Glass Beach is one of
the most unique beaches in the world, not because nature created it that way,
but because time and the pounding surf have corrected one of man's mistakes.
Beginning in 1949, the
area around Glass Beach became a public dump. It is hard to believe these days,
but back then people dumped all kinds of refuse straight into the ocean,
including old cars, and their household garbage, which of course included lots
of glass. By the early sixties, some attempts were made to control what was
dumped, and dumping of any toxic items was banned. Finally in 1967, the North
Coast Water Quality Board realized what a mistake it was and plans were begun
for a new dump away from the ocean.
Now, over 30 years
later, Mother Nature has reclaimed this beach. Years of pounding wave action
have deposited tons of polished glass onto the beach. You'll still see the
occasional reminder of it earlier life, such as a rusted spark plug, but for
the most part what you'll see is millions of pieces of glass sparkling in the
sun.
In addition to searching
for and collecting glass, Glass Beach has a very interesting array of tide
pools to explore. Crabs, mollusks, and many aquatic plants make their homes in
these ever changing environments. It is very easy to spend your whole day
poking around the tide pools and watching the busy little worlds that go on
inside each one.
The Northern section of Glass Beach is a State Park (North of the path)and unfortunately, they frown upon you removing the glass. Sorry! It's kind of like a beautiful flower - stop, enjoy, appreciate its beauty - BUT DON'T TAKE IT - so that the next person that comes behind you can smell its sweet fragrance too! BUT, if you explore South or (Turn Left) at the bluffs edge, you'll find a walking path down to other beaches of glass that have amazing collections of sea glass, your OK to take a few pieces.
No comments:
Post a Comment