SAN MIGUEL ISLAND
From Cindi Lambert, San Diego
An overlooked national park, so close to us in Southern California, offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure if only for a day.
Channel Islands National Park comprises a string of islands off the Santa Barbara/Ventura coast, accessed by a ferry in cooperation with the National Park Service. Backpackers and campers can have an island virtually to themselves, to explore and enjoy the beaches, hiking, birding, wilflowers, and to observe the copius archaeological remains.
In fact, the oldest habitation site in North America was found inside a deep cave on San Miguel island, indicating that the islands had been inhabited for over 11,000 years. There is also evidence on San Miguel of pygmy mammoths which were believed to co-habitate with humans some 10,000 years ago.
The Channel Islands have a rich history relatively recently, having been occupied by the inidgenous Chumash, hosted sheep ranching, and during WWII, a Navy bombing range.
In the late 1800’s, Russian and Chinese fur traders hunted the thousands of pinnipeds almost to extinction for their oil and fur. Only diligent conservation efforts have brought several species of animals back to a population of sustainability, including bald eagles, island fox, and elephant seals.
The logistics to visit one of the Channel Islands requires a bit of coordination to first acquire your ferry reservation, then a National Parks permit; and possibly overnight accommodation in order to board the ferry which leaves for the islands at 8:00 a.m. The Island Packers ferry is an adventure in itself; the captain ensures an entertaining voyage, with knowledgable narrative of the area, marine mammals as they are encountered, and provides very efficient, friendly service to handle whatever baggage you may be bringing, a variety of snacks and beverages, including beer and wine, and comfortable seating.
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