Marine Biology Weekend Fieldtrip

For the Morro Bay mudflats you need solid shoes which can not easily pull off. Bring duct tape to secure them. They must not fasten with Velcro. Booties are OK, fishing (rubber) boots are not. You need long pants and socks to protect from sharp bits in the mud. Your pants should not be too tight or too baggy or too long and should securely fasten around your waist (not elastic). They should not become extremely heavy when wet. Some people find light weight wet suits comfy. Expect to sink thigh deep in the channel. Have plastic bags if you want to put the dirty clothes someplace after the trip besides your car seat. Be prepared for sun (hat, sunscreen, long sleeves) and for cold (layers), and for wet.

For the Hazard Canyon work prepare for wet and cold wind and slippery rocks. You need solid, secure shoes (no flip flops). Long pants are recommended as protection against sharp barnacles. Might as well wear the same clothes both days.

Lab students need clip boards and blue field guides. Other students may bring any field guides if you have them.

Hazard Canyon (35◦17’07”N,120◦52’52”W) is in Montana de Oro State Park, visible on the hiking map, (http://www.slostateparks.com/montana_de_oro/default.asp) off Pecho Valley Rd., a little bit north of Spooner’s Cove (park headquarters and campground.) Montana de Oro is not in the city of San Luis Obisbo (on 101)—it’s further, on the coast, out by Los Osos, so allow extra driving time.

We are camping at Spooner’s Cove. I try to get sites at the top of the first loop, it’s best to get there early Friday and spread out to save sites for friends as there is no reservation system in October and the campground often fills up for the weekend in good weather. You can put 7 or 8 people in a site. One car is included in the price. Extra cars pay extra. There are firepits and potable water. Food MUST be secured from raccoons in cars. Remember a flashlight, towel, food, stove or sterno, matches, sleeping bag or bed roll, tent and lots of warm clothes. Don’t be shy to ask for help borrowing gear. There is always enough tent space for everyone.

7:30pm Saturday Evening Campfire Program: Analysis and discussion of field work. Bring flashlights, clipboards (lab students) paper and pencils. Find me at camp.

The Morro Bay mud flats (35◦20’45”N,120◦50’30”W) are at the marina in Morro Bay St Park, which is not near the rock. There is a nice museum nearby if you’d like to visit it. See me for extra credit assignment. Information is available at the state park web page listed above.

Marine Mammal side trips:

Sea Otters: Get up in the morning at Spooner’s and walk to the point along the south side of the cove. Be careful of the undercut cliffs. There are trails. Go out to the point. Watch the reef at the entrance of the cove. I have always seen otters getting breakfast there. Watch for the behavior of breaking shellfish with rocks on their chests. Bring binoculars if you can but you don’t need them.

Elephant Seals: Drive up the coast near Hurst castle. There is a well marked pull off and parking lots and loads of people. The site has interpretive signs and railings. You will know where to go and what you are seeing. VERY worth while. For information see http://www.elephantseal.org/index.htm

For the extra credit assignment talk to me.

Schedule for this semester (copy the dates and times from your syllabus):

Hazard Canyon Reef tide pools:Saturday Morro Bay mud flats: Sunday