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Thursday, August 28, 2014 Labor Day weekend approaches and we'd like to remind folks to plan for a safe visit to the park. Pack water, sunscreen, and hats, as well as layers of clothes for the variety of weather you may encounter. Beach goers keep an eye on the water and do not turn your back on the waves. Use caution with beach fires; pick up a free fire permit at a visitor center and bring your water buckets to make sure fires are completely out. All park visitor centers are open throughout the weekend for maps, information, and camping and beach fire permits. Interested in laboring for the park? Enrollment is open for the annual elephant seal and whale watching docent program; volunteers attend training and are scheduled at the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock on winter weekends to help visitors learn more about these winter mammals. Want to get your hands dirty? Help is needed on alternate Sundays with habitat restoration. Details available at www.nps,gov/pore/supportyourpark/volunteer.htm . Volunteers are needed for the annual fundraising dinner for the non-profit association PRNSA. Details at www.ptreyes.org . Wednesday, August 20, 2014 The new moon rises on August 25 and the skies are "quiet" until the lunar eclipse of October 8 and the Draconid meteor showers. As summer slides away - late flowers, the exotic and bright orange Crocosmia sp. or South African lily brightens dusty trailsides. [sic - The extremely invasive Crocosmia, introduced from South Africa, is an iris, not a lily. - Ed.] Blackberries and huckleberries ripen while bay and buckeye trees are dropping their leaves - a slight dab of autumny [sic] color. All park visitor centers are open for the Labor Day weekend and Sunday, August 31, is the annual Sand Sculpture Contest at Drakes Beach; local celebrity judges are Rob, Sue and Catherine Janes! Registration starts at 9 am and winners are announced at 3 pm at Drakes Beach. All campgrounds are full for the holiday weekend. An annual sailing regatta will create additional activity in the Marshall Beach area. New at the Bear Valley Visitor Center are 3 electric vehicle charging stations powered from solar panels on the roof of the visitor center. They are in the main area just past the information kiosk. Please arrive early on weekends for maximum access as the parking lots fill up, especially between 11 am and 2 pm. Overnight campers are asked not to park overnight in the charging station spots. Wednesday, August 13, 2014 FYI, it looks like the Lighthouse Visitor Center webcam is working again! |
Last updated: March 22, 2018