On the way to the island we were treated to a rare sight of Killer Whales:
The National Park campgrounds are in a small valley. There is a 3/4 mile hike from the dock to the campgrounds. There is a fair amount of shade from the many Eucalyptus trees:
There are some great hikes and remains of the ranchers that once lived on the island:
A great place for Kayaking and exploring the caves on the coast:
Santa Cruz Island is home to a small Fox which has no predictors on the island. It's about the size of a domestic cat. The park service has installed "bear lockers" in the campgrounds for campers to keep the trash away from the Foxes. Keep all your food in closed plastic containers and all packs closed or the Foxes will quickly take your food even if you are only a few feet away. Same with shoes and socks, they'll take them. Always leave your tent zipped closed or they'll mark their territory inside and take any food:
It's about an hour from Ventura to the island. The ship's captain will follow any signs of dolphins, wales and other wildlife even if it causes delays in their schedule:
I took my Yeasu VX-150 with me and from the top of the hill above our campground, I could barely hear last Thursday's OAUSA Net.
