You will find trip reports by Lloyd Johnson here.  The most recent reports are at the top.  Gaps in coverage sometimes indicate bad weather.  I generally don't notice currents unless they are very strong.

July 13, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I reached the bottom, undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised an American flag and my club flag, and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself, and used it for shade.  It was still hot, even when cloudy.

I went swimming twice to the sand dollars, and once to the reef.  I did three dives to the reef and took pictures.

We had three hot grills from about 12-6.  People were cooking sweet corn, chicken, shish kabobs, hot dogs, pineapple and hamburgers.

I packed, dressed and headed to the trail about 7pm.  At the trailhead I collected my bulletin boards and hiked up.  I knew today was a Catalina sunset, but I didn't want to wait.

July 12, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I reached the bottom, undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised an American flag and my club flag, and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself, and used it for shade.  It was still hot, even when cloudy.

A man speared a spotfin croaker.  It was about 2 feet long or so.

I went swimming twice to the sand dollars.  I also when out on my pool lounge.  I just paddled out past the surf and drifted.

I packed, dressed and headed to the trail about 7pm.  At the trailhead I collected my bulletin boards and hiked up.  I knew today was a Catalina sunset, but I didn't want to wait.

July 6, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I reached the bottom, undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised an American flag and two of my club flags, and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself, but never used it for shade, since I couldn't find a shadow.  I did use it to hang food and for hanging things to dry.

I went swimming three times to the sand dollars.  Something bumped my ankle while I was threading water.  I looked down and it was a big bat ray.

The sun came out for an hour or so around noon.  Otherwise it was overcast and warm, until about 5pm.  I was cold enough to put on my fleece shirt.

I packed, dressed and headed to the trail about 6:30pm.  At the trailhead I collected my bulletin boards and hiked up.

July 5, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I reached the bottom, undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised an American flag and my club flag, and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself, but never used it for shade, since I couldn't find a shadow.  I did use it to hang food and for hanging things to dry.

I went swimming three times beyond the sand dollars.  I had a close encounter with a pair of dolphins, but couldn't reach my camera fast enough.  I caught a great wave.  I also caught a hermit crab and brought it to shore for children to see and throw back.

The ranger was giving citations for alcohol.  I know at least two people were cited.  There were claims that he had an alcohol detecting device, but I saw no evidence of that.

It cooled off enough that I put on a fleece shirt for a while, sometime around 5:30pm.  I left about 6:30pm.  I dressed, gathered my things and hiked up.

July 4, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I reached the bottom, undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised an American flag on a tall aluminum pole and two of my club flags, and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself, but never used it for shade, since I couldn't find a shadow.  I did use it to hang food and for hanging things to dry.

I went swimming four times to the sand dollars, once with a buddy.  I rejected the idea of swimming to the reef.  With the fog, there was no way I could see my markers to find it.

The grill was hot from about 11am to 6pm.  I cooked and passed around sweet corn.  Others shared hot dogs, chicken, venison, pork ribs, beef ribs, bell peppers, mushrooms, pineapple, potatoes and zucchini.  I think I saw some salmon too.

It was still warm when I left at 7:30pm.  I dressed, gathered my things and hiked up.  I decided not to stay for fireworks this year.  I was convinced the haze would ruin the show.  I left the parking lot a little after 8pm.  I was surprised to find the gate locked.  I expected the city to give a little and let people watch fireworks.  I drove to the other gate and out.

July 2, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I reached the bottom, undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised my club flag and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself, but only for hanging things to dry.  I didn't wear any sunblock or sit in the shade, since I couldn't even find a shadow.

I went swimming once, and that was to the sand dollars.  The water temperature had taken a dramatic drop since my last visit.

I wanted to leave earlier, but I didn't want to get stuck in traffic.  About 6pm I packed and headed to the trail.  At the trail I dressed, collected my bulletin boards and hiked up.

