An early morning sunrise is the perfect way to start our last day here in the Channel Islands National Park.
This also is our last National Park to visit out of the 53 National Parks the lower 48 States, with only the Parks in Alaska, Haleakala National Park in Hawaii, and National Park of American Samoa to go. Now I just need to update our Gone-Seen-Done Map and color the last 3 Parks green 🙂
Moving to Smugglers Cove yesterday was definitely the right call, and we were treated with an amazing sunset, long uninterrupted sleep, and an amazing sunrise to boot.
Sunset 360
A 360 photo as the sun sets over Santa Cruz Island. Anacapa Island is hidden behind the radar dome. Click and scroll around.
Golden 360
Another 360 sunset photo at Smugglers Cove. Click and scroll around.
360 Photo of Photos
Playing with the 360 camera as we make sunset photos.
Fiery Sunrise
Watching the clouds light up above Anacapa Island in the Channel Islands National Park.
Sunny Streaks
Day is breaking
Morning Coffee
Enjoying our morning coffee in our anchorage at Smugglers Cove.
Smiling Selfie
Technically an ussie not a selfie.
Waiting To Go
The kids are all dressed up and ready to go
Moving Through
Morning clouds moving through.
Chef Dennis started breakfast as we began motorsailing over to Anacapa Island, and we were treated to a hearty breakfast while underway.
Hearty Breakfast
Beans and Eggs packed with protein for a day on the water.
On The Move
We enjoy breakfast while Captain Dan points us towards Anacapa.
Anacapa is an amazing hunk of rock, with steep cliff walls and a lighthouse with a visitor center high above the surrounding ocean.
The dock to ascend to the bluff was getting pounded by wave action and we didn’t even entertain the idea of trying to tie off and climb up.
Sailing Towards Anacapa
A short video as we sail towards Anacapa Island
Pelican’s Rest
Crowds and crowds of pelicans adorn the bluff below the Anacapa Island Lighthouse.
Vertical
Amazing vertical cliffs on Anacapa Island in the Channel Islands National Park.
Over The Arch
Lines of pelicans soar over Arch Rock in Channel Islands National Park.
Arch Rock is probably the most famous photo opportunity within Channel Islands National Park, and we took several excellent shots from all different angles as we slowly cruised past.
The Channel Islands National Park is an important nesting and breeding area for a variety of birds, and the cliff walls around the islands are absolutely covered with birds and bird poop.
The recent storms have turned the islands quite green, which is apparently a rarity here.
We heard many remarks from Captain Dan about how different the island are during and shortly after the storms:
Never seen waterfalls cascading down the cliff sides.
Only have seen an east swell and a west swell together once before – and that was yesterday.
And cloud after cloud after clouds. Both he and Chef Dennis had their phones out taking photos since it’s such a rarity here.
Unusually Green
Apparently it’s very unusual to have this much green in the Channel Islands.
Blue and White
Puffs of clouds stretch to the horizon.
Sailing Along Anacapa
A video as we sail along the north side of Anacapa Island
Around The Arch
Sailing back around Arch Rock from the south.
Perfect Spot
This high bluff is the perfect spot for a lighthouse.
Ups And Downs
The Channel Islands are pretty stunning to sail through.
Still Hard Work
Sailing is so hard!
Missing Pieces
It’s easy to see how Arch Rock was once part of Anacapa Island.
In The Distance
Clouds loom over Santa Rosa Island while Anacapa Island enjoys the sun.
Low And Long
Anacapa Islands stretches across the photo frame.
Shiny Silver
One of the Harken winches on S/V Sancerre
Bye Bye Channel Islands
It has been a beautiful trip even with the mixed bag of weather.
So Much Color
The Admiral navigating us back to the marina
Standing Watch
Watching the freighters in the Santa Barbara Channel.
Burn It Off
One of the oil platforms between Oxnard and the Channel Islands burning off excess methane gas.
Anacapa Island 360
A 360 photo of Anacapa Island as we sail past. Click and scroll around.
Would we recommend a visit to Channel Islands National Park?
ABSOLUTELY!
The most common way to get here is to come across on the Island Packers boat and explore a small part of the islands. For most people that will suffice.
If you’re more adventurous and want to explore without the crowds, do as we did and book a charter.
We highly recommend Captain Dan and Sail Channel Islands, and I’ll throw together another blog post with photos and writeup about S/V Sancerre and what it’s like to spend a few nights on a ship both in the marina and at anchor during storms.
Still. So. Exhausted.
Sailing will do this to you…
Farther Away
Another 360 photo as the Channel Islands fall farther and farther off the stern. Click and scroll around.
Sailing Home 360 Video
A 360 video as we motorsail back to the Vintage Marina. Click the gear to select high resolution and scroll around.
