In the pre-dawn light we headed out toward oil platform Gina (Bearing 212 deg m.), which we passed in about 45 minutes. We were off to a good start! Along the way out to the shipping lanes we enjoyed the sight of orange jellyfish, seals, sea lions, and several pods of dolphin.

When an eastbound ship appeared we debated whether to try to beat it or stop to let it pass. Wisely we waited. It passed in front of George as the sun came out in full force to highlight Arch Rock and the Anacapa Lighthouse.

We arrived at the island by 8:35, having done the 11 NM in just under 3 hours, then we paddled west to Cathedral Cove where we landed at 8:50 on a smooth black sand beach. After a bite to eat, George announced the plan: meet at Arch Rock at 9:45. Everyone had the choice to explore the coast or kick back and rest until then. No sooner did he announce this than all 9 of us eagerly hopped into our boats and split up into small groups. Some paddled directly to Arch Rock and played there, while others explored Cathedral Cave and other interesting spots along the shoreline.

For me it was a delight to see the expression on Mike Bode's face and to hear his repeated exclamations at the marvelous scenery - this being his first introduction to the clear water, abundant wildlife, and impressive scenery of the Channel Islands. Conditions were benign with virtually no wind and very little swell. Seals barked from their rock perches inside caves, their voices amplified and echoing across the water. Sea lions came right up to us and stared in curiosity. Garibaldi could be seen darting among the rocks and sea grass.

By 9:50 we had all regrouped at Arch Rock and began the trip home. It had turned into a glorious clear day with mild winds and calm seas. Along the way we were treated to more inquisitive seals and sea lions and several more pods of dolphin. One large pod completely surrounded our little fleet, jumping and playing within just a few feet of our boats. This continued for 5 or 10 minutes as we all grinned and exclaimed how amazing it was. Eventually they went on their way, and so did we.

As we neared the harbor some of the group sprinted ahead (those must have been the hungry ones!) and landed just before 1 PM. The others trickled in within the next 15 minutes. Something amazing to me is that Tony Chapman did the whole trip on a 12 foot SOT and had no trouble keeping up the pace!

Afterward we enjoyed good food and great conversation at Daddy-O's. Everyone agreed it was a fabulous day on the water.

Thanks to a great group, who made the day tremendous fun, and to George Miller -a great co-host!

Here are a few photos from today's paddle

Lee Shurie

I just have to chime in that this was a fantastic "starter" crossing! The trip over was interesting for me, just to observe the mechanics of doing it: taking note of the sea lanes, judging the speed of passing freighters, managing the paddling pace and direction.

Now, the sight of Anacapa may be old hat to some of you old salts, but to somebody who had never seen it before while approaching from a kayak, it was an incredible experience. The sun had just started breaking through. As Lee said, the wildlife and the magnificence of the cliffs, the water, the caves was beyond description. I didn't want to leave! (Especially the caves!)

Truth be told, 22 miles was a long haul for a first-timer, especially on the way back, but there's no other way of getting that particular experience under your belt! It was a major paddling milestone for me, and the Anacapa experience, brief though our visit was, was worth the two bottles of Advil I am crushing and adding to my bath water as I speak. I expect to be soaking until the morning.

Thanks for setting it up, Lee and George! And what a great and patient paddling group!

What a fine paddle today! Anacapa is one of my favorite day paddles, with dramatic scenery, caves to play in, wildlife to enjoy and close enough to be accessible to anyone in good shape with a decent boat some skills. A good "Starter" paddle indeed for trips to the outer islands. That Dave paddled round trip in a tiny "Tupperware" SOT was a wonder.

Lee is great to co-host a trip with. We were lucky to have some of the best sea kayakers in SoCal to paddle with and enjoy the day.

The patchy fog lent an air of mystery. At various points, the sea lanes from the East were shrouded, making us wonder if ships would ambush us. Gina was blocked and the Ormond Beach power plant loomed in the mist, disguised as Gina.

My favorite part of the trip was cavorting in the caves with Jon Turner, Dave, Mike Bode and Lee Shurie. Hope Lee and Jon publish their photos. I also love the echo of sea lion and seals barking from the caves and coves.

If I had known how cooperative the weather was going to be, I would have extended our stay, even at the expense of scrubbing the hallowed tradition of brunch at Big Daddio's. What a group-- round trip paddle to Anacapa and back by lunch time.