Santa Cruz Island a personal narrative booklet of accounts from the island
Steven Howard
Boat ride had us like blehhh but ooooh aaaaah all at the same time. Cruising up to the pier in awe we take photos as if the island is a c e l e b r i t y . And it is. For many it’s their first time seeing the natural beauty up close and personal after four years of gazing from a distance – we can finally share a moment with it in person. But first, unloading. We throw bags, food, suitcases, backpacks, pillows, sleeping bags, people up from the ship and onto the dock. We hunt for our gear in the sea of belongings that has been diluted by the equipment of other researchers... (real researchers). Is there a stigma between us and the skunk people? Maybe, but I’d rather call myself an artist than a skunk person anyday.
It feels as though it’s been an eternity though just a few weeks and our trip will come to an end soon for we are only here a few nights.
But the skunk people are actually really cool. Their research is just as dope as their personalities. You win this time skunk people.
Main Ranch. Where the real celebrities stay. Us v. them – we aren’t allowed on this part of the nature reserve without a guide. We even have to idle through this road because “the dust gets in the buildings.” smh. The tiniest museum you’ll ever see lives here and has a ton of information. On the Chumash people; On those who lived here during time immemorial. Another museum on those who claimed ownership of the island and used it for running their business. A wealth of information. But only with a tour guide and if you’re part of the UC system. Why the exclusivity/?
at least they let Amanda ring the chapel bell x
guess they aren’t entirely evil
but mr. park ranger, why do you get to speed?
To the beach we go Everyone is ready but we pray the tide has remained low
How does he do it? It must be the syrup from his spaghetti.
We climb down the gravel filled t r a i l . “Watch out, steep cliff at the end.” Then a rope. didn’t expect to risk my life going to the beach But sooooooooooooooooooooooo worth it
As everyone struggles to tolerate the harsh freezing ocean water,, a calming bliss finds its way into the milieu. A beach with no footprints,, sand still innocent,, unknowing of the litter from a crowded beach – we are the only ones here. The water is unbearably cold,, yet the waves break on us and we love it. The tide is just low enough for our feet to reach the break of the sand and remain in the sun. A frisbee soars from one hand to the other and folks are lying on the warm rocks. This feels tranquil. Eventually the tide reaches our toes and we collectively run to the rocks that keep us safe but nobody is ready to leave. Explore the caves, search the tide pools, meditate on the rocks, take pictures in your graduation stole – enjoy this.
uh oh – car stalled again.
reflection walk man made objects on a remote island
solo hike just to myself .- much needed to reflect on the day (also blood sugar was kinda high so like,, exercise helps bring it down) – It,s strange how man made objects become an anomaly out here Out of all the amazing stuff to see on this island / I,m almost more curious when I see out of the ordinary objects scattered along random hiking trails ¡= What,s the history of that? Why was it put there? Especially when the materials look like they have lost their purpose⁄
At least the land is a conservancy and no more development will take place (hopefully). The open valley is a spectacular sight, and even though I’ve seen vast expanses of open land before, there’s something special about it being on an island with such rich history. I climbed up a steep peak, trudging my way up carefully so as to not slip on the loose rock. About an hour and a gallon of sweat later, I turned around to view the flat open fields in the middle of the valley. Taking the camera up to my eye, I snap numerous shots from numerous angles. I struggle because in no way am I doing the valley justice – the sights from my eyes are grandoise while the playback on my camera is modest at best. I let hang the camera from my side rather than struggle with settings to capture what I automatically view naturally. Sorry to insult you like that Santa Cruz Island.
Eventually I made it as far as I could go before having to turn back. I looked down the valley and could see another trail that led to a beach. I felt more connected to the land than at any other point of the trip – just me and the island. I didn’t want to turn back. I wished for nothing more at this point than to climb down the hill and find the trail I had discovered, follow it to the beach, then continue wherever else it might have taken me. I knew as soon as I returned to the cabin I would have to pack for our departure back to the main land and that inflicted a special type of feeling upon me. The last few days had been unforgettable, and my disappointment in its closure assured me that the experience was positively impactful. As I made my way back, I hoped that more people would receive opportunities to reconnect with nature as I had the privilege to on this trip.