[CINC] Monday's IPCO to Santa Rosa Island via N & S Santa Cruz Island waters

[Marty Flam]

A memorable Memorial Day.

As Monday's IPCO return from Santa Rosa Island was as smooth as Friday's to was not (Catherine, returning Monday, had been on Friday's crossing going out there), 
and after a long day of his fascinating interpretation, arriving back at Ventura Harbor, Captain Dave announced campers' had truly earned their badges of honor.  

The new pier had eased loading/unloading, so even with loitering in and around Painted Cave and close-in at Prisoners' Harbor for ooogling mother and calf humpbacks, we arrived back to Ventura Harbor by six.  

Clarity was spectaculare.  From the rise atop Cherry Canyon looking north and east, the vast expanse of sea surrounded by coastal and island mountains, was reminiscent of a small reservoir, with shades of blue abounding sea and sky, puncuated by kelp browns.    

About 50 mostly Cherry, some Lobo and Carrington day hikers, and 40  mostly campers with a few researchers all returning home, plus about 20 plus IPCO's Jean at Prisoners, joined up with Dave, Joel and James.  

NPS researcher Kevin Schallert showed me some non-digger bumble bees trapped on Santa Rosa being brought back for study. I hope to learn more about those and also the industrious non-bumble diggers we see each year on the Cavern Point trail and Potato Harbor Road on Santa Cruz Island. 

Calm seas, clear skies and happy trails,

Marty