If you've been reading my blog long you know I love all things sailing. Well, except for the time I was horribly seasick of course. Fortunately, that has proved to be a one time experience I sure to impart in me the requisite empathy for those aboard who fall victim to the same. One of the things I love about sailing is going to beautiful places and experience them in a way that few people do. As Southern California sailors, we are incredibly fortunate to have the Channel Islands a very reasonable distance off our coast.
The Channel Islands are divided as the Northern islands and the Southern islands. Among the Southern islands are San Clemente, San Nicolas, Santa Barbara, and Santa Catalina. The most popular of the Southern islands is Santa Catalina, known as just Catalina. Avalon is the featured port and even large cruise ships make a stop in port. Avalon is a great place to visit and a wonderful place to take first-time visitors to. However, I've been to Avalon many times and have been anxious to explore more of the island.
This weekend we made a channel crossing heading for Parson's Landing. An retired old lobster fisherman told me of an underwater cave near Arrow Point just south of Parson Landing. We decided to explore the area in hopes of finding this cave which was said to have an underwater entrance that opens into a large cavern which is lit from an opening in the ceiling. We failed to find the cave after exploring and talking with local fishermen, divers and Two Harbor's harbor patrol. However, we did find a great place to anchor, kayak and snorkel.
Here are some pictures from our trip.
The Channel Islands are divided as the Northern islands and the Southern islands. Among the Southern islands are San Clemente, San Nicolas, Santa Barbara, and Santa Catalina. The most popular of the Southern islands is Santa Catalina, known as just Catalina. Avalon is the featured port and even large cruise ships make a stop in port. Avalon is a great place to visit and a wonderful place to take first-time visitors to. However, I've been to Avalon many times and have been anxious to explore more of the island.
This weekend we made a channel crossing heading for Parson's Landing. An retired old lobster fisherman told me of an underwater cave near Arrow Point just south of Parson Landing. We decided to explore the area in hopes of finding this cave which was said to have an underwater entrance that opens into a large cavern which is lit from an opening in the ceiling. We failed to find the cave after exploring and talking with local fishermen, divers and Two Harbor's harbor patrol. However, we did find a great place to anchor, kayak and snorkel.
Here are some pictures from our trip.
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Bella's Crew
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We found a cave but not "the cave"
Beautiful beaches and anchorages
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Dolphins and Sunrises
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Great snorkeling!
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Kayaks on and off Bella
We anchored at Emerald Bay and had the entire bay to ourselves. The weather was incredible. In fact, you would have never known it was the middle of November! On the way back we hit some dense fog. You have to respect crossing the channel as you pass through shipping lanes which are some of the busiest on earth. Fortunately, Bella is equipped with radar and MARPA so we were able to "see" the two large ships that crossed our path. Even still it was eerie hearing loud fog horns in the distance without being able to physically see them.
It was a great trip with the only downside being it was far too short. Aren't they all?
It was a great trip with the only downside being it was far too short. Aren't they all?
4 comments:
oooooo , ahhhhhhh. Can't wait to go there myself.
I miss the sailing. Looks like you guys had a lot of fun.
Wow, those snorkeling pictures are beautiful.
LUCKY. Looks like a blast!
Aye Matey, speak yer mind!