If you want to discover the pristine California that hardly anyone gets to see it should be done from the water looking back at the coast. That is the view that original European explorers and native American Channel Island dwellers had. Much of the coast and most of the Channel Islands remain unspoiled. However, relatively few California visitors or residents venture out by boat whether power or sail, charter or private because of perceived or actual discomfort. Such discomfort is minor compared to the experience of seeing large schools of dolphins playing, pelicans diving, whales breaching and seals sunning themselves on large buoys at harbor entrances greeting you with a yawn or a bark.
In sheltered coves of the Channel Islands some moorings and safe anchorages exist where, after arrival one can swim and snorkel an enjoy world class under water wild life with family and friends before preparing the evening meal. Cruisers are...
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Category Archives: Orange County
Heaven built on sand, Life’s a beach in Southern California
By Irene Seiberling,
The Leader-Post October 17, 2014
A trip to Southern California wouldn't be complete without at least one glorious day spent exploring of the fabulous Orange County beaches, situated between Los Angeles and San Diego. Several beaches can be comfortably visited and appreciated in one day, such as Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach.
Each beach has a character of its own. appealing to both locals and international visitors alike.
Pepe Avila, director of tourism development for the Anaheim Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau, offered these one word descriptions:
Laguna Beach is "eclectic."
Newport Beach is "sophisticated."
Huntington Beach is "laid-back."
Here's why each of these beaches is worth a visit:
Laguna Beach Laguna Beach will particularly appeal to artists, with numerous art galleries and art events to discover and enjoy. Laguna's three summer outdoor art festivals feature over 500 artists and 300 art workshops. The seaside community's trendy shopping areas are sure to delight those looking for unique treasures or...
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Emissions at Port of Long Beach drop despite increased shipping
Orange County Register
Lauren Williams
Published: Oct. 10, 2014 Updated: 4:37 p.m.
FILE PHOTO: JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sperm Whales Drone Video Shot with GoPro Hero4
Sperm Whales GoPro DRONE VIDEO by Danawharf
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This is the first release of the SPERM WHALES GoPro drone video , here is the full story on how we got not one but 2 amazing drone videos of rare Sperm Whales off our coast. SPERM WHALE video shot in 4K , with a GO PRO 4 Drone.
This Dana Wharf exclusive video featuring Sperm Whales frolicking off the Orange County Coast and specifically Dana Point is the first ever Drone footage from the encounter off Dana Point 10/6/14. Sperm Whales have never been seen close to shore off the coast of California.
full post...More than 50 sperm whales spotted off Southern California coast in rare sighting
- Article by: Associated Press
- Updated: October 7, 2014
- LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — More than 50 sperm whales emerged off the Southern California coast in an extremely rare, hours-long sighting that had whale watchers and scientists giddy with excitement.Pods of mothers and juveniles rolled and played with dolphins Monday a few miles off Laguna Beach, the Orange County Register reported (http://bit.ly/1s6vG5P ). They later were spotted off San Diego and were heading south, said Jay Barlow, a sperm whale expert with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Free Snapshot Contest Educates Public About California’s Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtles
Olema, Calif. (July 18, 2014) – Turtle Island Restoration Network and the California Coastal Conservancy are sponsoring the bi-lingual Be a California Sea Turtle Hero: Sea Turtle Sand Castle Snapshot Contest to raise awareness about endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtles and encourage exploration of the California Coast. The contest is free and open to everyone, and the winner will receive a three-night stay at San Diego’s oceanfront family resort, La Jolla Coves Suites.
“Giant endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtles visit our beautiful California coast each year, yet so few people know they are out there,” said Joanna Nasar, communications manager for Turtle Island Restoration Network. “This contest gives everyone an opportunity to be a California sea turtle hero and get involved in efforts to protect these sea turtles.”
The contest focuses on bringing attention to Pacific Leatherback sea turtles, which have been protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1970. In 2012, the National Marine Fisheries Service declared more than...
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Travel and Adventure: Charm and adventure abound on Catalina Island
By Doug Hansen
Creators Syndicate - Wickedlocal.com
This trip to Southern California's Catalina Island doesn't even compare with the last one I did 25 years ago. That time I made the mistake that many do of just walking around Avalon, shopping and eating, spending the night and then leaving. But while Avalon is a delightful place and time spent here is worthwhile, it's not sufficient to fully savor all that Catalina Island offers.
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20th annual Baja Ha-Ha boating rally sets sail for Mexico
CBS8.com
SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - Gray skies didn't dampen the excitement of boaters participating in a sailing rally on San Diego Bay.
The 20th annual Baja Ha-Ha kicked off Monday with a parade of boats. The recreational boaters will sail together for two weeks on a 750-mile course to Cabo San Lucas. Multiple stops along the way offer time to socialize.
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West Coast states and BC to link climate policies
By JASON DEAREN Associated Press - San Jose Mercury News
SAN FRANCISCO—The governors of Pacific coastal U.S. states and a Canadian province official are joining forces in a new effort to fight climate change.
In an agreement announced Monday, the governors of California, Oregon, Washington and the environment minister of British Columbia, Mary Polak, will place a price on greenhouse gas pollution and mandate the use of cleaner-burning fuels.
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From the Boathouse: Helping the blind to sea
By Mike Whitehead - The Daily Pilot
Ahoy!
Saturday sees an inspiring happening at the American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291, when eager sailors will take part in the Sail for the Blind and Visually Impaired event. Participants will be able to help steer the boats and adjust sheet and halyard lines while feeling the sensations of wind and motion. The event is sponsored by the Women's Ocean Racing Sailing Assn. (WORSA) and hosted by the American Legion Post and Yacht Club.
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