Hills & Seas Alive: California's Channel Islands National Park

[Ventura County West]

I have been whale-watching a few times (always a joy) and visited Anacapa Island, but our recent Channel Islands Outfitter trip to Santa Cruz Island was one of the highlights of my travels. Kayaking in February may not have been the ideal month to choose, but we were well-prepared thanks to the helpful information on Channel Islands Outfitter’s website, including to dress warmly for the hour-long boat ride to Santa Cruz and to wear a bathing suit and rash guard under their supplied (and warm) wetsuit.

When we arrived at Island Packers Ventura Harbor port, it was a bit foggy and as the boat pulled out of port, we spotted one huge Steller sea lion and a seal with her baby nesting on a buoy, followed by impressive flocks of birds skimming the sea – an exhilarating start to the memorable day. The sea was rocky and my excitement was expressed better by the group of middle-schoolers who screamed with joy each time we scooted over a wave. As we approached the Channel Islands, the sun came out, showcasing the remarkable, protruding rock structures that seem untouched by time: Channel Islands National Park. Island Packers makes stops at two places on Santa Cruz: Scorpion Anchorage, where we got off, and Prisoners Harbor.

Once we were given our gear and a detailed lesson on kayaking, our group of nine set off. As a first time kayaker, I have to admit to being nervous, but our guides, Matt and Johnny, helped us into the ocean and made sure each of us was comfortable. As mentioned previously, the water was rougher than ideal for kayaking, but even so, I found myself smiling to be on the ocean with the sun shining against an absolutely stunning island. “Right, left, right, left” encouraged my kayaking partner, as we navigated the ocean to each set of caves. How fun! The water was so blue and clear that we could see several feet down into the ocean. Who knew that seaweed was strong enough to “anchor” you for a few minutes to take in the surroundings….and somehow wasn't that slimy?!

Once back at the cove, we feasted on the huge sandwiches and homemade corn nuts and banana chips provided by the Channel Island Provisioners while marveling at the green hills we were soon to climb in one of the many hikes on the island. We chose a 2-mile loop to Cavern Point, one of the island peaks where we walked through fields of yellow mustard plants and purple flowers with magnificent coastal vistas. Okay, at this point we are feeling a world away from from the stresses of everyday life and could not be happier. Perhaps that explains the uncharacteristic response on the way down the trail loop: I joined a couple of my fellow hikers in a verse from the Sound of Music, belting out “The Hills are Alive…..” Because they were: beautiful and green and silent other than the sound of the wind and our voices.

Our day continued to go from highlight to highlight, because as we finished the trail loop through the campground on Santa Cruz (yes, you can camp there!), we saw one of the island foxes which live on six of the eight Channel Islands, but nowhere else in the world. The tiny creature paralleled our walk for a bit, allowing some photo ops, and then disappeared in the tall grass.

It’s hard to say what the highlight of the day was: the ocean journey, kayaking, the ocean views from the top of the island, the wildlife, or the brilliant green hills; but there is one thing for sure, it was a trip that will stay with me and I will definitely be back.