We stayed on the Channel Islands off the coast of California for two days from June 21st- 22nd. We took a ferry there and back and on both rides part of our journey on our little boat was surrounded by dolphins.
The first day of our stay we hiked Potato Harbor Trail. The views off of the cliffs were magnificent- white cliffs with clear, teal water lapping up on them.
Erin on the trail perched on some cliffs.
Photo Credit: Eric Robinson
We stopped along our journey to talk about the history and wildlife of the island. The island we were staying on is the largest of the Channel Islands, Santa Cruz. It is 96 square miles and is one of 8 islands, 5 of which are usually visible. All the islands were formed by volcanic activity. Native Americans inhabited the island for hundreds of years but the first European settlers came in 1542. The island over the years was a ship ranch and farm. In 2007, all the mammals that were not native to the island were removed (pigs, sheep, cattle). In 1980, the islands officially become the Channel Islands National Park; the Park Service has 24% of island and the Nature Conservancy manages the other 76%.
The tactile vegetaion at the Islands was overpowering.
Photo Credit: Trish Seelman
There are more than 1,000 species on the island today. Beware of the foxes on the island because they are used to tourists and will try to steal your food, the ravens as well will try to steal your food.
Santa Cruz Island fox.
There is also the scrub island jay, a type of bird, who does not migrate from the island and have experienced island gigantism. The jays on the island are 30% larger than their mainland relatives.
Comparison to Santa Cruz Island Scrub Jay.
The trees on the island are the red gum or eucalyptus tree used for lumber and ornamental use because of its leaves that smell so good. The tree is an invasive species from Australia but is very abundant on the island and quite climbable as our group discovered. The Channel Islands are also known for their kelp forest that surrounds the island; kelp whihch is the largest oxygen producing plant from the ocean grows and they two feet a day (whoa).
Kelp Forest, now that is something you don't see everyday.
The island has suffered much destruction from the pigs, sheep and cattle that were there for more than 100 years. The island also suffered from the spraying of DDT and of course the tourists who constantly visit the islands for recreation.
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