Wanderings of the old sloat: Santa Cruz Island Adventure

Last week I took a boat from Ventura out to Santa Cruz Island, in Channel Islands National Park. For at least 50 years I had seen the Channel Islands on the Rand McNally and thought that it would be neat to go out there. For about 30 years I have lived within a days drive of Ventura. But this was the first time I actually got on the boat and crossed about 15 miles of ocean to visit the island! The boat ride was as interesting as exploring the island...in both directions we saw numerous humpback whales and cruised through dozens of dolphins...at least fifty. They're a bit tricky to catch on film but here's a couple accompanying our boat...blow up the pic for better detail.

A large offshore oil rig between the mainland and the Channel Islands.

Approaching Santa Cruz Island...green from the winter rains.

The island...and others in the archipelago...are national park land now, but for well over a century, ranching was practiced. This is Scorpion Ranch, on the eastern end of Santa Cruz. Sheep ranching here went on until 1990. Other than a few ranch homes, there is NO development on the islands. You can camp, but there are no lodges, restaurants, or paved roads...no modcons. It's like Southern California was 200 years ago. Spend a few hours on the island and you gradually settle into the peaceful, pastoral vibe. Very nice.

There are numerous species here that have evolved uniquely due to the geographical isolation of the islands, which have been separated from the California mainland for at least hundreds of thousands of years. The strait between the lands was narrower during the Ice Age, when sea level was several hundred feet lower, so some animals could swim across, but they evolved within their limited environment. This is the local fox, who is about the size of a house cat. They bludge for food in the campground, or filch it if the campers leave it out, but the park folks want you to make them seek out food on their own as they would naturally do.

Blooming coreopsis overlooking the sea.

Much of the shoreline of Santa Cruz consists of towering cliffs. It was somewhat hazy on this day, but you could still see the outline of Anacapa Island in the distance. The buildings visible in the pic are housing for park employees.

Santa Cruz Island coastline on a tranquil day.

The interior of the island consists of grassy prairies interspersed with oaks; there are pines here and there. The island is being allowed to revegetate after many decades of sheep grazing.

The dark areas in the water are kelp forests. The waters around the Channel Islands are popular scuba diving locations. You can also paddle sea kayaks to caves in the cliffs.