Yesterday afternoon, we took a walk on Carpinteria State Beach, instead of our usual pattern of walking on Sandyland Beach heading right. On the left is Carpinteria State Beach which has natural asphalt lakes in the section known as Tar Pit Park . Those black mounds (pictured above)you see in the distance on the beach are part of it.
They still ooze asphalt you can see it the up-close photo. The Chumash Indians created a pipeline from the asphalt lakes,
the remnants of the pipes are still visible. It is the straight line covered with sea moss. They used the tar to waterproof their canoes.
This beach at low tide exposes all the reefs where sea life thrives. We were there late afternoon, two hours before the fullest expression of low tide. At those times you can actually walk around these and see sponges, anemones, sea stars and other shell life clinging to the walls.
We did see a Kellets whelk ( pictured above) in one of the tide pools catching sun rays through the water. Hopefully next week, we will be able to see more in the afternoon at the lowest point of the tide.
Wishing you all a delightful rest of Thursday and a great weekend.
Comments(21)