Day 20: Uphill Both Ways... Again?!?

Channel Islands today! After much run around with a few different companies, kayaking and camping fell through. We decided to just go for the day, and things worked out for the best- it was so cold we didn't want to go in the water or stay overnight in a place where no fires are allowed!

The channel islands are a sanctuary off the coast of California (near Ventura) for native species that exist no where else in the world. We took a boat to cross the channel in the morning and saw some some dolphins! Other than that, a pretty cold, long ride.

When we got out to the islands, we decided to take the Smugglers Road trail to Smugglers Cove on the other side of the island (7.5 miles). We asked the naturalist how to get to the trailhead, and as he directed us to the trail, he let us know we'd be headed uphill both ways. Again!

The trail was pretty steep & strenuous and seemingly much longer than we thought. Smugglers Cove was beautiful, we rested there for a while (well, Mike rested, I ran the beach) and then headed back. The way back was much worse but we made it.

Another boat ride back- seals this time - and then we headed to dinner! There have been concerns about Mike not eating on this trip (so far from the truth) so I've attached a pic of him & his dinner. Yes, the entire pizza was his!

One more stop at Trader Joe's (I'll miss you!) and we're ready to hit the road in the morning!