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Overview of the California Channel Islands |
Channel Islands National Park sits 22 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara. Touted as the (Galapagos of North America,) the chain of five islands is home to 2,000 plus plants and animals, many of which can only
be found on the islands. Whether you enjoy watching wildlife, kayaking, SCUBA diving, camping or island-hopping by boat, there are many things to do and ways to explore the Channel Islands.
The Channel Islands (Spanish - islas del Canal, Archipielago del Norte) are an eight-island archipelago located within the Southern California Bight in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California. They define the Santa Barbara Channel, which sits between the islands and the California mainland. The four Northern Channel Islands are part of the Transverse Ranges geologic province, and the four Southern Channel Islands are part of the Peninsular Ranges province.
Five of the islands are within the Channel Islands National Park, and the waters surrounding these islands make up Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. The Nature Conservancy was instrumental in establishing the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
The Chumash and Tongva Native Americans who lived later on the islands may be the descendants of the original inhabitants, but they were then displaced by Spaniards who used the islands for fishing and agriculture.
The Channel Islands and the surrounding waters house a diverse ecosystem with many endemic species and subspecies. The islands harbor 150 unique species of plants.
Two of the islands, San Clemente Island and San Nicolas Island, are used by the US Navy as training grounds, weapons test sites, and as strategic defensive locations
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Islands I have Visited Around the World |
I have created a single page listing so far, all of the islands I have visited over the years! The first time I went to an island was in December of 1961, over Christmas and the New Year, 1962, from the midwest to the Bahamas! Now I have multiple islands to view as I look at the San Francisco Bay! I did a cruise to the Farollon Island about 25 miles west of San Francisco, located on the western side of the San Andreas fault. These islands are moving north and eventually Las Angeles will be across the ocean from San Francisco. Only a few million years from now!
Here I am in 2014, cruising around the Farrollon Islands!
Proposed Schedule to visit Long Beach
Southwest Airlines - SFO to LGB - 10.02.2024
Long Beach Overview
Long Beach is a coastal city and port in Southern California. Moored in its Queensway Bay, RMS Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner and museum ship. The waterfront Aquarium of the Pacific features touch tanks and a shark lagoon. Modern and contemporary works are on display at the Museum of Latin American Art. Rancho Los Cerritos is a 19th century adobe home and museum set in expansive gardens.
Catalina Express goes from 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach (catalinaexpress.com)
Los Angeles schools start August 12th, so that might cut down on the crowds. Also, some things on Catalina close after Labor Day, so if you go then check to make sure the submarine, etc are still available.
Long Beach Hotel - 10.02.2024
Motel 6 is one of the less expensive places to stay. On Santa Catalina Island most room are over $400 a night.
Aquarium of the Pacific and Queen Mary are also close by if you're interested in visiting either of them.
Ocean Blvd. has a lot of restaurants in the area also, Bubba Gumps, and so on.
Map of Down Town Long Beach
....................... Map of Long Beach ........................
Aquarium of the Pacific - 10.03.2024
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Queen Mary Tour - 10.04.2024
I have been on cruise ships all over the world. Interesting, I was on the new Queen Mary 2 on a cross the Atlantic cruise from Southampton England to New Jersey/New York City.
2019 - Southampton - Queen Mary 2 Chuck & Virginia Crossing the Atlantic
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Overview of Santa Catalina Island - 10.05.2024
Santa Catalina, one of California's Channel Islands, lies southwest of Los Angeles. It's known for its wildlife, dive sites and Mt. Orizaba, its highest peak. The resort town of Two Harbors lies to the north. To the south, in the city of Avalon, palm trees and cabanas line Descanso Beach. Avalon's circular, art deco Catalina Casino is a cultural center with a movie theater, ballroom and museum.
Catalina Express - 10.05.2024
Catalina Island is just an hour away with year-round boat transportation and up to 30 departures daily. Boats depart from ports in San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Catalina is only 22 miles off the coast of Southern California. Catalina Express' fleet of eight fast, modern boats make for a quick, easy and fun getaway.
Experience the picturesque town of Avalon filled with activities on land and sea, or the rustic village of Two Harbors, with spectacular campgrounds and beautiful beaches. From scenic beauty, high adventure activities, great rest and relaxation, Catalina Island has it all. Take the trip for a day, or stay overnight. Book your Catalina Island ferry online now!
Catalina Express goes from 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach (catalinaexpress.com)
Possible Tours - Catalina Island - 10.05.2024
I called the tour company and indicated I wanted to visit the first week of October. All the tours I was interested in stopped by the end of September or were only available sometimes, only two days of the month. I wondered how that could be. Perhaps I should just go to the island and go to the tour office and see if anything was available that day. Also, maybe cut one of my days at the hotel to save the money. Time will tell.
Phone: 1 800 626 1496
The Catalina Casino Ticket and Waiver - 08.05.2024
Return Trip on the Ferry - 08.05.2024
Santa Catalina California Channel Island Photos - 10.05.2024
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My Friend Gail May Visit Me in Long Beach - 10.06.2024
I met Gail around 2003 and we traveled to the Netherlands on a cruise, to Zambia and Victory Falls and on to South Africa. Later to Yellowstone National Park and also she visited me in San Francisco where we drove to Napa and took the wine train on a tour including wine and lunch. She also celebrated my birthday in Las Vegas at the Belagio Hotel with a special dinner in the high end restaurant overlooking the fountains.
Gail gave me some tips on how to manage my trip as she used to be a high profile travel agent in Los Angeles.
Hopefully she will drive from LA to Long Beach as I haven't seen her in a few years!
2004 - Netherlands - Cruise 2005 - Venice Beach
2006 - Santa Monica 2006 - Zambia - Victoria Falls
2006 - South Africa - Safari
2010 - Napa - Wine Train
2010 - Yellowstone - National Park 2010 - Las Vegas - Chuck's 70th Birthday
2011 - Santa Anita - Horse Racing 2024 - Long Beach - Chuck & Gail
2024 - Bubba Gump Shrimp Company 2024 - Long Beach - Chuck & Gail
Photos of Long Beach - 10.06.2024
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Tickets for all the Venues - 10.02.2024
Southwest Flight from LGB to SFO - 10.07.2024
Chuck's View from Home - 10.07.2024
Chuck's view of San Francisco from his apartment on the 28th floor.
Created on: 2024.08.01
Updated on: 2024.08.23