Not Really sure what I can add here. I feel lucky to have witnessed this event. I was the only one left in the park at this point. I'm glad I stayed. It was windy all day but it died down just in time for me to enjoy the show without being shoved around by the atmosphere. Of course I was walking around with my big pack on, which essentially acted like a sail during a hard gust. It made walking...difficult. … (0 comments)
I just want to reiterate that these cliffs are serious. I hope you like to climb stairs. This is the easiest way up I am sure. I mean, I'm no Chumash, but jeez, under no circumstances would I try to climb up to the top of this chunk of rock in the middle of the water. If it weren't for the stairs I would be happy to remain blissfully ignorant of what might be atop the cliffs. I am afraid of heights. I get enough cardiovascular exercise from the panic attack I have at the thought of having to … (0 comments)
The small blobs you can see down on the rocks are actually Sea Lions. This is as close as I could get. I have included this picture to give you an idea of just how steep and high these cliffs are. There are no water sources on the island so it was never a permanent home to the Chumash Indians, the first settlers of the Channel Islands. However, there is evidence on the island of human activity, which would suggest that the Chumash would come here to hunt and forage. That means they would have to paddle here … (2 comments)
Being on Anacapa Island during this time of year reminds me of that Hitchcock classic, "The Birds," which I realize is not the most ringing endorsement of the place. The Western Gulls come here to breed and nest. This was early in the season but they were already setting up shop all over the island. Apparently they will be crammed beak to cheek in a few weeks. They nest just about anywhere, including right on the trail. If you come too close to their nest they have no problem letting you know. They can get real aggressive, real quick. … (2 comments)
I can't believe I got this shot too. These birds come right in along the edge of the cliffs almost at arms length. They are a magnificent sight. These are Brown Pelicans by the way. They come to Anacapa Island to breed and nest. I would like to have gotten a picture of one of these animals taking a sharp nose dive into the ocean to hunt, but I will take what I can get. Lots of these birds were dying due to exposure to DDT, but I was happy to learn they are making a comeback. Here is … (2 comments)
Dolphin! I love this little guy, or girl, I am in no way qualified to tell the difference. This is one of the added perks on the boat ride to Anacapa Island, a Dolphin escort. They come up along the side and jump up out of the water, I presume to get a better look at us. Let me tell you they are fast. I am surprised I got this shot.
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