[CINC] Scorpion Hike: 7/9

[Paul Petrich]

Island People,
 Captain Dave at the helm of the Island Explorer took 110 passengers out to Santa Cruz Island yesterday over surprisingly rough seas. On the island the weather was great with no wind and good visibility. I had 17 folks on my Cavern Point hike, then I took the Visitor Center, as no CINC had it covered today. Only 11 passengers went on to Prisoner's Harbor, but there were an uncommon majority getting off at Scorpion who were kayakers. They, along with the campers, kept the VC steadily occupied. All kayakers did get on the water and had a great day, even considering the rough crossing.
 I had one large family from France on my hike, with members ranging from 1 year to 50ish, with every decade covered. Everyone on our hike got up close looks at our CI Fox right off the bat at our campground transition. Members of the French family were the only hikers in a long time able to identify, without clues, the diatomaceous earth half way up the Cavern Pt trail. They knew it was from the bottom of an ancient sea bed!  
Aboard the boat were two California Sea Lions, who completed rehab at the Marine Mammal Center. They were released at Prisoners. They put seals and sea lions front and center as far as off the boat viewing interest was concerned until common dolphin stole the show once inside Sanctuary waters.  It was a good day for all, except one family with small children, who had their cookies stolen from a pack by our friendly Ravins, because they did not pay attention at the orientation!    Paul