June 29, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I reached the bottom, undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised my club flag, and an American flag, and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself.  I eventually had to move back from the rising tide.  Volleyball games moved from the yellow court near the water, to the green court closer to the cliff.

I swam to the reef once, and three times just beyond the san dollars.  I buddies for two swims.  At the reef, there was a cormorant swimming nearby.  It must have been diving for fish there.  I was surprised that he didn't move further from me.  I made three dives to the reef.

The tide was coming up high and fast.  Several people, including me, had to move back.  A volleyball court was completely underwater.

About 6:30pm the tide was very high and I was done for the day, so I packed, dressed and headed to the trail.  At the trail I collected my bulletin boards and hiked up.  I left the parking lot about 7:30pm.

June 28, 2008: Black's Beach

As I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot, the man ahead of me caught a gopher snake and released it.  I reached the bottom, undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised my club flag, and an American flag, and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself.  I eventually had to move back from the rising tide.  Volleyball games moved from the yellow court near the water, to the green court closer to the cliff.

I swam to the reef once, and once just beyond the san dollars.  I had a buddy for both swims.  I made three dives to the reef and we swam back.  I also went out just to body surf.

About 5pm it started clouding up and cooling down.  I thought the day was over, so I packed.  Then the sun came out again.  I hung around a little, but eventually left early, 6:30.  I then headed to the trail.  At the trail I dressed, collected my bulletin boards and hiked up.

June 25, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised my club flag, and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself, but did not sit in the shade.

I swam to the reef once.  The water was choppy and white caps were hitting me from the south.  I made two dives to the reef, but I had drifted so far that I didn't think I could hold my position for a third dive.

About 4:30pm it started clouding up and cooling down.  I didn't want to leave right away and get stuck in traffic, so I stayed until 5:30.  I then headed to the trail.  At the trail I dressed, collected my bulletin boards and hiked up.

June 22, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised my club flag, and an American flag, and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself.  The sand was very hot at first, but cooled with the fog.

I swam to the reef as fog rolled in.  There were times when we couldn't see shore.  I took three other swims, all to the sand dollars.  I had a total of five different buddies, not all at the same time.

A few guys insisted on doing a barbecue.  So they cooked a few things, hot dogs, venison sausage and chicken, and passed it around.

About 7:30pm I dressed and headed to the trail.  The sun set before I reached the trail.  I collected my bulletin boards and hiked up.

I left the parking lot about 8:20.  The main gate was locked, but I used the secondary gate.

June 21, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised my club flag, and an American flag, and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself.  The sand was very hot, way too hot for bare feet.  The flies were a problem almost the entire day.

I swam to the reef twice, once with a buddy.  I could actually see two people raising one of my usual markers, a blue flag, while I was above the reef.  I also swam beyond the sand dollars twice.  I caught some waves on my way back to shore.

I inflated a float and took it out beyond the surf.  I drifted at first, but was able to paddle to the spot of my choice.  I just soaked up sun without getting hot.  While I was drifting, a pair of dolphins swam past.  I could also see and hear occasional splashes from small fish near the surface.

While I was drifting out past the surf, there was some sort of emergency.  Two of their trucks and the camper responded to some sort of water injury.  It looked like they put somebody on a board.  Maybe there was a neck or back injury in the surf.

I stayed until about 7:30pm.  I dressed and headed to the trail.  Then I collected my bulletin boards and hiked up, stopping to watch sunset.

I left the parking lot about 8:20.  The main gate was locked, but I used the secondary gate.

June 20, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised my club flag and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself.  The sand was very hot, way too hot for bare feet.  The flies were a problem until afternoon.

I went swimming four times, once to the reef, otherwise just past the sand dollars.  I had a little trouble finding the reef because some of my markers were gone.  I found other markers, including a small buoy, probably marking a lobster trap.  I saw a seal swimming straight at me, then I guess it realized I wasn't another seal and I didn't see it again.  I caught some waves on my way back to shore.

