[Paddlewise] Anacapa and Spearfishing (not!)

Just got back from the smallest of the Channel Islands, Anacapa, after a
quick weekend jaunt. I thought that I'd do some spearfishing, but it was
not to be. I had previously inquired at the Visitors Center on the
mainland, to make sure that I would know the legal places to hunt. I had
maps and everything. They knew I was camping out there, and planned on a
bit of pelagic perforation to make my dinner complete.

When I got to the island, I was told by the ranger that it was completly
prohibited to bring ANY game or fish through the Ecological Zone (that
contains the pathetic excuse they call a harbor) without being escorted by
a game warden. So no fish BBQ!  You can hunt all you want, you just can't
bring it up on to the island.

Aside from that minor inconvienence, diving wasn't too bad, with up to 30'
viz. My "kelp camo" wetsuit allowed for some good practice stalking. I was
able to get within arm's length of small calicos and sheepsheads before
they figured out that I wasn't a large hunk of kelp. The suit also seems to
strike fear into the hearts of the casual tourist, who ran from my path as
I approached, giving me aprehensive stares. I guess that they figured I was
some commando type that was going to swim up to their house at night with a
knife between my teeth.

Kayak launching is a real production. The dock is about 12' off of the
water, and kayaks have to be winched up and down. Or thrown, depending on
how fed up you are. Paddling was spectacular, with the tall cliffs and
various small sea caves.



________________________________________________________________
Doug Barnard                                   Virtual Acreage
Agoura, California (near L.A.)        Visualization in 2D/3D/4D
http://virtualacreage.com                    818-991-9328
                                          
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