Field Trip Report
Gaviota Beach
January 13, 2007

A scouting trip to Gaviota Beach State Park for petrified whalebone, courtesy of the Del-Air Rockhounds, was taken by Jay Valle, Don Eschbach and Don Ogden. We met up with Jon Merideth, Del-Air Field Trip Leader, bright and early.

The first thing Jon noted was that the beach was covered with brilliant white sand. Apparently the whalebone is found in the gravel bars located UNDER the sand. The winter storms typically clear away the sand for us but that had not happened yet. So our rocks were buried under a beautiful sandy beach. As the Del-Airs arrived we met several rockhound friends, including Bob and Leilani Backus.

The field trip leaders decided to take the party to Jalama Beach, 10 miles south on Hwy 101. It was here that we found our first whalebone finds. Most of these beaches along here have some whalebone and each beach has its own character.

Jalama Beach always has a nice sandy beach and, according to Bob and Leilani, it is the best place to camp. There are gravel benches to collect in both north and south of the parking area.

While we were starting our search, Bob Backus found a nice chunk lying on the ground in front of everyone.

The whalebone looks pretty much like every other gray rock on the beach and you have to look for the subtle patterns produced by the cell structure of the bone. That means you have to examine each and every rock within view because it is easy to miss, especially at the beginning.

After you’ve found a piece or two, it gets somewhat easier. I found 2 small pieces of whalebone here plus several very nice pebbles of jasp-agate. One piece resembled Stone Canyon jasper and another contained mossy inclusions.

After thanking Jon for letting us join the Del-Airs on this fun outing, we headed back on up to a viewpoint a few miles back where a trail takes you down to the beach below two old bridges. I found one more very nice agatized chunk of whalebone and Don Eschbach took a lot of nice pictures.

All in all, it was an excellent day. We learned about this collecting location, rock was found and we got to visit with old friends and new. Thanks again to the Del-Air Rockhounds Club for allowing us to join them here.

Jay Valle