Volleyball games didn't get started until late because the sand was too hot.  A new court was set up, closer to the water and on cooler sand.

I stayed until about 7:30pm.  I dressed and headed to the trail.  Then I collected my bulletin boards and hiked up, stopping to watch sunset.

I left the parking lot about 8:20.  There was no ticket on my windshield, but the main gate was locked.  However, the second gate was open and the road was better, thanks to the US Open.

June 19, 2008: Black's Beach

Lifeguards were rushing down Torrey Pines Scenic Drive ahead of me.  Apparently there was a cliff rescue, but I didn't see it.  It must have been on the city beach.

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised my club flag and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself.  I used it mostly to hang things and sometimes for shade.  The sand was very hot, way too hot for bare feet.

I went swimming four times, three times past the sand dollars distance.  I caught some waves on my way back to shore.

I stayed until about 7pm.  I headed to the trail.  Then I dressed, collected my bulletin boards and hiked up.

June 17, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised my club flag and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself.  I used it mostly to hang things and sometimes for shade.  I wore a fleece shirt much of the day.

I went swimming twice, each time to the sand dollars distance, but I didn't see any.  I did have a close encounter with a few dozen dolphins.  I managed to get a video clip of two passing under me.  But, they are pretty much just shadows.

I was planning to leave about 6pm, but it got too hot to go up the trail.  I stayed until about 7pm.  I dressed and headed to the trail.  Then I collected my bulletin boards and hiked up.

June 14, 2008: San Onofre

There were two signs at the entrance stating that nudity was illegal, but I knew there would be no problem.  I drove the three miles south and parked a little south of the last bathrooms.  These two signs were posted at trail 6.  We hiked down trail 6 to the beach then south to the nude section. Allen was passing out flyers as people crossed the nude boundary.  We found a few expected friends, undressed and joined them.  I raised my Black's Beach flag and set up my umbrella. Dave and Geoff quickly joined in a volleyball game, while I took my first swim.  I couldn't see anything, because visibility was so poor.  I did catch one good wave. I was nude most of the time, but put on a fleece shirt later in the day.  We were packed and ready to go about 5pm.  It was almost 6pm when we finally drove out the gate.

June 8, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised my club flag and an American flag, and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself.  I used it mostly to hang things and sometimes for shade.  The sand was too hot for my bare feet.

I went swimming twice, each time to the sand dollars distance, but I didn't see any.  I caught the best ride of my life on a wave.  It was pretty big and I got a long, smooth ride out of it.

By 5pm it was getting too cool for me.  I packed, dressed and headed to the trail.  I collected my bulletin board at the trail head and hiked up.

June 7, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised my club flag and set up another bulletin board.

The wind was very strong so I waited for others to arrive.  We often sit closer and put up wind breaks, and I wanted to figure out where it should be.  A few people showed up and we decided to set up our village east of the volleyball court and against the hill.  I set up an umbrella for hanging my food.  Others were used to block the wind.

The wind was dyed down about 5pm.  I could see a thick bank of clouds near the horizon.  It was still warm, but I packed about 6pm.  I collected my bulletin board and dressed at the trail head.

June 6, 2008: Black's Beach

I parked about a mile south of Black Gold Road and coasted down Salk Canyon on a bike.  Then I rode across the packed sand to my usual near Valentine Slide.  I undressed, raised my club flag and set up bulletin boards, one at my spot and one at the trail head.

I set up an umbrella for myself, for hanging my food and for shade.  I went swimming three times, each time just beyond the surf and some body surfing on my way back.

The tide had been very high and left most of the sand wet.  It had also taken away some sand.

I asked people about the parking situation.  Despite signs that we could not park at the gliderport, people were able to park there.  Everyone told the same story of the lot being packed thought.  There was also a parking ticket issued to a car still parked at the gliderport at 8:15, fifteen minutes after the lot closes.

