annk's VirtualTourist Home Page

Travels for 2009
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September - Rome, Eastern Med cruise including Dubrovnik, Greece, Turkey, Sicily

Some Previous Travels
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2008 - London & Bath, Sydney & Cairns, Lake Tahoe
2007 - Loreto Mexico, Lake Tahoe, Hawaii
2006 - Hawaii - Kauai & Oahu, Florida - Naples, Everglades NP, Biscayne NP, Switzerland including Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Montreux, Zurich
2005 - Kauai, Yosemite NP (CA), Maine (Bar Harbor, Acadia NP), Canadian Rockies (Calgary, Lake Louise; Banff, Jasper & Yoho NP's)
2004 - Maui & Kauai Hawaii,
Arches & Canyonlands NPs Utah,Colorado, Alaska (Fairbanks to Seward)
2003 - Baltic cruise - Copenhagen, Visby, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Tallin, London (post-cruise), Yellowstone & Grand Tetons WY, Montana
2002 - New Mexico, Texas, Seattle WA, Victoria BC, Iceland
2001 - Aruba, Strasbourg & Colmar FR, Bernese Oberland SZ.
2000 - Venice & Verona IT, Annecy & Paris FR
1999 - Fr. Polynesia (cruise)

Channel Islands National Park is one of the least visited parks in the country yet it's an amazing refuge for wildlife and rugged beauty. Hard to believe that only a small percentage of the 20+ million residents in southern California have even heard of this park. There are 8 islands in the Channel Island chain that lie from 11 to 60 miles offshore. The northern islands of San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz and Anacapa are all part of the National Park. Only Santa Barbara Island in the southern group belongs to the park system while Santa Catalina, San Nicolas & San Clemente do not. Most are familiar with Catalina, which is picturesque & beautiful but touristy & commercialized by the harbor area.

The National Park islands are nature lovers paradise and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts including campers, boaters, scuba divers, kayakers, hikers, photographers & bird waters. These protected islands provide a home for hundreds of land and marine species. Many plant species and a few animals are endemic to the region. The more common animals frequently seen are pelicans, sea lions, harbor seals, and elephant seals on or near the shore and schools of dolphins and perhaps a whale during the crossing. Besides the animals there are miles of hiking trails of varied terrain and gorgeous overlooks.

Each trip is magical and a world away from the congestion & pollution on the mainland. Will be visiting Santa Rosa for the first time the end of July.