The four northern California Channel Islands, plus the more southerly Santa Barbara Island, form the Channel Islands National Park. After leaving Santa Barbara Harbor, S/V Ubiquity visited Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands, and the largest island in California.

The east end of Santa Cruz Island is part of the National Park, and the larger part of the island to the west is preserved and owned by the Nature Conservancy. The only way to reach the Nature Conservancy part of the island is by private boat, and permits are required for landing ashore.

Although so close to major population centers in California, this island seems remote. Through the efforts of the Nature Conservancy and the National Park Service the ecology has largely been restored to its original state before disturbed by efforts to farm in the 20th Century.

Because of their separation from the mainland, the Channel Islands have evolved their own species, inviting the title, "The Galapagos of North America". The Santa Cruz Island Fox, for example, exists no where else except Santa Cruz Island. Although only about the size of a small cat the Santa Cruz Fox is the top predator on Santa Cruz Island. Conservation efforts saved the fox from the brink of extinction.

Lisa, my crew on S/V Ubiquity, and I were in search of the Santa Cruz Island Fox. We hiked in silence observing carefully. We ascended a local promontory and watched with eagle-like concentration. We saw footprints of the fox on the beach, and we saw his scat on the trail, but like Cotton the sea urchin diver (See prior "Bluewater Gold Rush" post), the fox proved elusive.

Although our hikes on shore did not reward us with sighting the Santa Cruz Island Fox, the solitude, tranquility, and beauty of the island rewarded us amply. I invite you to share our experience by perusing some photos from the excursions on Santa Cruz Island.