Happy New Year to all!
While it’s cold and snowy in Colorado, I just returned from a wonderful trip to sunny Los Angeles, California. While there, I was able to enjoy all of the typical LA activities: a stroll along Hollywood Boulevard on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a quick visit to the Mann Chinese Theater, checking out the shops and characters of Rodeo Drive, cruising down the beach in Santa Monica and witnessing the quirky culture of Venice Beach. However, with all the excitement of the city I found that one of the highlights of my trip to Southern California was my daytrip to the Channel Islands.
The Channel Islands National Park (about an hours drive outside of LA) is composed of five Islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara. The waters surrounding the islands make up the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. To visit the various islands, one must take a ferry, as they are only accessible by boat.
There is a variety of wildlife on and around the islands including but not limited to western gulls, sea lions, gray, blue and humpback whales, dolphins and pelicans. Vegetation, too, is spectacular with landscapes of wildflowers and grasslands as well as endemic species of buckwheat, asters and sunflowers. There are no services on the islands, so all food and water should be carried on (and off) the islands by visitors.
In my trip to the Channel Islands, I chose to visit Anacapa Island, the closest to the mainland.
Beginning my journey in the beautiful Channel Islands Harbor of Oxnard, I boarded my ferry for an hour-long cruise to the island. Aboard the ship, I enjoyed the crew's educational narrative about the national park, marine sanctuary and wildlife in the area. Also on the journey there I observed an Eastern Pacific grey whale swimming through the harbor and surfacing to expel air through its blowhole. Very exciting!
Upon arrival to Anacapa, my group was greeted by a volunteer park guide that debriefed us on the history, wildlife and vegetation of the island. After settling in, she led some of us on an optional one-hour guided hike to the other end of the island.
We were afforded gorgeous views, opportunities to see sea lions and time to take pictures along the way. Once we reached a beautiful area known as Inspiration Point, the group was free to wander back to the dock at our leisure.
During our wanderings, my party enjoyed our packed picnic lunch while gazing out at the ocean and distant mountains. After exploring the island and relaxing in our beautiful surroundings, our group departed the island around 3:00 PM for our ferry ride back to the mainland.
This trip was memorable, scenic and a welcomed retreat from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. I look forward to exploring one of the remaining islands on my next trip to Southern California!
Rachel
American Pursuits
