Aug. 18: What a difference 30 miles makes!
Sunshine was peering in the companionway this morning, even though it was still chilly. The forecasted high pressure system was FINALLY on its way ("Liars!" Holly repeatedly yells at the NOAA weather report on the radio) and we left Cuyler Harbor under hazy skies: MAHALO stuck her nose out into the channel and began a fabulous downwind run in 14 - 27 knot breezes and hefty seas.
A Cal 40, MAHALO easily handles the big wind and water, and the ride was SWEET! We ran along the top side of Santa Rosa Island then cut through the strait between SRI and Santa Cruz Island. Increasingly warm, the gals peeled off layer after layer until at last (!) we were in shorts and t/'tank tops.
We anchored at Coches Prietos - about 2/3 of the way down the south shore of SCI (from the west). It was calm and sunny and we were eager to explore. Madame K took off in her kayak and the rest of us dinghied ashore, and struck out on a trail mid-beach through tall dry grasses, keeping a keen lookout for rattlesnakes. Soon we were winding up down and around on a rugged trail toward the center of the island. The canyon was lush: an oasis; with thick fruit and berry trees, a trickling stream with pollywogs (and later, we discovered; mosquitos) and wildlife.
Hearing some sounds from the brush I turned around and saw a tiny Island Fox behind me. Clearly unafraid, she watched us as we watched her, quite a while. Then she sauntered away, and we continued along the path to a small brook. As we were crossing, the fox reappeared - it seems she'd gone back to get a friend, and they both watched us two-legged creatures with curiousity. She was petite and beautiful with fine features: deep gray, auburn and sable fur, a slender tail, and alert, pointed ears. She was comfortable with us, so much so she sat by the edge of the water and started grooming her business. Hence we knew 'it' was a 'she' ... These indigenous foxes were on the edge of extinction 10 years ago, but an aggressive captive breeding program has brought their population back into the 100s on each island. Her presence was all the more charming, knowing this, and added to our already perfect day.
Now it's nighttime ... the big dipper hangs over the beach, nestled between the huge rock walls that create this cove. The breeze is light, although there's a bit of surge, and I anticipate our most peaceful night (with NO middle of the night alarms set to check the anchor). Tomorrow we leave for Santa Barbara Island, by way of Anacapa: a long sail, but hopefully just as gorgeous as today's!
Everyone is happy, sated, and TIRED. Love to all ~ Betsy
August 19: SCORE - Islands 2, Girls 2, with 2 islands to go ...
Our island bagging trip took another hit today when we got v-e-r-y close to Anacapa, and the landing by the lighthouse on the east end ... but there was too much surge to attempt to launch the dinghy and take the girls ashore. Even so, we rounded Arch Rock twice and took numerous photos of the lighthouse and the hillside below. Had it been snow, as it appeared, it would have made one heck of a toboggan ride, however it was all bird sh** blanketing the massive slope white.
We continued south to Santa Barbara Island, the wind filling in from the west to give us a gorgeous reach for several hours, building til we got in the lee of SBI and to the one anchorage on the island. A couple of Holly's Bluewater Cruising Club friends were here and we waved hello as we passed, then anchored in the swelly but protected waters. Here there are zillions of sea lions, and below the surface of the (frigid) water the ocean floor is carpeted with brittle stars. This trip, nearly 55 miles, took us all day,so we simply made dinner and dessert, and turned in ... in the a.m.we'll explore ashore for a few hours, then head to Catalina at noon.
Lots of laughter, fun, beautiful scenery, and a big ship stacked with fake containers that crossed in front of us saying "TARGET, STAY CLEAR" ... whoops! ~ Betsy
Aug 20: TAG!
Writing from Catalina, where we're anchored at Geiger Cove @ 5:30pm, after a glorious sail across from Santa Barbara Island, where we enjoyed a three-hour hike this morning. Enjoying a celebratory rum drink: six islands in nine day; a fantastic time! Heading home tomorrow midday after a little trek ashore.
All fine, signing off ... Mahalo! ~ Betsy
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