Day 217

Leaving the Harbor, On a Foggy Morning

Setting the Sails for a Race

The View From Inside a Cave, Looking Out On Our Boat

Chris and Katie Exploring, In the Cave

A Second Cave...A Pitch Black, Creepy Cave

Looking Out From Inside the DARK Cave

A View of Santa Cruz Island

The Dolphins Came Out to Play

And Play

Our journey began on Saturday, a very foggy morning.  My mom, dad, brother, niece, Chris and I all boarded upon the boat and set out for Santa Cruz Island.  The almost, 30 mile trek took over an hour and we endured many bumps.

When we arrived to the island, the first stop was too bumpy so we had to continue along the coast.  The fog began to lift, yay!

We set anchor along a different, calmer coast.  After Chris grilled up some lunch, we explored the caves on the dinghy.  Derek and I both forgot our shoes so we were not able to explore too far into the first cave.  Chris and Katie went around and found some tide pools.  

Next, we decided to explore the other cave.  When we entered, it was completely dark.  With the aid of some flashlights, we looked around but it was a little too scary for Katie.  We set back for the boat to grab some shoes in order to explore the first cave, some more.

But...when we arrived back at the boat, the captain (my dad) said that the wind had picked up and we needed to head back to Santa Barbara.

We set to venture back and got all set for the ride.  The ride back was much smoother and the sunny skies sure helped.  While enjoying the scenery, dozens of dolphins were spotted.  They were playing in the wake of the boat!  

Swimming behind us, the many dolphins jumped and put on an excellent show.  I was too excited and the boat was too bumpy to get any spectacular pictures.  But as Derek said, "One never tires from seeing the dolphins."  They are such beautiful creatures and we are so lucky to have this as one of the many times we have spotted them putting on a fabulous show.