Category: Monterey Bay, California

Filth is filth. Dog crap and bird crap contaminate beaches. Rolling in sand can lead to health issues. So take that walk along our beautiful beaches. And go swimming. But don’t bury your body in the sand! See the following article:

“Children and adults who build castles and dig in the sand at the beach are at greater risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases and diarrhea than people who only walk on the shore or swim in the surf, according to researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Environmental Protection Agency.

People who playfully bury their bodies in the sand are at even greater risk, according to the study published online recently in the American Journal of Epidemiology. It also shows children, who are more likely than adults to play with and possibly get sand in their mouths, stand the greatest chance of becoming ill after a day at the beach.

“Beach sand can contain indicators of fecal contamination, but we haven’t understood what that means for people playing in the sand,” said Chris Heaney, Ph.D., a postdoctoral epidemiology student at UNC’s Gillings School of Global Public Health and lead author of the study. “This is one of the first studies to show an association between specific sand contact activities and illnesses.”

The study is based on interviews with more than 27,000 people who visited seven freshwater and marine beaches in the agency’s National Epidemiological and Environmental Assessment of Recreational Water Study (NEEAR) between 2003 and 2005 as well as in 2007. All beaches in the study had sewage treatment plant discharges within seven miles, although the source of sand pollution was unknown and could have included urban runoff as well as wild and domestic animal contamination. Water quality at the beaches was within acceptable limits, Heaney said.

“We have known for some time that swimming in waters polluted by fecal contamination can result in illness, but few previous studies have focused on sand,” said Tim Wade, Ph.D., an EPA epidemiologist and the study’s senior author. “People should not be discouraged from enjoying sand at the beach, but should take care to use a hand sanitizer or wash their hands after playing in the sand.”

People were asked about their contact with sand on the day they visited the beach (digging in the sand or whether they were buried in it). Then, 10 to 12 days later, participants were telephoned and asked questions about any health symptoms they had experienced since the visit.

Researchers found evidence of gastrointestinal illnesses, upper respiratory illnesses, rash, eye ailments, earache and infected cuts. Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal illnesses were more common in about 13 percent of people who reported digging in sand, and in about 23 percent of those who reported being buried in sand.

“A lot of people spend time at the beach, especially in the summer,” Heaney said. “And while we found that only a small percentage of people who played at the beach became ill later – less than 10 percent in any age group, for any amount of exposure – it’s important to look at the situation more closely. If we find evidence that shows exposure to sand really does lead to illness, then we can look for the sources of contamination and minimize it. That will make a day at the beach a little less risky.”

There are 2 Monterey Bay Caterers!!! One is caterers and the other catering.

The one I like is located in Watsonville. MBC CaterERS has a small counter that holds about 8 persons. Most people get their food to go.

The cook and owner usually comes out for a break around 1:30. He chats with staff and customers about whatever. G

Good, fresh food. They will give you exactly what you want. No over eating unless you choose. The place has to die for meatloaf and gravy. Try the brownies for a $1.00.

Below is the CORRECT link for MBC Caterers. You can find out what he lunch specials are ahead of time.

MBC Catering in Watsonville, CA

How about an excellent appetizer and 2 glasses of house wine for $10? Go to Cafe Rio – in my opinion the best overall restaurant in Aptos. I was there tonight and had their mussels. Could not have been better. Then take a walk on the beach right in front. Beautiful evening.

Redwood Canopy Tours

Experience the Santa Cruz redwood forest while moving through the air? Recently in Matzalan, Mexico I saw two in a blue baloon floating in the sky over the water with a boat with a driver pulling the baloon. Nice way to experience the beach and ocean. But only the driver to control the movement of the baloon. And then I saw the baloon crash into a tree and land on top of an RV. All the boats with baloons scattered. Disappeared. A few days later the boats and baloons returned to the beach. And, tourists again climbed on board. Not me.

Safety standards in the US are more rigorous than Mexico I believe. Still, this adventure is not for people who avoid bridges at all costs or don’t like heights. It does look inviting.

They typically charge $80 for one. Wonder if they will take $100 for two? In Matzalan, Mexico you can barter how much to pay for a baloon ride. Still, I’m intrigued.

This is from the Mount Herman website:

“Are you ready for an adventure?

“Escape with us on a sojourn through one of California’s cool forest groves on Mount Hermon’s Redwood Canopy Tour. A network of cables and sky bridges give adventurers a unique opportunity, high above the forest floor, to experience the flora and fauna as never before. Mount Hermon’s Redwood Canopy Tour is an active participatory experience that takes you through this vibrant ecosystem from the perspective of a Peregrine!

“Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our friendly and experienced guides. Your safety is our top priority, so they will take you through a detailed equipment orientation before you’re fitted with your personal gear.

“Your adventure begins by traversing the first sky bridge and entering into a whole new world! The redwood forest masterpiece will come alive as never before as you travel across six zip lines and two sky bridges. From the observation platforms along the way you’ll enjoy amazing views as your guides point out otherwise unseen features of the redwood ecosystem unique to this region.

“For the adventurer as well as the contemplative nature lover, Mount Hermon’s Redwood Canopy Tour is perfect for families, couples and adults looking for something new or seeking a short escape from a fast-paced city life. Designed for guests who are in reasonably good health, our Canopy Eco-Tour brings to all a whole new world of discovery! Day-use Guest Tours – Currently offering a Redwood Ecology Program

“Every Saturday Morning, $80/Person

“Bring a group of eight and one goes free.”

If you go on the Canopy Tour, let us know what you think of the experience. Safe? Worth the price?

Thinking about the blue baloon that fell from the sky in Matzalan, Mexico, can one walk the paths on the grounds at Mount Herman and have a picnic there? Without paying $80 a pop?

Go to http:www.mounttherman.org/other-programs/canopy-toursMount Herman