By
Barbara L. Steinberg
Boarding
the boat for our trip to Anacapa Island – part of the Channel Islands
National Park – we could hear an infant crying. Certainly most everyone was
thinking, “Oh, great! A baby on a 12-mile boat trip! Are you nuts?” The
Island Packer boat, Vanguard, began its slow journey through the calm waters
of Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. Out into the open sea, we started to
rock and bob – the infant was asleep within seconds. The rest of us faced
forward, eyes wide open, awaiting a glimpse of the elusive Anacapa Island.
Those of us beyond the rhythmic lullabies of babies could take solace in the
postcard-perfect weather – light breeze, blue skies, and warm sun – as we
embarked on our half-day journey to a land nearly forgotten by time.
When
considering boarding a 68-foot-long boat to take a 12-mile trip out into
open seas, traveling with children under the age of five probably doesn’t
come to mind. However, our group included families with children of all
ages and an infant. With just two miles of trails, Anacapa’s landscape is
easy hiking and perfect for younger visitors – even parents packing a baby.
The visitor’s center provides welcome shade and picnic tables for a
lunchtime break. The center also has great interpretive displays and houses
the original crystal and brass Fresnel lens from the island lighthouse. The
landing cove offers great opportunities for snorkeling, swimming and
kayaking – even for the younger set. The water temperatures are warmest
during the summer months, topping out at around 65°.
It’s a good idea to monitor exposure to the water or come equipped with dive
suits.
Kids and
parents will enjoy a thrilling below-water view through Anacapa’s underwater
video program. Viewed by television from the island’s landing dock at or the
mainland visitor center, this unique program features an interpretive dive
through one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, the kelp forest.
Kids can talk directly to the ranger interpreter and ask questions about the
watery world below. This amazing program is available every Tuesday and
Thursday from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Off-shore, California sea lions and harbor seals are frequently seen and
heard barking up a storm at overlooks Cathedral Cove and Pinniped Point.
They are often seen during the Channel crossing – bobbing along and
seemingly waving as you pass. Several varieties of whales and dolphins are
spotted year-round on trips to Anacapa – and with luck you may find a pod of
orca or common dolphin playing in the boat’s wake.
Despite
obvious signs of human habitation, Anacapa retains much of its natural
rugged beauty. Anacapa consists of three small islets, East, Middle and
West, which are inaccessible from each other except by boat. Visitation is
limited to the East islet and Frenchy’s Cove on the West islet. Most of
island is primarily wilderness set aside for nesting Western gulls and the
endangered California brown pelican. In the spring, kids and adults marvel
at the throng of nesting gulls. Later in the season, downy baby gulls wait
quietly, or not, for doting parents to feed them. And undulating brown
pelicans soar overhead or line the cliffs overlooking the landing cove on
East Anacapa.
In
general, the island has a Mediterranean climate but the weather can be most
unforgiving and dense fog is common during late spring. Calm winds and seas
are more frequent at summer’s end. Consider seasonal changes when planning
a trip to Anacapa or any of the Channel Islands.
The
closest of the five islands that make-up the national park, Anacapa is only
a ½-mile wide, about 5 miles long, with 200-foot cliffs. Though fairly
stark in its natural state, non-native ice plant, a brilliant red, now
blankets much of the island. Originally planted to prevent erosion, the
creeping, mat-forming succulent is being removed as part of an environmental
rehabilitation of the island. In the spring, forests of giant yellow
coreopsis seem other-worldly. Other wildflowers – pale pink island mallow,
vivid red paintbrush, and tiny island morning glories – create an
eye-catching palette of colors across the island.
It’s fitting that Anacapa is
the only Channel Island to retain its American Indian name
"Eneepah,” derived from a Chumach word meaning island of deception or
mirage. I can tell you, this island is no mirage. It’s a dream come true
for kids of all ages – grown-ups too!
When
traveling to Anacapa or any of the Channel Islands, remember:
>
Sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat
> Seasickness Medicine (If you’re at all concerned or sensitive)
> Dress in layers
> Take plenty of water as there is no fresh water on the island
> Pack lunches and snacks
> Comfortable walking shoes
> Camera and binoculars
> Day-trippers can leave items at the Visitor Center but its best to travel
light.
> Walk with care
> Take photos not flowers, rocks, shells, or other items found on the
island…except trash.
> If you pack it in, pack it out
For
families looking for the complete family escape with all the requisite
amenities, the Embassy Suites Mandalay Bay Beach Resort is conveniently
located near Channel Islands Harbor. All-suite rooms offer the luxury and
comforts of home: living room, two televisions, two full baths, one king or
two queen beds, and sleeper sofas, a refrigerator, microwave oven, coffee
maker, and a well-lit dining table. Translation: Plenty of room for
everyone to spread out and relax. A deep blue swimming pool, Jacuzzis, ping
pong, non-motorized bikes of all kinds to ride along the beach promenade and
miles of the most pristine beach just scream “family friendly!”
Where
to stay: Forget
the breakfast buffets; mornings at Embassy Suites are a real food fest!
Besides an over-the-top expanded continental featuring fresh fruits and
yogurts, full-cooked breakfasts include eggs, bacon, sausage, omelets,
waffles, pancakes and more. And
Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach may have the happiest “hour”
on the planet. The two-hour soiree includes a variety of munchies from
chips and salsa and trail mix to fresh vegetables and dip plus a full bar
for parents…and kids! The Surf Room at Mandalay Bay features kid- and
adult-friendly game area with pool table, foosball, big screen TV, or you
can simply relax on the patio: The swaying palm trees and blue lagoons will
keep you and the kids dreaming of Paradise.
PS – Mom
& Dad, if you feel like you need a night off, Embassy Suites also provides
babysitting services!
For more
information, here are
more photos of Anacapa Island
visit: www.NPS.gov/chis or
www.IslandPackers.com