Late in the day fruit started washing up on shore.  There were a lot of oranges, but also apples and lemons.  The soggy boxes also washed up.  Some people were telling me that the fruit was fine.

It was still hot when I packed and left about 6:30pm.  I had to push my bike up the road.

June 3, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised my club flag and set up another bulletin board.  I set up two umbrellas for myself, one for hanging my food and the other to block the wind.

The wind was covering my sheet with sand.  Also there was plenty of sand sticking to my sunblock.  The day wasn't turning out the way I'd hoped.  I left early, 3pm, to beat traffic.

June 1, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised my club flag and an American flag, and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself.  I used it mostly to hang things and sometimes for shade.  I was often too cold to sit in the shade.  The sand was too hot for my bare feet.

I went swimming three times, each time beyond the sand dollars.  I saw a big bat ray again.

About 6pm the clouds convinced me the day was over.  The tide was also rising, enough that we had to back up a few times.  I packed and headed to the trail.  I dressed at the trail and collected my bulletin boards.  I left the parking lot about 7pm.

May 31, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised my club flag there and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself.  I used it mostly to hang things and sometimes for shade.  I was often too cold to sit in the shade.  The sand was too hot for my bare feet.

I went swimming three times, each time beyond the sand dollars.  Twice I saw a large bat ray.  Maybe it was the same one on two occasions, or maybe there were two.

A few clouds started blocking the sun about 6pm.  The tide was also rising, enough that we had to back up a few times.  I packed and left about 7pm.  I dressed at the trail and collected my bulletin boards.

I waited in the parking lot for sunset.  I was trying to figure out exactly when I could see Catalina Island.  I predicted May 28-31, but it was probably May 27-30, since I didn't see it this time.

May 30, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised my club flag there and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself.  I used it only to hang things.  I wasn't warm enough in the shade, but the sand was too hot for my bare feet.  This time I brought sandals.

I went swimming three times, twice beyond the sand dollars.

A few clouds started blocking the sun about 5pm.  The tide was also rising, enough that we had to back up a few times.  I packed and left about 6pm.  I dressed at the trail and collected my bulletin boards.  I left the parking lot about 7pm.

May 28, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  There were two dump trucks and two bulldozers building a mound for a lifeguard lookout at the city beach boundary.

I undressed and set up a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.  I raised my club flag there and set up another bulletin board.

I set up an umbrella for myself.  I used it only to hang things.  I wasn't warm enough in the shade, but the sand was too hot for my bare feet.  This time I brought sandals.

I went swimming twice, both times to the sand dollars.

It was cooling off when I packed and left about 6:30pm.  I waited until almost 8pm to see the Catalina sunset.  Catalina Island was silhouetted by the setting sun, probably yesterday too.

May 26, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  There was already a bulletin board near the trailhead.  I stocked it up, undressed and headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.

There was already a club flag and an American flag flying.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it only to hang things.  I wasn't warm enough in the shade.  The sand was too hot for my bare feet, but I didn't bring sandals.

We had our grill lit by 12pm.  Not many people came, due to the weather forecast.  Even fewer had food for the grill.  I brought sweet corn.  Others brought chicken, lamb, carrots and hot dogs.

I went swimming once, to the sand dollars.  That's when I saw a cormorant ahead of me.

It was still warm when I packed and left about 6:30pm.

May 25, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  There was already a bulletin board near the trailhead, so I restocked it.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.

I set up another bulletin board and raised my club flag and an American flag.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it to hang things and for shade.

We had our grill lit by 12pm.  Not many people came, due to the weather forecast.  Even fewer had food for the grill.  I had sweet corn and Dave brought chicken, pineapple and hot dogs.

I never felt warm enough to get in the water.  I'm sure the water was warm, but the cold wind would have been too much.

It was still warm when I packed and left about 6:30pm.  As I started up the trail, a cliff rescue began.  I hiked to the top and watched the top end of the rescue.  They were done before 7:30pm.  Somebody started down a false trail.

