and across the wash.  There we met Allen, undressed and set up.  We raised our flag next to his and set up our bulletin board.

After our meeting concluded, I went for a swim followed by Blair and Claudia.  I passed the farthest surfer, but still didn't get past the surf.  My thermometer held a steady reading, so I considered it accurate and returned to shore.  I caught a ride on a wave on the way in.  The current had carried me just a little past the fence and onto Camp Pendleton.

We could only stay a short time, so we packed and left before 2pm.

January 6, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  I set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flag.

I was cautious about setting up, because I knew the tide would rise.  There wasn't much beach, but there was more than previous days.  I set up close to the cliffs and sat in a chair I'd brought.  It never got as high as I feared.

It was still warm when I left at 3pm.

January 5, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail and undressed at the trailhead.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot past Valentine Slide and raised my flag.

I was cautious about setting up, because I knew the tide would rise.  There wasn't much beach.  Everybody was set up close to the cliffs.  I sat in a chair I'd brought, as did most people. 

It was still warm when I left at sunset.  Black's Beach Diggers were working on the G stairs again.

January 4, 2006: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail.  I undressed at the trailhead and set up my bulletin board.  Then I headed north toward my usual spot.  I passed a dead seal near the Enchanted Palm Tree.  I continued north passed Valentine Slide and raised my flag.

I couldn't sit in the sand at first, because waves were still reaching high.  Later I was able to move down to the sand, but I had to be wary of big waves.  I set up a reflector for myself and that kept be a bit warmer.  Some of my friends set up wind breaks. 

The sun went behind some thin clouds and the beach cooled just a little too much.  I left about 3:30pm.  Black's Beach Diggers were working on the G stairs.

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