Emily and I recently went backpacking on the Channel Islands, hiking to the Del Norte campsite on Santa Cruz island. A wonderfully romantic weekend of 1,200 ft climbs into the middle of nowhere carrying 35 lb packs so that we could get up at the buttcrack of dawn to photograph sunrises. And she hasn’t broken up with me yet! See why I love her?
It was fantastic really. The whole time it really felt like we were the only ones on the entire island… there were only two other campers we saw. There is no fresh water along the trail or at the campsite (except maybe during a few weeks in spring). Pack in plenty of water and supplies, because the boat doesn’t return until the next day! We took 7 liters of water, and used the better part of six with the hike in and out, normal drinking at camp, as well as for coffee and oatmeal in the morning.
These photos with the Elan + Fujicolor Superia 400.
The trail is arduous, especially with packs. The net 1,200 ft elevation gain over 4.5 miles includes descending into and climbing out of two canyons along the way. We were almost bushwacking at points.
A few signs along the way helped.
Spectacular mountain views… less spectacular on the way up than down as I recall.
Sunrise at Del Norte Camp.
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