#27: Back to the Coast (& Channel Islands National Park)

I didn’t take the most efficient route through California, as there was some backtracking. However, this often happens when: A) You are meeting people in specific places at specific times, and B) When people you meet along the way recommend new places to check out. The above is just another example of how a detailed, rigid plan only takes you so far (for me on this trip and for all of us in life!).

From Lone Pine, I headed down south on 395 to then head west to the coast. My next destination was Ventura. From there, I would take day trips to Ojai and Santa Barbara.

I booked a “cushy” RV park in Ventura called Waypoint. It was the only place to stay near the city – and it was right downtown somewhat along the water. The coolest part about it was that they only allowed vintage trailers and Airstreams. I fit right in. Plus, they had heavenly showers.

Ventura

Ventura is a California surfer, hippie town with a little grit to it. It reminded me a bit of Santa Cruz. After having a nice, long, hot shower, Addie and I walked around the downtown area, popping into shops. VERY dog-friendly city, which I love.

The following day I quickly hit up the local Saturday morning farmers market. Dogs were not allowed, but a nice gentleman at the entrance offered to watch Addie while I scoped it out.

Shortly afterward, I met up with a friend, Katie, from business school who lives in Ventura. After business school, she took a job at Patagonia, headquartered there. We took the dogs for a hike/walk in a nearby park and caught up after lost time. After Katie gave me some “organic” avocados and oranges from trees in her backyard, Addie and I hit the road to visit Ojai and Santa Barbara.

Little sidebar: Since COVID began, the national parks closed to visitors. At this time (mid-June), I was continually checking to see which parks were opening up and when. Channel Islands National Park (off the coast of the Ventura area) was closed every time I checked because visitors take a ferry to get to the islands. I had come to terms with the fact that I would not visit the Channel Islands. BUT (big "but" here), while hiking with Katie, she mentioned that her friends were going to the Channel Islands that weekend. It was then I learned that it was open!

I quickly arranged for another night at Waypoint and snagged a ferry reservation for the next morning. This change of plans pushed my timeline back one day, but it worked out for the best (more to come on why).

Okay, back to Ojai…

I had heard lovely things about Ojai – and that there was not much to do there, but I still wanted to see it for myself.

Ojai is beautiful. It’s a small town set in a valley and a little desert-y. The little downtown hosts galleries, new-age boutiques, and cafes, and the surrounding areas are home to ranches and nature trails. It’s a very spiritual place where many escape to find peace, wellness, and sanctuary. You can immediately tell by the vibe there - very Zen.

Because Ojai was a stop en route to Santa Barbara, I grabbed a coffee in a coffee shop and perused the town just a bit. I hit up a famous bookstore called Bart’s Books, but they didn’t let dogs inside. Boo.

I went to Santa Barbara and took it all in. Addie and I walked around a ton – on the main drag and then by the water. I have been to Santa Barbara a few times in the past, but I love it so much that I wanted to say hello. Honestly, not much to highlight from this particular visit.

Channel Islands National Park

The next morning I had an 8 am ferry to Anacapa Island via a company called Island Packers. Channel Islands National Park consists of five different islands. Anacapa is the smallest island and arguably the most picturesque. It's almost like the "classic" of the Channel Islands, so I chose to visit it.

What I didn't realize when choosing that particular island was that it is one of the most massive nesting places for the Western Gull. And at the time I visited, it was nesting SEASON. Gulls were EVERYWHERE. To the point where I had to flail my arms around with every step, so they didn't attack me. I walked over multiple dead gulls - including chicks. It's nature, so I love it, but I was ready to go when the time came.

Anacapa is also home to the largest brown pelican rookery in the United States. These guys congregated into one area of the island, and it was undeniable where they were. It didn't smell nice where they lived…

It was beautiful, though. I had a clear day, and the views were incredible. I also saw sea lions. After a short boat ride back to the harbor, and a 15-minute drive, I was in Ventura again. Katie and I walked the boardwalk with the dogs and wrapped up my weekend with some shrimp tacos on the pier.

Are you wondering where Addie was when I went to Anacapa Island? Katie helped me out with that. She and her dog sitter split the time and watched Addie for me. It was a treat to have someone I knew and trusted to stay with her while I explored a place she couldn’t go with me. Thanks, Katie!