San Diego Red Tide, 2011

If you have a job like me, there's a temptation to view each week as an endless progression of identical days, broken only by minor events like the new fall lineup on TV, baseball playoffs, football games, vacations, weekends, and other minor spectacles. The savvy reader, however, will note that I say that this is merely a "temptation". Sure, one can get sucked into that mindset, but really, there's no reason to. This is San Diego - and there's always something phantasmagorical going on! The perfect example for this week is the RED TIDE or rather, I should say, the return of the RED TIDE! (Cue ominious and magical music). 

"What is this so-called 'Red Tide' " you ask? Well, let me tell you: The “red tide” is caused by a large growth of algae – dinoflagellates – in a particular area. The large growth or “blooms” of these organisms cause the water to turn red – or brown in the affected area during the day, but at night, the movement of the water causes the dinoflagellates to emit bright flashes of light. 

But wait - "I want to know more about the Red Tide", you now say. Great. Here's plenty of great red tide information for your reading pleasure:  http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/sep/27/red-tide-causing-stunning-bioluminescence-san-dieg/ ; http://lastadventurer.com/last-adventurers-fieldnotes/2010/5/11/red-tide-red-tide.html ; http://lastadventurer.com/last-adventurers-fieldnotes/2010/5/28/red-tide-ii-san-diego-may-27-2010-and-on.html.

Now, after doing all of this research I know what you are wondering: 1) Is it cooler than my glowing flat screen broadcasting the new "must see TV"; and 2) How do I see this wondrous natural glowy stuff?

1) Yes. Do you have to even ask? The sea is glowing!!!!

2) You'd find a beach anywhere from La Jolla, California to Carlsbad, California. The darker, the better. Artificial light ruins night vision and makes the phenomenon harder to see. 

Let me also say that the best way to experience the red tide is not to stand back at a distance and stare at it (although, it is pretty hypnotic), but get up close and personal with it. Walk the tideline and watch your steps glow; or carve blazing runes and symbols in the sand with your fingers. No matter what you do, get out and enjoy it while you can, because like anything magical, it doesn't last long.

If nothing else, sing the song that I do, "Reeeeeeeeeeeed Tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide". Don't do it out loud though. Other people on the beach find that creepy.

-LA out!

Comments

[raptorlicious_three-claw]

Man, wish I could see it. Any photos?

[Heidi_J]

LOL! We were JUST talking about you the OTHER day. You're still TOO funny. ROFL!

Glad your out and about still, we're having a great time too!

[23Darren]

Good to see your still alive.

"rrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed reeeeeeeeeeeeeeed tidddddddddddeeeeeeeeeee"

[Last Adventurer]

@ RTC, nope, didn't get any shots - wish I had brought out the SLR/Tripod to try my hand though. That link from the U-T has some quality shots/video though!

[Last Adventurer]

Also, I realized that I left out peak viewing times: anytime from 7:30 on. That'll teach me!

[Last Adventurer]

@23Darren.

Very nice!

[bosoxhenry]

We were up at South Ponto last night there were lots of people and great viewing. bring a blanket so you can sit and have the full affect!

[Lingulodinium polyedrum]

I was just down at Torrey Pines last night checking out the magical glowing waves and playing in the sand. I survived. And loved every minute of it Thanks for the article! It was an awesome experience. Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed Tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide!~

[Mr.Crampon]

uhhhhhhhhhhhh shouldnt u have been watchin the game bosoxhenry :P

[bosoxhenry]

I'm not talking about that!

[jenbug234]

BF and I went to LJS, it was decent but when we drove up to TP, it was AWESOME!

Parking is a bitch there though, FYI.

[Last Adventurer]

Yep, parking is rough when there is a natural event like this. I have to say that as compared to other red tides I have seen (especially last year's), there is higher interest in seeing what's going on in the ocean right now. Greater media coverage, maybe? I was personally surprised to see everyone out where I was last night, but there is plenty of beach for everyone!

Glad everyone's having a good time. And, to answer a couple questions that have come in, I'm not sure "how long" it will last, because it could go a week or so more, or end suddenly. My gut feeling is that if you head out in the next 1-2 days, you'll definitely be fine, and I suspect it will probably last longer than that. :)

[blackstar]

Hey people also dont bring too many lights, becuz that ruins night vision! And keep your car lights off as much as you can!!!

[HERE BE DRAGONS]

Thinking about hitting Torrey Pines tonight. Coronado was a bit ho-hum last night.

[Last Adventurer]

@HERE BE DRAGONS

I talked to some of my friends today, and they said that the area around South Ponto, Carlsbad was a good place to be. From what I hear, Coronado is a little too far South to be seeing things. :)

[Eva]

We need a red tide watch to find the best beaches! Del Mar dog beach was awesome on the 28th. Very dark and tons of blue fire. Several beaches around Oceanside the next day did not produce as much, perhaps too much light pollution from the housing. Then Del Mar dog beach on the 30th (yesterday) was also substantially diminished on the 30th. My feet no longer glowed! Is the red tide much less now or are there better beaches? My idea of intense, influenced by the viewing that first night, is when my feet cause strong obvious glow at every step.

[Ckphotoonline]

Enjoyable post there, Last Adventurer. Here's a link to my first hand account of the red tide in action with photos

http://ckphotoonline.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/theres-a-party-in-the-ocean-san-diego-bioluminescencered-tide-september-2011/#entry

[Last Adventurer]

I'm still hearing that Torrey and Ponto are the best spots, but you're right, a chart would be good! :) It is possible that it's breaking down a little though, as it's been going on for a while.

[Last Adventurer]

Very nice! Great shots on your blog, and a fun read as well!

[IMSOSAD]

i went to the la jolla cove today around 9:30 p.m and could not see a single red tide :( :( :( it was extremely dark outside but still,, nothing at all. i drove around the beach by the cove and nothing. Im soo sad :( Does anyone know if its still here and if so, what exact spot i can find it at??