Dogless Nature

A trip to the Channel Islands National Park provided plenty of nature, but sadly no dogs. With our temporarily dogless situation, we decided to take some time and visit the islands, which are an hour off the coast of Santa Barbara. Crossing the channel you are likely to see whales migrating, seals, sea lions and hundreds of common dolphins. The dolphins like to surf the wake of the boat.

The largest island, Santa Cruz has hundreds of caves nestled along the cliffs around the island and are perfect for exploring with a sea kayak.

The island is full of hills to hike and explore with great ocean views when you get to the top. Although the islands were once settled and used for ranching, the park is now free of and human settlement except for one ranger on each island, making for a beautiful wilderness. Camping is allowed and is pack in/out, as there are no facilities. The park is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy nature.

4 thoughts

  1. These are spectacular photos, and those dolphins riding the waves take my breath away. Gorgeous! I can’t even imagine that land settled, it looks so rustic and natural. Great photos, and I’m glad you guys were able to take this trip. How close were you to the dolphins to get that shot? Amazing.

    We are over-flowing with dogs right now as we have entered the land of fosterhood. In addition to our own Laverne & Shirley, we are fostering Dusty & Goldie, 8 y/o brother and sister who are patiently waiting for their forever home, one where they can remain together. They are exceptionally sweet, even for Goldens. Please let your friends and family know in case anyone is interested in the pitter-patter of 8 paws in their lives. :-) They can be found at grcglarescue.org.

    Please don’t forget that you have a welcome mat in our home if you ever come back to San Diego for a visit. It may be covered with Golden fur, but it’d be a welcome mat just the same!

    Have a great week!

    • Thanks KBL! The dolphins were everywhere around our boat. In that shot they were right beside us, maybe 20 feet away.

      That’s awesome you’re fostering! And I have to tell you I am in love with Dusty and Goldie. Dusty reminds me a little of our Spencer the way he carries himself. We’ll keep ourears open for potential homes. If the timing was better for us, we’d take them in a second. Thanks for the welcome mat, we have the same here for you if you ever get up to LA and the ladies are welcome to stay too:)

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