The banks of Potato Bay rise steeply out of the Pacific on the northern side of Santa Cruz island. This breathtaking inlet instills the awe of nature in ones being when view from the bluffs above, and to a weary ship at sea it beckons protection from the wind and choppy ocean water
To get to the cove we left camp and climbed the eastern side of scorpion canyon (opposite side as
yesterdays hike) and walked along the bluffs overlooking the ocean with stunning views of Anacapa island.
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| Ascent out of Scorpion Canyon shown in red |
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| Scorpion Canyon during our ascent |
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| The trail |
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| Anacapa Island peering at us through the fog |
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| Entire Route |
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| View from the bluffs |
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| Not the softest beach |
The bluffs plunged directly into the ocean mostly, but occasional a rocky beach could be spotted. The terrain is primarily dry grassland with some small shrubbery. The island originally had nearly impenetrable vegetation, but the sheep brought in by ranchers profoundly altered the island's vegetation.
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| A look inland |
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| Sheer bluffs along potato bay (note our path in upper left) |
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| Potato Bay |
The bay reminded me of a tropic island. The water was almost clear blue, and the air was fresh and warm. This picture below demonstrates how big the island is... notice the other side of Santa Cruz island in the background.
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| (That's still Santa Cruz Island in the distant background) |
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| Unforgiving banks, harsh vegetation |
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| Life is sweet on the Jenny May |
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| On the walk back |
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| Fields of yellow |
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| Speed Elevation Profile |
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