Visiting Channel Islands National Park

Our last outing with Beth was a trip to Channel Islands National Park. Comprised of five islands that were isolated for thousands of years, the park features unique animals and plants that are found nowhere else on earth.

Tim and I had previously visited Santa Cruz Island, so we picked Anacapa Island for our destination today. We boarded our boat in Ventura and enjoyed watching the dolphins that followed us the entire way to Anacapa and back.

Anacapa is a volcanic island with huge sea cliffs, caves, and natural bridges. Arch Rock, a 40-foot natural bridge, is a symbol of both Anacapa and Channel Islands National Park. I took way too many photos of the island’s natural features.

Anacapa Island - Sea Cliffs and Arch Rock

We checked out the lighthouse and the other buildings that supported its use and wandered around the trails on the island. We especially enjoyed checking out the plentiful seabirds and admired all the vivid yellow and red flowers that covered the landscape.

Exploring Anacapa Island

Sarah, Tim, and Beth at Anacapa Island

Seabirds and Blossoms on Anacapa Island

Seeking a Little Bit of Culture

In addition to exploring the sites within SAMO, we also enjoyed venturing a little farther afield on our days off. We became friends with Beth, who was also at SAMO for a short-time detail, and together we visited the Getty Center, the Huntington Library, and Santa Barbara. Tim and I also made a trip to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on our own.

The Getty Center was first on our agenda. Perched high above Los Angeles, the Getty offers an impressive art collection as well as expansive views of the city. We decided to take a tour of the architecture and the unusual gardens, which are a living work of art, and it was well worth it.

Getty Center

Sarah and Tim in the Central Garden at the Getty Center

The Huntington Library encompasses not only an immense research library, but also an art museum and botanical garden. Tim especially loves to visit libraries, so this was a perfect destination for us. I could have spent hours wandering through the gardens and admiring the flowering trees.

The Huntington

The Huntington Botanical Gardens

Tim at The Huntington

Santa Barbara was a bit farther afield, but we all wanted to visit the city. Tops on our list was Mission Santa Barbara, often referred to as the “Queen of the Missions.” We also visited two other historic sites in town, El Presidio de Santa Barbara and Casa de la Guerra, but we made time as well to explore the waterfront.

Mission Santa Barbara

Exploring Sites in Santa Barbara

Tim and I try to visit presidential libraries whenever we can, and Ronald Reagan’s was nearby. Although the libraries we’ve visited play up the importance and contributions of the featured president, this one seemed to be particularly over-the-top. Still, I’m glad we came.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library