Mirage Island
Channel Islands National Park is an archipelago of five islands off the coast of Southern California’s Oxnard Harbour.
The word 'Anacapa' comes from the Chumash word
'eneepah', meaning Mirage Island; indeed like a dream...
Anacapa Island is a small volcanic island with a total land area of 2.947 sq.km. The three islets- the East Island, Middle Island and West Island together support over 2000 plant and animal species. Archaeological and cultural resources span a period of more than 10,000 years.
From the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, the boat journey through the deep blue Pacific on a breezy summer afternoon is a delight, especially with dolphins chasing the boat!
Amazing rock formations: spattered with guano, inhabited by noisy seals
The lighthouse: located on the eastern part of the island,
at the entrance to the Santa Barbara Channel
On entering the island territory, the lighthouse can be seen high on the cliff. The United States Coast Guard built a light beacon in 1912 and a light station in 1932 (Anacapa Island Light). It is the last lighthouse built by the United States Lighthouse Service.
The island being a seagull rookery, frantic squawks of seagulls protecting their spotted eggs are frequently heard along the trail. Possessive birds indeed!
Guarding their eggs: A haven for seagulls
An enchanting aura created by the pink and blue haze can be felt all about the island, especially at the two breathtaking points- Cathedral Cove and Inspiration Point. Looking out at the sea and listening to the waves lashing the quaint chain of islands brings a feeling of peace, of bliss.
Cathedral Cove: Picturesque view from the top of a cliff
Middle and West Islets: Inspiration Point
The museum is another attraction mainly for the huge light that was once in use. For more adventurous souls, camping beneath the stars on a summer night enhances the entire experience, making it all the more worthwhile. Conservation activities are being carried out to protect this fragile island.
Food and drink are not sold on the island but one can find pizzerias and multicuisine restaurants near Oxnard Harbour.
Anacapa Island is a place to visit atleast once in a lifetime for its spectacular rock formations, the lighthouse and mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean.
My sister and I visited Anacapa Island a over a year back.
This travelogue is a part of my college assignments:)
2 comments:
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
Hi!!! I just loved the pictures ! You should become a professional photographer.... Came to know of a new place!
Post a Comment