May 24, 2008: San Onofre

I met with several people in the parking lot.  We were there to show our support for nude recreation at San Onofre.  Several of us left "Nude Beaches Yes" posters in our car windows.  We hiked down to the beach an met a few others who were there ahead of us.

The weather was warmer than I expected, since the forecast called for scattered showers in the afternoon.  I was nude for a short time, but wore a shirt much of the time.  I did not bring my usual supplies for a sunny day at the beach, so I didn't want to stay long.

We talked about the Cahill Policy and the current problem at San Onofre.  People were setting up the volleyball court as I left about 2pm.

May 18, 2008: Black's Beach

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

I set up another bulletin board and raised my club flag and an American flag.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it to hang things and for shade.  The sand was too hot for bare feet, but I brought sandals.

I went swimming four times.  I only made it to the sand dollars once.  I tried to swim to the reef, but the waves kept pounding me back to shore and driving me off course.  Otherwise, I swam out for some body surfing.

It was still hot when I packed and left just before sunset.

May 17, 2008: Black's Beach

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

I set up another bulletin board and raised my club flag and an American flag.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it to hang things and for shade.  The sand was too hot for bare feet, but I brought sandals.

I saw a little dust from a rock slide, again, but didn't actually see any rocks come down.  The flies were quite a bother most of the day, again.  I only managed to keep clear of them by being active, in the water or walking around.

I went swimming five times, four times to the sand dollars and once most of the way to the reef.  Dolphins swam close to me twice.  I also managed to capture videos of them from shore.

It was almost time for sunset as I packed and dressed.  The sun set while I was hiking to the trail.  I saw some pale green, the green flash, as the sun went below an inversion layer.  I collected my things at the trail head and headed up.  I left the parking lot a little after 8pm.  The gate was still open.

May 16, 2008: Black's Beach

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

I set up another bulletin board and raised my club flag.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it to hang things and for shade.  The sand was too hot for bare feet, but I brought sandals.

There was a rock slide almost immediately upon my arrival.  Material fell from just about directly below a light blue windsock.  Rocks broke up during the fall and nothing bigger than a man's torso reached the sand.  The cloud of dust blew up the cliff and it was all over within a few seconds.  I was only able to capture the dust cloud on video.

The flies were quite a bother most of the day.  The wind picked up for an hour or so and they didn't bother me as much.

I went swimming twice, both times to the sand dollars.  Both times dolphins swam close to me.

I found a crab in the sand, at the surf line.  It was one of those with dark stripes.  They usually hide in rocks, but this one was lost and in danger.

It was still hot and sunny when I left about 6pm.  I packed and headed to the trail.  I collected my things at the trail head, dressed and headed up.

May 15, 2008: Black's Beach

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

I set up another bulletin board and raised my club flag.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it to hang things and for shade.  The sand was too hot for bare feet, but I brought sandals.

The flies were quite a bother.  I cleared a lot of seaweed, but it didn't seem to help.

It was still hot and sunny when I left about 5:30pm.  I packed and headed to the trail.  I collected my things at the trail head, dressed and headed up.

May 3, 2008: Black's Beach

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

I set up another bulletin board and raised my club flag.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it to hang things and for shade.  The sand was too hot for bare feet, but I brought sandals.

There was a lot of kelp on the beach, so I used a pitchfork to move some to the hillside.  I also uprooted some tumbleweed.  I didn't find much tumbleweed in the area I cleared last year.

Some clouds covered the sun about 4pm and it started getting cold.  I stayed until about 5pm.  I packed and headed to the trail.  I collected my things at the trail head, dressed and headed up.

May 2, 2008: Black's Beach

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

I set up another bulletin board and raised my club flag.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it to hang things and for shade.

The sand was too hot for bare feet.  Fortunately, I brought sandals this time.

