Expedition Field Report

Island Packers Orientation

The Island Packers guide, Paul, talked about safety. He told us if something was to happen like somebody falling overboard that we should throw a life ring at them and tell one of the people that works with the boat so they could stop the boat and get the person back on board to safety. If something more serious happened like the boat sinking, they would have safety rafts and safety vests. Paul also told us that if we had to go to the restroom, you had to go to the front of the boat and use the restroom called a head. He told us that we should not put anything down the toilet except the toilet paper. -- Jennifer

The Vanguard

The Vanguard was the boat that we (Mrs. Pérez's class) went on. The boat was a medium-sized boat. The Vanguard had a base deck, candy store, basement, and a high deck. At the high deck, the captain was steering the boat. The base deck was where most of the class was. No one was in the basement. At the point, or head of the boat, there was the anchor. The anchor was small. I think that the point of the boat was the best spot. The top of the boat was also a good spot. -- Erica

East Anacapa

East Anacapa is a peaceful, silent place to be. There is a lighthouse on East Anacapa . That lighthouse was built there so that no boats would run into the island. East Anacapa is a very isolated world. It's isolated from the mainland by eleven miles of open ocean. There are a lot of animals and plants on East Anacapa. Isolation helped the animals adapt to their unique environment. -- Elysia

Middle Anacapa

There are three small islets that make up Anacapa Island. We know them as East, Middle, and West Anacapa. Middle Anacapa is three miles long and an eighth of a mile wide. It is best known for a famous shipwreck. The name of the steamer was Winfield Scott and it sank here in 1853. Its remains can be explored by divers and snorkelers today. -- Yvette & Charlotte

West Anacapa

The largest of the three islets is West Anacapa. Its highest peak is Summit Peak at 930 feet, making it the highest point on Anacapa Island. Frenchy's Cove, a popular beach with visitors, was named after a hermit who lived there from 1928-1954. It is possible to walk from Frenchy's Cove to the south side of the island at low tide to view the tidepools. To protect the West Coast's nesting site for the endangered California Brown Pelican, West Anacapa access is restricted to Frenchy's Cove and the tidepools. -- Charlotte & Yvette

Arch Rock

Arch Rock is at the end of Anacapa Island. It is also close to the East Anacapa where all the seals and the sea lions are. It was formed by the waves pushing against the rock which formed the arch. That is why they called it Arch Rock. It is a very beautiful site. Often seagulls are there. The lighthouse is right next to it. Sometimes you would see seals or sea lions or even maybe see dolphins. It is very nice and pleasant to go there. -- Gilbert

Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove is a really beautiful place to be in. When you are up there you can see sea lions sunning themselves on the rocky and narrow shoreline. Here, the sea lions and seals are protected and also have much freedom. They are safe from predators and human disturbance. In the early 1800's, fur hunters were looking in the large communities of sea otter near the Channel Islands. It was not until 1911 when the sea mammal hunting stopped, and they received legal protection. The Harbor Seals and sea lions can now breed regularly on Cathedral Cove. -- Espy