We made it to Anacapa Island, at last! The wind finally cooperated, letting the boat out of the harbor, and although there was a swell, it was smooth sailing all the way there and back.
Close to the California mainland, yet worlds apart, Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara) and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archaeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was ~ courtesy of www.nps.gov/chis.com
It took the captain of the boat 4 attempts to unload all the kayaks and passengers, he had to keep driving back out to sea, wait for the surge to subside and then go back to the ladder.
The Chumash Indians traveled to Anacapa in canoes called tomols, you can see evidence of their visits right beneath your feet. The tiny pieces of broken shell glittering in the soil are part of a midden, an archaeological site containing remnants of their culture. Twenty-seven archaeological sites mark the Chumash presence on Anacapa.
A cool,salty mist fills the air at Inspiration Point. Graceful gulls and pelicans soar above the foaming waves that surge across the narrow, rocky strait separating East and Middle Anacapa. Seven different species of marine birds nest on Anacapa, including western gulls, California brown pelicans, double-crested cormorants, Brandt's cormorants, pelagic cormorants, pigeon guillemots, and Xantus' murrelets. Twenty-two different species of land birds breed on the island and many other birds stop over during migration.
The Ranger station
The first lighthouse put on the island was in 1912, but it wasn't until 1932 that the Bureau of Lighthouses built this one in the Spanish Revival style containing a Fresnel lens.
The Common Bottle Nose Dolphin escorted us home.
It was a spectacular day, we were sunburned and tired and hungry but we got the g.p.s. info that was so necessary (deadline is looming) and I got all these photos. Mother Nature treated us to a gorgeous sunset and my husband treated me to a big bowl of Albondigas soup at our favorite Mexican restaurant when we got back to town. I hope you had a beautiful weekend too...with or without dolphins chasing you home...