10/7/20 Another spontaneous trip, this time out to Channel Islands National Park with Dad. A National Park only two hours from home that we had somehow never been to. It was an excellent day full of sea caves, dolphins, and a beautiful coastal hike.
1 After spending the night in Ventura Harbor, we're up early the next morning for our ferry ride out to Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park.
2 Some sea lions lounging around as we leave the harbor.
3 After a little more than an hour (and some mild sea sickness on my part), we approach the dock at Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Cruz Island. The old ranch building there is all the civilization you'll find in this National Park, which sees just 1% of the traffic of the busiest parks.
4 Looking down the coast from Prisoner's Harbor. It's pretty overcast when we arrive, which is evidently very normal for the islands. But it would clear to be perfect weather later in the day.
5 We stayed on the boat to take a tour up the coast to Painted Cave. There are many great examples along the way of the sea caves and bridges that the islands are known for.
6 A nice sea bridge along the coast.
7 Beautiful coastal views.
8 Another large arch. It sure would be fun to kayak through that.
9 After some rough surf, we approach Painted Cave. It ranks as one of the largest sea caves in the world at over 1/4 mile deep.
10 Our 62' catamaran slowly inches its way into the cave.
11 The chambers get smaller and smaller as we work our way in.
12 That's as far as we can fit. It's a very cool experience, definitely not something you get to see every day.
13 After leaving Painted Cave, we head back out to sea for some whale watching. While we unfortunately didn't see any whales, we did have some amazing dolphin encounters.
14 There were hundreds of dolphins, many coming up right alongside the bow of the boat where we were standing.
15 They were almost close enough to touch.
16 Beautiful animals. The fluid, efficient movement is awe inspiring.
17 It's amazing how their blow hole opens for just a split second as they hit the surface, exhale their air, and breath in another gulp of air before heading back under.
18 A short video attempting to show the dolphins surfing in our wake.
19 Now we're back at Prisoner's Harbor and the weather is a little clearer.
20 We see a beautiful, bright blue Island Scrub Jay as we listen to an orientation from the park ranger.
21 Then we head for a hike on Nature Conservancy land out to Pelican Harbor.
22 The trail climbs quickly with great views of the coast and the dock where we started.
23 Fantastic coastal views everywhere you look.
24 The trail is actually surprisingly steep and technical in places. It's excellent singletrack the entire way.
25 Dad taking in the view.
26 A nice tunnel through the trees.
27 At the high point now along the trail. The trail is short, but deceptively difficult. A pleasant surprise.
28 We come into view of Pelican Harbor and start our descent.
29 More great trail. I've never been on a coastal trail quite like this.
30 We were lucky enough to come across an Island Fox. These cute little guys are not much bigger than a house cat and exist only the Channel Islands.
31 Each of the five islands has its own slightly different subspecies.
32 Almost down to Pelican Harbor now.
33 We're getting really tight on time, so Dad decides to start heading back while I run the rest of the way down. Don't want to miss the boat!
34 Made it down to Pelican Beach.
35 I have the beautiful pebble beach to myself.
36 It's an great spot. I wish I could stay longer.
37 I quickly scramble up to the bluffs above the beach for a higher look. I had a hard time finding the trail, but the views were worth it.
38 Pelican Harbor.
39 A kayaker pulls up to shore at Pelican Beach just as I'm leaving. We'll have to come back here to kayak another time!
40 The view down the coast from the bluffs above Pelican Harbor. Our boat leaves in just over an hour, so I better get moving! I run/power hike back down the trail and meet up with Dad just in time for a late lunch and then the boat ride back to Ventura. End to another excellent adventure.