There was a lot of kelp on the beach, so I used a pitchfork to move some to the hillside.  I also uprooted some tumbleweed.

I stayed until about 6pm.  It was still warm, but I needed to leave early.  I collected my things at the trail head, dressed and headed up.

April 27, 2008: Black's Beach

I was trying to get to the parking lot ahead of the La Jolla Half Marathon, but I failed.  There were so many runners that no turns to Torrey Pines Scenic Drive were allowed.  I parked at UCSD, walked to an SDPD officer and asked when access would be open.  She said not until 12pm.  Others had been told 30 minutes.  I decided not to wait 30 minutes only to be told it would be another 30 minutes and another and another.  I went back to my car, collected my things and hiked across campus and North Torrey Pines Road.  A few people made the mistake of listening to me.  As we were well into our hike, the road was opened and people drove in.  Whether people walked from UCSD or waited, we all reached the parking lot about the same time.  But some of us had a longer hike back to our cars.

As I started toward the trail, I noticed a lot of bugs flying.  I later found the same beetles on the beach.  I hadn't realized these bugs could fly.

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

I set up another bulletin board and raised my club flags.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it to hang things and for shade.

The sand was too hot for bare feet.  Fortunately, I brought sandals this time.  The kelp flies were a problem at times, but not consistently.

Despite the shark fears I went swimming five times, each time to the sand dollars.  I had dolphin encounters each swim.  Once I heard them very close and surfaced to find them cutting right across my path.  Based on this close encounter, I wore a friends helmet cam for my next swim.  I got pretty close that time.  I caught a few good waves.  I met a new swimming buddy on a swim and he joined me later.

It was still warm at 6pm when I packed and left.  I dressed at the trail and collected my bulletin boards.  I managed to mooch a ride to UCSD, finding no citation on my car.

April 26, 2008: Black's Beach

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

I set up another bulletin board and raised my club flag.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it to hang things and for shade.

The sand was too hot for bare feet.  Fortunately, I brought sandals this time.

Despite the shark fears I went swimming twice.  Once I stayed near shore and did some body surfing.  Later I swam out further.

It was still hot at 3pm, but I had plans, so I packed and left.  I dressed at the trail and collected my bulletin boards.  Expecting a hot trail, I wore sandals for the hike.

April 24, 2008: Black's Beach

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

I set up another bulletin board and raised my club flag.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it to hang things and for shade.

The sand was too hot for bare feet.  Fortunately, I brought sandals this time.

I spent some time picking up tar.  There was a lot.  Anyone down wind of me smelled the tar I'd collected.

I went swimming once.  The water was choppy and I was hardly able to catch any waves.

It was still warm at 6pm, but I packed and left.  I dressed at the trail and collected my bulletin boards.

April 23, 2008: Black's Beach

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

I set up another bulletin board and raised my club flag.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it to hang things and for shade.

The sand was too hot for bare feet.  Unfortunately, I misjudged the weather and left my sandals at home, again.  I picked up a lot of tar, but I still missed some and had to clean it off my feet.

It was still warm at 5pm, but I packed and left.  I dressed at the trail and collected my bulletin boards.

April 22, 2008: Black's Beach

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

I set up another bulletin board and raised my club flag.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it to hang things and for shade.

The sand was too hot for bare feet.  Unfortunately, I misjudged the weather and left my sandals at home.

I went swimming three times, each time to the sand dollars.  I caught a few good waves, but no great rides.

Clouds started crossing in front of the sun about 4pm.  I put on a shirt a few times, but quickly took if off after is passed.

It was still warm at 7pm, but I packed and left.  I dressed at the trail and collected my bulletin boards.  I saw sunset while hiking up.

April 17, 2008: Black's Beach

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

I set up another bulletin board and raised my club flag.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it to hang things and I actually used it for shade too.

The sand was too hot for bare feet.  Fortunately I brought sandals.

I went swimming five times, each time to the sand dollars.  I caught a few good waves, with little effort.

