Know when the surf is up, automatically.
Greg Vanderlaan
Mergemedia staff
03.10.03
When the waves are really big it's a great time to go to the beach. Install an automatic "weather bug" on your computer to get surf alerts.
If you visit
www.weatherbug.com they will let you download a computer program that will automatically tell you when the waves are big. When it gives an ALERT, you know that it's time to go to the beach. The weatherbug also has webcams nationwide. If you are interested in what is happening in other parts of the country they provide live views. Of course, they also have all the standard weather reports too. Prediction of rain, snow, and current temperature/wind speed.
A beautiful beach to visit is at Patrick's Point State Park. Just 15 miles north of Arcata on highway 101 is one of California's jewels. The Wedding Rock section of the park allows visitors to climb out very close to waves splashing on the rugged shore. It is also a good place to watch migrating whales. The trails are well marked and safe. They are easy enough to hike that many people go out to it for wedding ceremonies.
Check out the photo gallery section of the mergemedia.org website for more pictures of this park.
Agate Beach has real California Agate, but it is rather hard to find. However, there is an abundance of other types of pretty rocks. Under certain tidal conditions, the entire south end of the beach is covered with a giant pile of redwood driftwood. People arrange the wood to form geometric sculptures that look like ancient religious shrines or alien artifacts. On other days, all the driftwood is washed away. Check your weather bug and go there when the waves are big. You will be impressed by the wonders of nature.
The North Jetty of Eureka is another great place to watch the waves. Extreme caution is advised. On rough surf days the jetty itself is covered with water. Visitors congregate on the top of the sand dunes where it is safe.Last winter a child was drowned at Big Lagoon State park. It is essential to respect the ocean when you go. Safety first, last and always.
