[CINC] Greetings from Windy Rosa (SRI)

[Catherine French]

It was a hardy group of about 50 who ventured from Ventura Harbor this morning to make our first stop at Scorpion to let off the few campers going ashore. Capt. Anthony had the able crew of Steve S. and Pancho close the bow and starboard side of the boat for safety reasons.The seas were beyond confused, with severe chop and the large wind waves sprayed the craft to the top level with the briny sea. 

The trip to San Miguel was cancelled and only campers, researchers and myself were ferried to SRI.

The crew worked hard trying to help the sick, many, many ill from the conditions. Suffice it to say galley sales were almost nil. During the entire journey, we all stayed seated for our own and others' safety.

We then made our way around the back side of Santa Cruz which usually is in the lee and calm, but here the wind (gale, blowing steadily at 25 mph with higher gusts and very choppy seas continued all the way to the SCI/SRI gap. 

Capt. Anthony had to tac in a zig zag pattern all the way through the gap while trying to avoid smashing into large waves after emerging from deep troughs, some times two within a nano second of each other. It took over four hours to make the trek to the Santa Rosa pier from Ventura. Once on the pier, we gathered our gear in the unrelenting wind for the park orientation and on to the island.

All were in good spirits and glad to be off the boat! Not a great day for critter sightings but an adventure for sure.

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend, and here is salute to those of you have have served in the military, many thanks.

Thanks to Capt. Anthony, Steve and Pancho for getting us here safely!

Calm seas,

Catherine French

Writer, naturalist, mentor
805.570.0432
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