Melody and I have had a pretty crazy transition between our three years together. It started off with an internship at Air Products in Los Angeles, which turned into a two year long distance relationship. I was fortunate enough to be accepted to the University of Southern California to close that gap between us. I think the whole journey has help strengthen our bond and really appreciate each other. Our three year anniversary was this magnificent trip to the Anacapa Island at the Channel Islands National Park. I had been to Santa Cruz, but I didn’t know how vastly different each island was. As we get ready to set sail, Melody poses with Bruce prior to our departure.

The goods for our trip, everything we had was going on our backs. Water was needed also, since the island had no fresh water streams available.

As our boat approached the island, the iconic views of Anacapa Island. Next time we will have to rent kayaks to explore the waters around the islands, as well as the biodiversity of the protected waters.

Although the island looks barren, flowers do bloom in the Spring time. We were visiting in an off season so the camp grounds were ours for the taking. Here is a view of our camp site.

We soon took an island tour to learn the history of the island, as well as visit the many different views off the sharp cliffs. Here you can see the Kelp forest during a low tide, and if you look really closely seals resting in the cave in the bottom left.

Our trip next time, kayaking the island.

These non-native species of plants have been affecting the ecosystem in the island. Crystalline iceplant holds salts in the form of crystals that create an imbalance in the soil, reducing the nutrients as well as species of plants that can thrive there.

This is another subspecies of iceplant, sans crystalline. But both plants keep the same surname.

Later that day, we discovered the old lighthouse head that was in operations prior to the current lighthouse.

The lenses that covered the bulbs were really interesting in shape.

Melody and I hiked the whole island plenty of times, it was roughly a mile and a half across so we decided to make it a little relaxing getaway. Here is Melody as we wait for sunset at the lighthouse.

And during sunset, I attempted to get a photo of the chain of islands at the edge, connecting Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands. But I got this cool silhouette of the other campers that night.

I also woke up the next morning to catch the sunrise, the soft light allowed for more detail. We were also able to get wonderful soft colors for the background.

The sun peaking over with the lighthouse in the distance.

Another sunrise shot of the lighthouse on the cliff.

And the rays catching the island chain.

Also, a view of the lighthouse up close.

So long Anacapa, hope to see you next time.