"My sister, Monique, and I were kayaking in and around Santa Cruz Island just off the coast of Santa Barbara in the Channel Islands. Monique works for The Nature Conservancy, which jointly manages Santa Cruz Island with the National Park Service.
 
"This particular island is surrounded by a lot of fun caves, tunnels, and arches that you can kayak through while passing sea lions, seals, oystercatchers, and the Garibaldi, the official marine fish of California. We also saw a mola mola, a sunfish that sea lions toss like Frisbees. We were hoping to see some migrating whales, but no luck this time...."
 
Brigitte Baron
West Coast Account Manager
 
Do-It-Yourself: "Because people have gotten seriously hurt out in the Channel Islands, definitely plan to go out with a guide who understands the currents. We used an outfitter that Adventure had recommended, Aquasports [www.islandkayaking.com]. In the afternoon, it did get quite windy, so a wind-breaking jacket is a must."

Photograph courtesy of Monique Baron

* * *
"Life's an Adventure" Reader Photo Submission Guidelines: 
 If you've been on the trip of a lifetime and have the photos to prove it, we want to hear about it. Send us your best travel pics and a trip advice of 250 words or less. It could be published in an upcoming issue of the magazine. 
 
Via e-mail:
(For digital images, send 72 dpi)
adventure@ngs.org, subject line: "Life's an Adventure" Reader Photo Album

Click here to submit your photos and trip description via e-mail >>