We had a great time while Andy and Cindi were here. While the kids were at school and Shawn was at work, we would start our day with breakfast and then a little exercise. We tried to go somewhere different everyday.
Hiking to Paradise Falls in Thousand Oaks.
Walking on the beach in Ventura at the Channel Islands Harbor.
At the Heroes Garden at Pepperdine.
Walking on the beach in Malibu.
Walking the bike path in Ventura.
We didn't do a whole lot of relaxing, because there really is so much to do here. We did get in a fire and s'mores one night though.
On Saturday, we headed to the Ventura Harbor to catch the Island Packers boat out to Santa Cruz Island which is part of the Channel Islands National Park. It was a little over an hour ride out there and that morning the waves were pretty high. I'm not gonna lie, I was feeling a little queazy.
The pier where the boat usually docks has been out for some time, so they have to tie out and then get everyone to shore by small skiffs.
Andy and Cindi making their way on shore.
We took a short hike to Cavern Point.
You can also camp on this island (campground in the back). The campground was pretty shaded and we're thinking this would be a great place to spend a weekend.
Our view from the top of Cavern Pt.
Scuba diving boat down below. They say this place is great for scuba diving because of the kelp gardens and underwater caves.
Starting our hike back down to the beach.
We were told we would probably see the Island Fox because they are very tame. Right off the bat, we saw one in the campground area. After making our way back down from the hike, we found a picnic table in the shade…and who did we see scavenging for food…this guy.
You can see how tiny they are.
He just sat back there the entire time we ate, hoping we'd drop something.
After lunch, we headed to the beach to play. The water is freezing and Amelia was ready to be wrapped up after a short time.
There were a lot of kayakers and kayaking groups out there too.
Papaw and Caleb stacking rocks.
Around 3:00, it was time to start getting us back on the boat.
On the way back we encountered a ton of dolphins. I took so many pictures, I didn't know which ones to chose. Here's just a few.
There is a line of oil rigs just off the Ventura Coastline that runs all the way to Santa Barbara (they may go farther, but we haven't gone any farther than Santa Barbara yet).
Pacific Coast Highway.
Coming back into the harbor.
We had a really great day at Santa Cruz and we had a great time with Granny and Papaw while were here! We can't wait to have more visitors and find new places and things to do! Thankfully, we only have to wait 2 more weeks until Drew, Holly, Elliott and Lorelei arrive!
