Sept 8, 2012 - Ventura Harbor
To celebrate my birthday...and the achievement of completing our Treks thru the Parks, Terry arranged for Park visit #40 - Channel Islands National Park off the coast of California. Today we will tour Santa Cruz Island - one of the 5 islands that comprise Channel Islands NP.
(Click on the images for a larger view.)
Early Morning Calm
Prior to departure, the seas were glass. Once we hit the open water, it was quite a different story. A good 4-6 foot swell pounded our boat during the one hour ride to Santa Cruz Island causing several of the 130 passengers to utilize the ship's seasick bags!
Terry on Board
This Park is one of the least visited of the 58 major National Parks despite being only 11 miles offshore from one of the world's the most populous regions. The reason for its limited visitation - the only way to visit is by boat or by small aircraft. You cannot drive to this Park. Hence, people stay away. We opted for the water route via Island Packers, the concessionaire responsible for taxiing visitors from the mainland to the Islands.
Prisoners Harbor Pier
The Ship made two stops this morning. At the first stop, Scorpion Anchorage, the majority of the passengers disembarked leaving only a dozen of us heading to Prisoners Harbor.
Eucalyptus on the Beach
Santa Cruz Island is the largest of the 5 Channel Islands and measures about 24 miles long and from 2 to 6 miles in width. Euc's are not endemic to the island; however, there are over 60 species of plants and animals that are only found here. One of the most colorful is the Scrub Blue Jay.
Trail to Pelican Bay
Most of the Prisoners passengers were campers and headed off toward Del Norte Camp. Our Island Guide, Dee Dee, lead our Birders, Terry and me on a "moderate to strenuous" rated trail to Pelican Bay.
White House
About a mile into the trail from the Pier to Pelican Bay, you'll find a small shack where island workers store their stuff.
Along came a Spider...
We didn't see much in the way of wildlife during our 5 hour hike, yet this spider caused quite a stir with Dee Dee and the Birders. The lime green sacks are spider eggs.
Sack Lunch
This arachnid is about to enjoy its lunch!
Into the Forest Thicket
Most of the Channel Islands are desolate with little vegetation. The average rainfall is less than 13 inches a year. However, the trail leading to Pelican Bay is lush compared to the rest of the island. Oak, manzanita and scrub brush line the trail.
Dee Dee and the Snag
I have a thing about snags. I can't help but take their picture. While I was at it, I thought it would be a good idea to "snag" a picutre of our guide, Dee Dee. She is as delightful person and once the Birder's flew the coupe on the more strenuous portion of the hike, Terry and I had Dee Dee all to ourselves!
Pelican Bay
Pelican Bay is actually NOT in the National Park. Three quarters of of Santa Cruz Island is owned by The Nature Conservancy. Access to Pelican Bay is permitted only with a permit obtained thru the National Park Service and their concessionaire - Island Packers.
Raven Haven
Do not leave your backpack unattended. These rascals are famous for raiding packs left alone by unwary hikers.
Pebble Beach!
As we approached Pelican Bay, I spied what appeared to be a small beach just to the west of our destination. Not nearly as lovely (or as crowded) as the one in Monterey, CA...this pebble beach was a picture of serenity for I was the only one to enjoy its rocky splendor!
Trekker Twosome at Pelican Bay
We did it! Forty Parks within our 40 month timeframe! And ahead of schedule! Tomorrow we visit Anacapa...the closest of the Islands. And after that...#41 - Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon. We'll be trekking the trails of Crater in late September.
Until then friends...enjoy the heck out of this trek called life!
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