On The Way to Smugglers Cove

 

 

 

 

 

 

"In its vastness and variety of flora, fauna, and geology, Santa Cruz Island resembles a miniature California. At over 96 square miles in size and the largest island in California, Santa Cruz contains two rugged mountain ranges; a large central valley/fault system; deep canyons with year-round springs and streams; and 77 miles of craggy coastline cliffs, giant sea caves, pristine tidepools, and expansive beaches. These varied landforms support more than 600 plant species in 10 different plant communities, from marshes and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests. There are 140 landbird and 11 land mammal species; three amphibian and five reptile species; large colonies of nesting seabirds, breeding seals, and sea lions; and other diverse marine animals and plants."

 

Scorpion Anchorage at Santa Cruz Island

 

"The island fox is a small fox that is native to six of the eight Channel Islands of California. The largest of the subspecies occurs on Santa Catalina Island and the smallest on Santa Cruz Island."

 

Hiking Santa Cruz Island

Cruising the Channel Islands

 

 

 

 

"Island Packers travels to all five islands in the
Channel Islands National Park. We land at East Anacapa Island throughout the year at the Landing Cove and during certain days of the year in winter and early spring when the tides are very low, Frenchy's Cove can be visited for tide pool exploration. Santa Cruz Island has two destinations, Scorpion Ranch and Prisoners Harbor and we visit these locations year round.

Seasonal trips to the more remote outer islands, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa and San Miguel are scheduled late spring through early fall. Trips to Santa Barbara Island operate from April through October, landings at San Miguel Island from May to October, and Santa Rosa Island from April to November."

 

Happy Easter!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stuffed

 

 

 

 

 at the Natural History Museum

 

I Like Turtles