Last Updated February 2011

Spring tide is a condition of very high and very low tides in the same 24 hours. The highest tides typically occur at about 9am in the winter. This leaves us with wet sand all day. You may want to bring a chair, or tarp, just to keep dry and away from the cliff.

With a sharp horizon and a clear sky, it should be possible to see the green flash following sunset. Once the sun gets low enough in the sky and the refraction of our atmosphere separates colored images of the sun, we can see the green image after the brighter, red image goes over the horizon. Watch for a moment of green light after sunset.

Spring is the time of year when flies can become a bother. When there is a lot of seaweed and no wind, they don't leave us alone. On those days you will find seaweed covered with flies that swarm every time anybody comes near. The remedy is to move the seaweed far away, and out of the path of by-passers. You may want to bring a repellent.

Parking: The Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines Golf Course on the bluffs above the beach is January 27-30. This always impacts our parking and traffic. On these dates you may have trouble reaching the parking lot, finding a space and leaving in a timely manner. In the past, street parking has been marked a no parking zone. Attendants have also been posted at the parking lot entrance. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't park there. Tell the attendant that you're going to the beach, and they must let you through. That doesn't mean you'll find a space. If you leave late in the day, you will encounter lots of traffic.

Trail Damage: The Burro Trail suffered damage following heavy rain. Debris fell into the narrow ravine. Black's Beach Diggers have already been working on the area, clearing the debris. The stairs under the debris are undamaged. More rain is expected and more damage is likely to occur, but the Diggers stand ready to fix it. The Diggers have significant expenses: lumber, steel spikes, sand bags, and tools. If you wish to donate, feel free to give when you see them working. If you send it to Black's Beach Bares, I will pass it on. Donations of supplies like lumber are appreciated when useful. Please consult with a Digger before leaving supplies.