Bob Crum

The lament began softly, growing louder with each passing day. It was not unlike the Sirens of Greek mythology, mischievous creatures who lured nearby sailors with their enchanting music and singing voices to shipwreck on the rocky coast of their island.

The wailing was from the Sirens of Santa Cruz Island beckoning me back. More island photo ops they teased. Resistance was futile, so I relented and called Island Packers. Hearing the boat was full was disheartening. The enchanting wailing continued to ululate unabated. Alas, the merciful phone call. A cancellation provided an opening if I was still interested. Ha! Camera in hand, I boarded the Island Adventure last Saturday bound for the Willows anchorage.

We departed the harbor under sunny skies and a chilly 69°. I learned long ago that it's always cooler on the water. Much cooler out on the Pacific ocean. I dressed accordingly: Thermal undies under street clothes plus a raincoat as a windbreaker on top of my fleece hoody. I was prepared. So I thought.

I took my preferred position that's best for photo ops, the ship's bow. As we passed the jetty, the nostrils instantly recognized the refreshing aroma of the salt-infused air. However, soon after passing the sea buoy, we were engulfed in thick fog. Not just plain thick fog. It was Super Soggy Fog (SSF). Thicker than sea poop... er... pea soup!

I kept my camera covered, but needed windshield wipers for my eyeglasses. The thought did occur that maybe I should go inside. I didn't. My immune system is not always 100% so I tend to avoid crowds in close quarters. Also, being on a photo expedition, best be ready if happening upon marine wildlife!

A few miles further, clear skies. Momentarily. Before long, the dastardly SSF once again engulfed us lasting all the way to Santa Cruz island. However, it was an excellent opportunity to make some exquisite photos of, ahem, fog! No dolphins, no whales, just FOG!

After dropping off passengers at the Scorpion pier, we continued to the Willows anchorage amid patchy fog. I was able to make several photos of the island topography along the way. Lo and behold, as we approached the Willows anchorage, we were greeted with delightful sunshine! Hallelujah!

Photographically speaking, Santa Rosa Island is a challenge because of the hilly terrain. Trails are scarce. Hiking is limited to exploring the dry creek beds in the canyons. One trail at Willows went up to a coastline overlook. I opted for the easier creek trail. Along the trail, I saw my first island scrub jay but did not see an island fox.

At the Frys and Willows anchorages, there are no piers for offloading from the boat. Small outboard-powered dinghies carry passengers, six at a time, from the mother ship to shore. As Island Packers warns, be prepared to get feet wet. Occasional large waves make the landing on the beach a bit tricky. When it was my turn to exit the dinghy, I didn't see an approaching wave. My feet got wet! No problem! I was wearing water shoes and NRS HydroSkin 0.5 Wetsocks.

The photo of the week illustrates part of the exciting adventure. As the dinghy approached the beach, a wave came in and tossed it sideways. Six startled passengers tightly clung on. Two Island Packer's staff members did a remarkable job of keeping everyone calm and stabilizing the wayward dinghy. The wave subsided, and the passengers safely disembarked, wet feet and all. Such events make unforgettable memories. The mischievous Sirens? They wouldn't pose for a photo. Next time!

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