This was recorded on brisk winter night on the high tide line at Mattole Beach on the Lost Coast in Humboldt County, California.

The night began overcast, but the clouds slowly gave way to the starry sky, and it was completely clear by the time the first signs of morning twilight appeared in the east. The offshore wind was light, and it carried with it a bit of extra chill as it made its way down the Mattole River, across the beach, and out over the ocean. The waves picked up a bit through the night, and by morning there was good surf for those willing to brave the cold and sharky water.

This recording starts at around 10pm and ends a little after 7am, about half an hour before sunrise.