It was still warm at 6pm, but I packed and left.  I dressed at the trail and collected my bulletin boards.  I took my time going up the trail, stopping to pour water on a new step.  I was trying to turn the dusty step into hard clay.  I also kicked some dust down into cavities of new steps, trying to get them to settle and pack.

April 13, 2008: Black's Beach

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

I set up another bulletin board and raised two flags, one American, the other my club flag.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it to hang things and I actually used it for shade too.

The sand was very hot and barefoot people had to run across the sand.  I remembered to bring sandals this time.  Other people poured water where they often walked.

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

It was still warm, but I had a chore to do, so I packed and left.  I was leaving the parking lot about 7pm.  There were cars parked in the east lot, indicating that parking was scarce late in the day.

April 12, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I stopped to pour water on one of the new steps, per recommendation of trail workers.  I undressed and set up my bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.

I set up another bulletin board and raised two flags, one American, the other my club flag.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it to hang things and I actually used it for shade too.  Late in the day gusty wind forced me to take it down in a hurry.

The sand was very hot and barefoot people had to run across the sand.  I remembered to bring sandals this time.  Other people poured water where they often walked.

I went swimming six times.  One time I did some body surfing with a helmet cam.  The other five times I swam to the sand dollars.  Three times I had dolphin encounters, but nothing good enough to photograph.  I found and caught a lobster.  I didn't get a good grip on it though, and it had a good grip on my glove.  Concerned that he would rip a hole in it, I let him go and he soon released me.

About 5:30pm I was taking my last swim.  I looked to shore and saw that my flag was missing.  I also noted that the American flag was about to get blown over.  I hurried back to shore to save it, but saw somebody else was taking it down.  Once on shore it became obvious that a sudden gust of wind had taken over the beach.  A few umbrellas were tumbling down the beach.  A few were folded on the ground and a few were in danger of getting blown over.

I packed my things as fast as I could and headed for the trail.  I collected my bulletin boards and headed up the trail.  I was leaving the parking lot about 7:30pm.

April 11, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I stopped to pour water on one of the new steps, per recommendation of trail workers.  I undressed and set up my bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.

I set up another bulletin board and raised my flag.  I set up an umbrella.  I used it to hang things and I actually used it for shade too.  The sand was too hot for my bare feet, and I didn't bring sandals.

I went swimming four times.  Despite the murky water, I was able to find the sand dollars each time that I tried.  One swim I just went in to body surf.  I caught several good waves.

About 6pm I was unable to warm up after a swim, so I packed and hiked to the trail.  I collected my bulletin boards and headed up the trail.

April 10, 2008: Black's Beach

I hiked down the Burro Trail, barefoot.  I stopped to pour water on one of the new steps, per recommendation of trail workers.  I undressed and set up my bulletin board near the trailhead.  I headed north to my usual spot near Valentine Slide.

I set up another bulletin board and raised my flag.  I set up an umbrella, but only used it to hang food and wet swim gear.

I went swimming four times.  The water was murky and I only managed to find the sand dollars once.  I saw a grebe.  I heard dolphins, but never saw them.  I caught one very good wave and a few mediocre rides.

About 7pm I hiked to the trail.  I collected my bulletin boards and headed up the trail.  Black's Beach Diggers were busy building some new steps.

I saw sunset, but didn't have time to get my camera out.  I saw pale green, a green flash.

April 8, 2008: Black's Beach

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

I set up another bulletin board and raised my flag.  I set up wind screen, but soon moved closer to the cliff and took down the screen.  I set up an umbrella and used it for shade for a while.  Sometimes I was hot and sat in the shade.  Sometimes I needed the sun and something to do to keep warm.  I walked around picking up tar a few times.

About 5pm I was getting cold and dressed.  Soon after that I collected my bulleting boards and headed up the trail.  Black's Beach Diggers were busy building some new steps.

April 4, 2008: Black's Beach