ANACAPA ISLAND — A shroud of fog enveloped the island and it soon became clear why Anacapa is a derivative of a Chumash Native American Indian name meaning “constantly changing.”
One moment you could see the historic lighthouse, the next moment you couldn’t.
You also can better understand the need for the fog horn that blasts continually.
It’s not always like that. Truth be told, now is one of the better times to visit Channel Islands National Park — from sea conditions to weather to people.
“The fall is the calmest time of the year and it’s not as crowded,” said Cherryl Connally, co-owner of Island Packers, a concessionaire that boats people to the five islands that make up the national park.
“You have an opportunity to enjoy the island in its pristine environment without a lot of tourists.”
As it is, Channel Islands National Park is the least visited of the national parks, because it’s the most difficult to access and many people are unaware of its existence.
Connally called the islands the California Galapagos and “a hidden secret.”
“Seems like every other person we speak to is unfamiliar with the Channel Islands and when they go they are amazed how protected and remote they are and that there is no commercialism.”
The islands remain in their natural state sans fast-food joints or snack bars. People bring their own food, water and fun.
The Channel Islands offer an array of outdoor activities such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, camping, fishing, bird watching and whale watching.
Fifteen to 30 blue whales are being sighted on excursions to Santa Rosa Island. Two were spotted on the one-hour boat ride to Anacapa Island, which is three islets bunched together and the smallest and closest in the island chain to the mainland.
The east islet, the only one on which exploration is permitted, features 1 1/2 miles of easy hiking trails and a hike-in campsite.
Steep cliffs encircle East Anacapa, so it’s recommended only experienced kayakers launch from the boat dock at Landing Cove.
“The approach to the island is very difficult,” said Bill Hamilton from Nevada. “Everywhere we went there were cliffs. Makes you wonder how the first people got up there.”
Getting to the plateau to access the majestic views at 200 feet above sea level can be strenuous for some. First, the shuttle boat Vanguard backs up to the dock and the crew helps people disembark, sometimes having to time the sea surge.
Then, the people are on their own to walk 153 steps to the top.
“Well, you all survived,” said Catherine French, a volunteer from the Channel Islands Naturalist Corps.
French led 27 people on a hike around the island last Wednesday. She talked about the history of Anacapa and its Chumash habitants, the foliage and the wildlife.
She didn’t have to point out the tremendous numbers of California brown pelicans perched on the cliff like a welcoming committee at Landing Cove.
“Just a few weeks ago, the noise here (at the visitor’s center) was overwhelming,” French said. “There were 10,000 nesting pairs of Western gulls.”
One look at all the feathers and white spots and you could tell where they were nesting.
On a cliff overlooking Cathedral Cove, harbor seals and sea lions could be seen through the fog lounging on rocks. A giant kelp forest is another attraction when the weather cooperates.
Another stop came at the west end of East Anacapa.
“This is Inspiration Point, which today does not live up to its name,” French said.
Two days before, she said, the views were spectacular.
“You would’ve seen not only all the way to the west end of Anacapa, you would’ve seen Santa Cruz Island,” French said. “You just have to imagine it.”
Unless you pick a clear day to visit.
Contact the writer: dstrege@ocregister.com
