Cruising World – August 2019

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51

Pelican Cove has no beach, so getting
ashore is hazardous. Instead, we pumped
up our inflatable kayak and explored
the bay from the water, paddling among
dramatic caves and sea arches.

Little Scorpion Cove at the east end of

Santa Cruz Island is an imposing anchor-

age lined with tall cliffs and tottering sea

stacks. The water is as clear as gin, and it

was mesmerizing to watch the kelp fronds

swaying in the swell as it dashed against

the rocky islands. We dinghied ashore to

a small sandy beach and climbed up the

steep path for a walk along the clifftops.

It was a glorious day, the visibility was

sensational, and it was wonderful to see

Distant Drummer anchored in the bay

below and with Anacapa Island fading

away into the distance.

VENTURA AND

SANTA MONICA BAY

As we continued southward down

CRUISING CALIFORNIA

Three defining characteristics of San
Francisco: a sailboat, fog and the
Golden Gate Bridge.