Channel Islands National Park
By Stephen Prusinski
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If people from the East Coast or Midwest think of California, they can only think of over population, freeway
congestion and diverse political agenda. Although, this maybe true in some respects, they don't look at the big
picture. California still has a country-side as beautiful and pristine as the day it was first settled by the Spaniards
350 to 400 years ago. Much of this land is only accessible by boat. This area is known as the Channel Islands.
These islands are one of California's best kept secrets with beauty comparable to the Hawaiian Islands.
The island chain consists of eight islands San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, San
Nicolas, Santa Catalina and San Clemente. These Islands are thought to be formed 50,000 years ago as an
ancient mountain range emerged from the Pacific due to volcanic activity. It's common to walk along the rocky
beaches and pick up precious minerals and gems such as Jade and Amethyst.
The ocean water is clear, clean and teaming with life. On a recent visit to Santa Catalina, My family and I were able
to see the ocean bottom about 30 feet below the surface. We were able to see fish such as Garibaldi, Sea Bass
and Sharks swimming around below our Hunter 28.5. If you're a scuba diver, you can enjoy an ocean teaming with
wildlife along countless reefs throughout the chain.
Most of the Islands are accessible to the general public with the exception of San Clemente and San Nicholas,
which are owned by the United States Navy for training and outlying airfields. Each Island is an easy reach from
the mainland of California.
If you should ever come out to California, I implore you to charter a boat and head out to the Channel Islands and
witness for yourself, one of California's best kept secrets. The following link will provide greater detail to you, of
what the Channel Islands has to offer.