[CINC] IPCO SCI 14 Feb 2011

[mike & joyce sos]

Departure IPCO, Ventura 12 pm.
Depart SCI  3:30pm

A total of less than forty (nps employees, campers and visitors) aboard 
the trip to Scorpion and Prisoners. A pretty bumpy ride with swells 
(4-8ft), the wind picked up dramatically (15+ mph) as we moved into the 
channel; and continued for the day. The wind chop combined with swell 
had Dave putting on the brakes as we came up on some of the occasional 
10-12 ft swells.  It was exceptional light and visibility steaming to 
the islands and Cabrillo Arch was well defined on Anacapa Is, east end.
With the stiff, unrelenting ocean breeze on the island from the vc I 
noticed the wind creating continuous, pulsing waves over the tall 
grasses along the canyon walls. I was able to get a quick look at the 
recently erected windmill; it's a fine addition to the history of the 
ranching community. Kathy Van Slyke provided the orientation for 30 
visitors and led the hike to Cavern Pt for 14. In spite of the short 
stay of about 2.5  hours, 6 hikers were able to make the trip to Potato 
Harbor. We noticed no serious side effects from mal de mer although most 
of us appreciated having our feet on terra firma.
Some large flocks of Scoters in the waves as we left Scorpion; several 
Western Grebes, Pelicans  and Cormorants as we approached the mainland; 
and a male, Ca Sea Lion on the  red, Ventura Harbor entrance buoy was 
our sole sea mammal sighting.
The passengers included locals and families from Indiana and Vancouver, 
Canada. They were pleased with their experience and complimented us on 
the added knowledge to their island visit.
A great job from Capt.  Dave and the crew of Island Packers.

Mike Sos

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