I think this visit to Anacapa (in the Channel Islands of California) was my first camping trip with Megan.  We drove up to Ventura one evening and stayed there for the night.  We got up early to catch the ferry to the Channel Islands.  The ferry was loaded with sightseers, kayakers, and fellow campers (destined for several of the islands).  The sea was choppy and the wind blustery, but we made it to Anacapa in fairly quick time.

When we landed at the island (which is essentially a mesa extending up from the ocean), we took our gear up a steep flight of stairs and walked about a half mile to the campground.  It was early in the day, but the July sun was scorching hot already.  We set up our tent on a site of about six available spaces, and only one other spot was occupied.

After setting up camp, we hiked around the utterly treeless island.  We eventually found much-appreciated shade at the ranger's station.

The island was teeming with baby seagulls while we were there.

Night time brought comforting cool temperatures.  Equipped with canned food, Pop-tarts, rum, and cognac, we stayed on this flat postage-stamp island for three days!

I recommend all who visit this island to bring kayaks.  The island provides a superb setting for viewing protected marine species and dramatic coastlines.

On the way back to the mainland we saw a HUGE school of dolphin.  It was spectacular to see these animals jumping and rolling for miles to the left and right of our boat.