Channel Islands National Park

June 06, 20006   San Diego

Booked 4 boat tickets through Island Packers.

Sent Trip Planner to friends.

June 10, 2006 Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard

It is recommended to check in 30 minutes earlier before the departure of the boat. We were running late and the GPS was directing us turn after turn on the local roads and everybody was getting a litter nervous. Luckily we got there 12 minutes before the departure time, 9:30am. Next time, leave earlier.

The seats on the boat were scattered over two outdoor decks. We sat on the upper deck, which proved to be a bad choice. Out of the harbor, the sea became rough and we had to grab a rail to remain seated. The sky was gray and the wind was bellowing hard. I regretted that I didn't wear a jacket or a windbreaker. It's cold. One of the friends threw up but I managed to reach the shore just fine. It's a ride just over an hour. The boad would return to Oxnard at 2:30pm.

June 10, 2006 Anacapa Island, Channel Islands National Park

Anacapa is a small island. We finished the trail around the island in about an hour and a half. Fantastic views.  It's the breeding season for seagulls. Nests, hatched chicks with their mothers were everywhere on the plateau. The adult birds gave out warning cries while we walked near their nests. Some even flew into the air and dashed down towards us. But as long as we kept walking they calmed down quickly.

It's a pity we didn't see any dolphins 'cause the area is called dolphin's country. We did glimpsed seals diving and swimming.