Minus tides = Burton Ranch beach

[Philip]

May 2, 2012.

Another sunny day in coastal Alaska accompanied by minus tides called for a beach ride. Other than critter tracks (Sitka black-tail deer, fox, buffalo, etc) and some kelp, the beach was totally unmarked.

















We got to the Sacramento River and had lunch.











On our way back we decided to ride all the way over and around Narrow Cape. There are plenty of buffalo trails to follow.











We ran into a Whale Fest outing. In the water below the bluffs, harbor seals played in the shallows.











It was a good day.

[mrsquishy]

It was a good day for we Audubon/Whalefest hikers as well. Great pics - as always.

[Philip]

Saturday March 30, 2013

Today we had the first good daylight minus tides of 2013, so Adelia and I headed out to the Burton Ranch again to ride up to the Sacramento River, and then also up over Narrow Cape. The winds were light out of the south, and a few rain showers drifted through. Otherwise it was mild and very nice. That end of the road system is über cool and unique. Go get some.

Negotiating the sloughs to reach the beach at the Burton Ranch:



On the beach and northward bound:



A few minor creeks cross the beach:



Our destination is at the base of the mountain in the center of the image:





On a minus tide it is easy to get around the few rocky headlands that bisect the beach as you get closer to the mouth of the Sacramento River:



Most of the tracks on the beach are from buffalo:





Arriving at the mouth of the Sacramento River:





After an early lunch we headed back south. Homemade sourdough French bread, Black Forest ham, and Havarti. YUMMY!











There were a number of deer down on the beach snacking on kelp:





Foxes also used the low tide to poke around the rocks:



Mostly it was untracked sand:



There were buffalo sprinkled all along the coast:







After riding south of the Burton Ranch we climbed over a few headlands until we got up on Narrow Cape:





Buffalo on Narrow Cape too, natch:



Riding the clifftops:





After Narrow Cape we headed back to our starting point:

[patrick]

I actually took Stuey tidepooling at low tide both the last 2 days and unbelievably enough I took him kayaking in Mill Bay. I used my new inflatable kayak and will be doing it again tomorrow.

The beach ride you took looks awesome! As do some of those snowy steep slopes. Patrick

[Philip]

There are a few slopes behind the ranch and rocket launch buildings that look really incredible from a skiing perspective. It is just impossible to know what the conditions will be like out there without driving out and looking though.

[brooks]

those pictures are pretty amazing

[fourflys]

Very nice pics Phillip, Brooks told me about your trip since I got a fatbike but I didn't feel my fitness was quite up to it yet... I do look forward to riding with you guys though, looks like a blast!
Chris, another Coast Guard guy

[Philip]

Saturday and Sunday April 27-28 will have some -2' tides in the morning. That would be the next great time to go.

[mrsquishy]

And those low tides are at about 9 am, so early morning hikes/rides will be superb.

[Philip]

Another stunning day with minus tides, so Adelia, Brooks, Maya, and I headed out to the Burton Ranch to do the usual tour up to the Sacramento River and then down to Narrow Cape. The beach was the softest I have ever experienced and the way up to the Sacramento had it's sloggy parts. After having a snack at the river mouth and then heading back south the sand had settled enough to make things a bit firmer and more rideable. Unfortunately about a mile from the car my ancient and rotting rear tire pooped the sheets and I got to push home while the others continued down to explore Narrow Cape. I sat on a bluff and consoled myself with a few beers and the view.

So, up the beach we went:









The locals were hanging out:



There was some riding followed by portaging, followed by riding, etc:







On the way home things had firmed up a little and the riding was easier:









My tire pooched out:



Brooks, Maya, and Adelia continued on to Narrow Cape:



I pushed my disabled rig towards the beer:





I sat on a bluff and awaited their return from Narrow Cape:



Some horses and eagles kept me company:

[fourflys]

so is Brooks going to buy a fatbike now? Hopefully I'll be on Big Orange next time...

[Philip]

Saturday May 17, 2014

This may be about as late in the spring as we have ever done this ride. It was WARM out and the hills were greening up nicely, with flowers to boot!

We did the usual ride from Barry Lagoon up to the Sacramento River, then back, and on up over the bluffs to Narrow Cape (clockwise). We returned to the Burton Ranch via the driveway. It was really toasty and we were in shorts and short sleeves the whole way. The beach was in super shape and about as firm as I can ever remember. Great riding conditions.

The calves have dropped:



Out to the beach we go:



All the creeks were pleasantly low with almost no snow visible on the mountains behind the ranch:

















The Sacramento River was using its southern course across the beach, but the water was so low we just rode across it:



The way back was almost hot as we rode at the same speed as the tailwind making the air feel totally still:



We climbed the bluff just south of Barry Lagoon:





One more beach to cross, and then up on Narrow Cape (forested, in the distance):



Seals lolled in the shallows and grey whales dredged the waters just outside the kelp beds:



A week ago we were at the other end of this view:



Arriving back at the ranch. Good stuff.