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| Sunday May 11, 2008 |
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Story & Photos by Mitch Mandell  Everywhere
I go I'm reminded of the terrorist attack that not only hit New York, but
every American. The events of 9/11 have changed the way we live in the United
States. We are scared and shocked and many don't know what to do. We'll
this is one time that this American will actually listen to the politicians.
One thing they are all united in saying is that we need to get back to life
as usual and not let the actions of lunatics affect the way we live our
lives. I intend to do just that and while it was difficult to get motivated,
once out I realized that the best medicine for my sick heart was to take
in some of what makes this the greatest country on earth. So, I went to
Oxnard, California. Oxnard? Yes, Oxnard.
A beautiful little agricultural town on the coast of Southern California between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Oxnard's small town feel and friendly inhabitants make this seaside village a perfect central base for going on inland hikes and seaward adventures. Before traveling outside of Oxnard be sure to explore Heritage Square where the history of Oxnard can be experienced through tours of Victorian mansions and farmhouses. The area in and around Heritage Square hosts seasonal celebrations and musical performances. This is a West Coast version of America's heartland. Venturing outside the city, I visited one of our nation's great treasures - The Channel Islands National Park. Not as easy to get to as Yosemite or the Grand Canyon, this National Park can only be accessed by a short one hour boat ride across the Santa Barbara Channel which takes hikers, campers, kayakers, SCUBA divers, snorklers, and adventure seekers to the tiny islet of Anacapa.
Everyone on the boat was looking and pointing as we circled the dolphins and they in turn followed us. Amy continued to give us details about these common dolphins as we observed them in their natural habitat. Our boat captain kept us with the dolphins for about twenty minutes -- plenty of time for us to take pictures and get all of our questions answered. We then said good-bye and headed off to our destination.
The waters around Anacapa are bit chilly. In the summer it's about 62° - 68° and in the winter as cool as 56° or so. It's advised to wear lightweight wet suits for summer snorkeling and heavy suits for diving are a must, but well worth the effort. I've dived all over the world and Anacapa still rates as one of my favorite dive spots.
Along the hike we learned about the Chumash Indians that used the island as a stopping point on their journeys to fish for abalone and rest before crossing the channel back to the mainland Anancpa has a rich history as among the Chumash and is the only Channel Island with a Chumash name. We walked the entire loop of the hike in less then two hours, including numerous stops along the way to take in the 360-degree ocean view and the sight of Santa Cruz Island to the north. Once back at our starting point a few people walked over to the ever-present lighthouse that helps keep the passing ships off the rocks. Numerous ships have crashed into this tiny island over the years, and while it makes for great SCUBA diving spots now, boaters and ship captains are grateful today for the bright beacon.
I arrived back at the harbor in Oxnard before dark feeling much better then when I left. The ocean is a perfect place to leave stress behind -- it's vast enough to absorb more then I can dish out. The events of the past few weeks have left me more stress then I care to think about. My day trip to Anacapa is just what the doctor, uh politicians ordered. Be Sure to Also Read:
Getting ThereBy Car or RV Places to stay Residence Inn by Marriott at River Ridge This motor lodge located right on a golf course boasts in room kitchens and a complementary continential breakfasts. For those who seeking a more resort style vacation check out: Embassy Suites Hotel - Mandalay Beach Resort The beach side resort offers all the amenities you expect a resort to have. Getting to the Channel Islands Island Packers Camping on Anacapa In the Nearby Area:
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Twelve
miles off the coast from Oxnard, Anacapa is the closest of the five islands
that make up the National Park. While I prefer to take a sailboat, my
motorboat trip across the channel was not without some excitement. About
two thirds of the way across, Amy - The Naturalist aboard the boat, came
over the PA system to announce "Dolphins spotted of the starboard bow."
Those of us who knew our port from starboard quickly rushed to the right
side of the boat and the rest quickly followed. About 200 yards out we
spotted the playful mammals as they turned and headed our way. Apparently
dolphins love to surf the wake generated by boats as well as dive under
the boats where the churning water scratches their backs.
We
toured east Anacapa Island from the boat while the captain pointed out
various coves, inlets, rock formations and prime, world class SCUBA diving
spots. We pulled into Landing Cove, the only place on the island boats
can dock to unload and pickup passengers. Landing Cove is poised in a
spectacular turquoise pool of kelp forest and wild life. A perfect place
for a cool dip or a little underwater wild life viewing.
After
walking up the 156 stairs to the relatively flat top of Eastern Anacapa
Island, all of the 40 or so passengers split up and went their separate
ways. One guy, a real adventurer, filled his kayak to overflowing with
camping and diving gear and headed off to points unknown for solitude
and fishing. One college girl brought her tent and hiked 1/4 of a mile
back to use one of the 6 primitive campsites. As the island gets very
little rainfall the vegetation there is mostly scrub, Coreopsis and ice
plants. The camping is exposed to the sun and other elements, but if you're
looking for solitude and a fantastic ocean view, it can't be beat.
I
decided to join about 10 others and go on the nature walk with Ranger
Tom. Anacapa is part of the US National Park System and thus has a Ranger
that lives on the island. Ranger Tom took us on the not too strenuous
hike to Inspiration Point where we looked to the north to get a nice view
of the other parts of the island, parts not open for public use. This
restriction helps keep the island in its natural state so the birds, fish,
mammals and vegetation that live on and around it can be undisturbed.
After
a glorious day of hiking, sightseeing and picnicking we boarded the boat
and headed back to Oxnard but not before taking a quick look at one of
Anacapa's most distinguishing sight: The Arch. The Arch at Anacapa is
one of those natural formations that are cool to look at. Don't ask me
why, it just is. And the large groups of Sealions basking in the sun on
the rocks around The Arch couldn't agree more.