On our second day here in the Channel Islands, we awoke near the shores of Santa Rosa. From the sandy beaches of this beautiful location we hiked in search of the native torrey pine, kayaked among the fringes of the kelp forest, and enjoyed a rare rainy day in the national park. In the afternoon we set off in search of wildlife and found ourselves watching northern elephant seals on the wild shores of San Miguel Island, one of the most windswept of the Channel Islands.
4/24/2024
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National Geographic Quest
Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands
The first day of adventure around the Channel Islands National Park found National Geographic Quest exploring Anacapa Island. Inhabited and named by the Chumash people, Anyapax (or Anacapa in English) means mirage or illusion and refers to the atmospheric phenomena that occasionally distorts the appearance of the island when viewed from the mainland. Known as the Galapagos of North America, guests were able to experience Anacapa Island both by foot and by Zodiac cruising during the morning operations. Taking in sights such as endemic plants, blooming coreopsis, and California sea lions. The afternoon had us transiting over to Santa Cruz Island where some guests were able to get ashore while others enjoyed a lecture by naturalist Jim Coyer. Drinks and yummy hors d’oeuvres were plentiful during cocktail hour and recap, and the evening wrapped up with another lecture on island ecology by naturalist Kelly Morgan. It was a wonderful start to our Channel Islands adventure.