点评:Our group took 4 tandem sea kayaks on a Discovery Sea Cave Tour on Santa Cruz Island in CINP. After safely getting back I was glad I had done it but looking back we might should have listened to Mark and Parker's suggestion to cancel. The wind by the afternoon when we left the beach was 20 mph sustained and gust over 30. Due to the WNW direction the beach at Scorpion Anchorage was fairly tame. However, you did not have to go far from shore to feel the effect.
Mark and Parker were our guides, and they were great. I was surprised when they chose to go NW into the wind, but I understand it made the paddle back easier. Still every time went around a point we were exposed to the extreme wind and waves; however, the caves were in coves where we could avoid the worst impacts. We quickly learned the kelp was our friend and to hold on for a break. We did get to see two sea caves under Cavern Point. The first was a large cave that held every kayak and provided small passages for waves and water to find its way out. The second was a snug opening that required each kayak to work solo called "In & Out Burger" drive through.
This stop did provide the highlight of the excursion if not the day. We had a mother seal and her pup emerge near our kayaks. I could not believe we would see a seal, much less that close to our kayaks. After navigating the cave and seeing the seal, our guides decided to return. The paddle back was in big waves, but we were going with them, so it was easier. Everyone was tired but relieved when we made it back to base.
I will say, between the wet suit and pullovers provided by the outfitters, I was very comfortable in the kayak. No one in our group said they were cold. The outfitter also has changing areas as well as protected places to keep you bags while you kayak. Again the people associated with SBAC were great, very professional and they made our visit as good as it could be. I highly recommend a paddle with them but only on a calm day.
翻译:我们小组乘坐 4 艘双人海上皮划艇参加了 CINP 圣克鲁斯岛的探索海洞之旅。安全返回后,我很高兴我参加了这次旅行,但回想起来,我们可能应该听从马克和帕克的建议取消旅行。下午我们离开海滩时,风速持续 20 英里/小时,阵风超过 30 英里/小时。由于西北偏西方向,蝎子锚地的海滩相当平静。但是,您不必远离海岸就能感受到这种影响。
马克和帕克是我们的向导,他们很棒。当他们选择迎风向西北航行时,我很惊讶,但我知道这会让划桨回来更容易。尽管如此,每次绕过一个点时,我们都会暴露在极端的风浪中;然而,洞穴位于海湾中,我们可以避免最严重的影响。我们很快了解到海藻是我们的朋友,并坚持休息一下。我们确实看到了 Cavern Point 下的两个海洞。第一个是一个大洞穴,里面可以容纳每艘皮划艇,并为波浪和水流提供小通道。第二个是一个狭窄的开口,需要每艘皮划艇单独工作,被称为“In & Out Burger” 驾车穿过。
这个站点确实是这次旅行的亮点,即使不是一天中的亮点。我们看到一只母海豹和她的幼崽出现在我们的皮划艇附近。我简直不敢相信我们会看到一只海豹,更不用说离我们的皮划艇这么近了。在穿过洞穴并看到海豹后,我们的导游决定返回。回程时海浪很大,但我们顺着海浪走,所以比较容易。每个人都很累,但当我们回到基地时,大家都松了一口气。
我要说的是,在装备商提供的潜水服和套头衫的帮助下,我在皮划艇上非常舒服。我们团里没有人说他们冷。装备商还有更衣区以及在您划皮划艇时可以存放行李的安全地方。再次重申,SBAC 的相关人员非常棒,非常专业,他们让我们的旅行非常愉快。我强烈推荐和他们一起划船,但只能在平静的日子。