Proceeding farther out onto the headland at Boiler Bay, we found that the entire area is ruggedly fenced. This was somewhat disappointing in that it seriously curtails what one can get up close and hands-on with, but there are some clues as to why it's probably a good idea. First, this was a calm July day. Swells were minimal. But notice how the rock (Miocene Astoria Formation) in the foreground is scoured bare. I imagine during heavy winter seas, this spot is regularly inundated by swash from breaking waves. It would be spectacular, but slippery and disorienting. Being fenced in minimizes the chance of a fatal misstep.
Second, there are a number of abrupt drop-offs, places where fracture-mediated weak zones have led to more rapid erosion of fissures. We see one of those in the lower middle to left side. People's common sense is often not highly developed, and with kids and young adults particularly, it's probably best to at least attempt to put these out of reach. (There were several places where I could have, if I so chose, got under the fence.)
Third.... well, we'll see it in a couple days.
Photo unmodified. July 15, 2014.
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