Trips around Channel Islands
Santa Cruise Island
I spent the weekend at Santa Cruise Island with a friend, alternating between marveling at the beautiful coastline and cool wildlife from a kayak and being scared that the anchor would drag and we'd be thrown onto the rocks. Luckily, the anchor stayed put and the most exciting things that happened at night were the sea lions hunting for fish all around the boat. On the way back, we got to see a pod of dolphins (at least several hundred) swimming through the ocean, with a few putting on some acrobatic display. Despite the adventures with anchoring, I'll definitely be going back as soon as I can to get even more photographs (among other things).
Anacapa Island
With a fresh breeze, a great crew, and good luck, we sailed out to Anacapa Island for the day. For once, Anacapa was actually mostly green. Plenty of dolphins on the way, and one very lucky gray whale who decided to surface 10 feet in front of the boat and almost caused a collision. Luckily, I was able turn the boat quickly enough, and the only damage was the water from his fluke hitting the water!
Emerald Bay
We sailed down to Catalina Island for a day on our club's trimaran, Sea Wing (which is the fastest boat). We spent a few hours snorkeling and eating lunch at Emerald Bay before stopping Two Harbors to pick up some extra gas. Emerald Bay was gorgeous, with very clear water and amazing snorkeling. It definitely makes me want to buy a waterproof case for my camera. A fun trip, and a place I'd love to return to soon.
Landing on Anacapa Island
We sailed to Anacapa again, although this time we actually went ashore. Not that this was necessarily the best course of action, as we had some trouble getting back to the boats. Still, Frenchy's cove (the only part of West Anacapa one can land on) is beautiful, and we definitely enjoyed the ability to explore it a bit.
Santa Cruz Cruise
In order to be allowed to take out boats overnight in the yacht club I belong to, I took an exam while sailing to Santa Cruz Island for a 2 night cruise aboard our club's flagship, Angelsea. We spent the first night in Smuggler's Cove, and the second night in Prisoners' Harbor. The second day I spent some time kayaking (my first time) around the harbor. We had an amazing sunrise the third day, and then set sail back to the mainland. Plenty of great photographs and a great weekend.
