Great Video of San Diego's Red Tide 2011

As the Red Tide is lingering on, more and more photos/videos are popping up on Facebook, Youtube, Vimeo and other sites. After staring at a few of the videos for a little longer than I probably should have, I found this one and really dug it, so if you can't make it out to the beach for whatever reason, you should check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HcQlQlKt2w (Video shot and produced by Loghan Call/Man's Best Media, http://mansbestmedia.com ).

And, from what I'm reading and hearing, it's probably going to be around for a while, so as it's the weekend, get out and experience it for yourself! (http://www.kpbs.org/news/2011/sep/29/red-tide-brings-night-light-show-san-diego-beaches/)

-LA out!

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!

Red Tide II, San Diego, May 27, 2010 and on…

I’ll take a quick break from stories about adventuring around the desert to share with my readers something I noticed yesterday – the return of the red tide here locally. Yes, that’s right – it’s baaaaaack – and with a vengeance! As I was doing my tune up run for the Xterra 5/15K at Mission Gorge (http://www.trailrace.com/missiongorge.html) yesterday at Torrey Pines, I noticed that the water near the shore was that distinctive muddy brown color of the red tide. I also could not help but notice the distinctive red tide smell of decay. So, after my run, and after the sun set, and running a few errands, I went back at nighttime, and watched the sea seethe and glow yet again. In my humble opinion, this red tide is much stronger than the one a couple weeks ago, but still not quite at the champion “I make the sand and surf glow” level of late summer.

With the Memorial Weekend coming up, this is a great chance to get in some prime viewing of the red tide at night. Again, I recommend Torrey Pines State Park – it’s a long stretch of beach, with few lights (aside from any cars that may be coming and going along the 101). And, in terms of water quality for beach-goers during the day, the water appears safe, if you don’t mind the smell (http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/deh/water/pdf/BBcurrent.pdf), but it’s always a good idea to touch base with the local lifeguards. If you’re interested in more information about the red tide, you can check this out: http://www.lastadventurer.com/last-adventurers-fieldnotes/2010/5/11/red-tide-red-tide.html, and hopefully everyone gets out there and has a great weekend seeing the eerie glow, racing, or doing something equally fun. See you out there!