Thom Underwood sizes up the landing platform while the blowhole adds to the atmosphere.

Anyone planning on landing must negotiate the metal ladder as well as the surging water that moves you laterally as well as vertically. Slings are a must since loaded kayaks must be hoisted above the rail. Several rigs were tested but architect Dennis Hyndman’s design was determined to be most effective. He developed a sling that used two cam straps. Teamwork was necessary to slip the loops over the bow and stern while three were on the platform hoisting the kayak, stabilizing it, and placing it in the first platform.

Hugh Keegan, Thom Underwood, Mike Franklin, and Jen Kleck about to complete another successful launch.
Note the proximity of the left ladder to the blowhole. Don’t let loose of the ladder without a paddle!

Landing was accomplished in 45 minutes. Gear was placed in bags and the kayaks were moved to the second level and stacked as necessary to maintain walkways and keep the orientation area clear. No one is allowed to venture up the stairs until the rangers orient you on the rules and prospects of contracting hanta virus from the plentiful deer mice that inhabit the island. Once oriented, gear was stowed in bags and humped up the many stairs.

You are not done when you get to the top of the stairs. The campground is still a long, uphill climb away. It has restroom facilities and great views but is exposed, and has no shade or water.

Note to future campers. Do not leave your tent open as you will soon find the ranger’s orientation on deer mice was not academic. Numerous mice can be found everywhere around, and sometimes within, the campground.

The launch on day two was uneventful and went quickly. Unloaded kayaks were launched with handheld cam straps.

We spent the entire day circumnavigating the island, paddling through slots, rock gardening, and exploring caves.

We proceeded in a clockwise direction and paddled between the second and third islands to have lunch at Frenchy’s Cove. Paddling back through was a bit of an adventure as surf was breaking on both sides, and the water was only two feet deep in the middle. A successful passage relied on riding the back of the wave rather than surfing it. One paddler became stranded after mistiming the wave, hanging up on the sand, and being worked. After a second unsuccessful attempt, Hugh towed his kayak through and he hung on to Jen’s kayak as she paddled him through to the other side where a T rescue awaited.

We saw hundreds of seals, leopard sharks, dolphins, bat rays, and many types of sea birds. The variety of caves, rocks, slots, and other paddling opportunities was amazing. Jen would lead the way and members of the group could follow as they wished. The group contained a number of strong and adventurous paddlers. The only carnage occurred when Hugh attempted to surf an extremely aggressive line over the rocks at the west end of the island. It could easily have made it into the Kayaking video “This is the Sea” or served as an audition tape for MTV’s Wild Boys show.

The trip back on Sunday was uneventful except for a small bird that would land on moving kayaks and hitch a ride until it became bored. Everyone thought the trip was great and expects to return. Make sure you pack light (other than the water you need) and are prepared for Anacapa’s answer to the green monster at Fenway Park. Thanks to Jen for leading a great trip and to Hugh for scouting out routes and sharing his experience from previous trips.

Jon Brindle