San Miguel Island

San Miguel Island- Channel Islands National Park is the western most Island of the chain. One of the most remote places you can be and still be near 17 million people. 55 miles by boat from Ventura,CA (about a 3 1/2 hour tour) is a great place to view one of the worlds largest Pinniped Rookeries. Reservations must be made in advance for camping. We traveled out to the Island with "Island Packers" from Ventura Harbour. San Miguel is very windy at all times and can be foggy quite often so prepare accordingly.

Photograph 1
One of the many seaside caves on San Miguel Island

Photograph 2
Hikeing the beach

Photograph 3
A monument to the Portugeese Explorer who discovered San Miguel Island

Photograph 4
A flock of Seagulls

Photograph 5
Another beach view

Photograph 6
Exploring the Beach

Photograph 7
Fog and wind are very common on San Miguel Island

Photograph 8
Hillside vegatation

Photograph 9
Another beachside attraction

Photograph 10
One of the interesting attractions is the caliche forest, remains of an early...

Photograph 11
There are 10 campsites. Notice each site has a wind barrier. It helps...

Photograph 12
A close up of the flock of seagulls

Photograph 13
Ian Williams, park ranger and guide has been working on the Island for 11 years

Photograph 14
Point Bennet on the west end of San Miguel is one of the largest Pinniped...

Photograph 15
A lazy Penniped Pod.

Photograph 16
Sunbathers on the beach

Photograph 17
Seal watching, the main attraction to San Miguel Island

Photograph 18
A South Paw

article published 7/17/2003

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Can't Wait
Thanks for the photo tour of SMI. We have a group trip to the island in September and I can't wait. These photos are a grat preview.
— Brian Dow, May 26, 2004

Wonderful, Dale
Thanks for posting these, as well as your other articles on this website. I agree with Tim -- numbers one and 12 are breathtaking.

Your colors are a feast for the eye, Dale. You imply depth and scale, and effectively organize your photographs within the frame by drawing the eye to a focal point and then moving it though the picture through converging lines and rhythmic repetition.

You always leave us wanting more -- but sometimes, as I tell my photography students, less can be more.
— Phil Douglis, July 17, 2003

thank you
It was a joy to discover your pictures. I especially like the first image and Number 12. I really like the color and composition of these pictures. Thanks
— Tim May, July 17, 2003