[CINC] 2/10 Anacapa Day Hike...

[Joel E. Justin]

With IPCO trips cancelled Friday and Saturday, I wasn’t sure what today would bring. I shouldn’t have worried! There was a smooth 4 foot swell with no wind for a beautiful ride out on the Vanguard. We saw a small pod of commons on the way out and people got great views of bow and stern wake riding. I enjoyed a chat with Rachael P. about the preservation work she’s doing on the windows in the oil building.

27 people disembarked and after the orientation, 6 joined me on the hike to Inspiration Point. Gulls are starting to gather, but not in their territorial aggressive mode yet. We saw pelicans and several Peregrine falcons soaring in the wind currents at Inspiration Point. The coreopsis is blooming, but probably not quite at it’s peak yet. I don’t think it will be a stellar year, but it will be pretty good.

One 7 year old lad earned his Junior Ranger badge at the end of the day. He got help from his brother and several friends who I think thought they were either too old or too cool (or both) to earn their own Junior Ranger badge, but they hung around and asked lots of questions and shared their island experiences with me. They walked away with Channel Islands Live bookmarks for their interest and efforts.

On the return voyage, we came across a larger pod of commons, and then the remains of a feeding frenzy. Lots of pelicans diving from the air, cormorants diving from the water and gulls trying to pick up the scraps. A few dolphins and sea lions, but I think the main bait ball was gone. We saw the evidence as there were a lot of scales suspended in the water around the boat.

All in all, a great day on the water and a great day on the island. But then again, when isn’t it?

Joel...

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