Anacapa Island is part of the Channel Island chain off the coast of Southern California. On a fairly clear day you can see the Channel Islands from the coast. They are not far yet are a world away from the mainland in their environment. I have heard their names, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Miguel, and Santa Rosa , but have never visited them. Anacapa’s name comes from a Chumash Native American Indian name for the island, Anypakh. The Chumash lived on these islands in olden times. Reading a bit about these islands from the National Park Service website, I would like to see about planning a trip there one day. There are animals and plants located on these islands that can’t be found anywhere else. Anacapa is home for seabirds, like the California Brown Pelican and Western Gull, sea lions and harbor seals. There is interesting history to be learned about the human inhabitants as well. Like Frenchy LeDreau who lived on Anacapa from the 1920s to the mid 1950s alone in a cabin with his cats. He lived off fishing and sold lobsters to get supplies and liquor. Frenchy’s Cove is named after him. The lighthouse on this island was a welcome beacon for ships navigating the Santa Barbara Channel. Reading about Anacapa makes me think about what a wonderful gift our National Parks are to all of us.
Stream of Consciousness Saturday is hosted by Linda G Hill. Images in slideshow provided by NPS website and/or Wikimedia.
The saloon had been bequeathed to Kitty by the person who shared her name, her beloved grandmother Miss Kitty, who was the original owner and proprietor of The Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City. Kitty had spent many hours playing upstairs in her grandmother’s apartment while the saloon was readied for another night of raucous activity. Grandmother was a widow but Kitty remembered a special man who visited the Long Branch in an official and sometimes unofficial capacity. He was tall, rugged, and handsome with piercing blue eyes. He often brought little gifts for the girl. Those were happy times. She never thought she would be happy again after her own husband left her without a penny to her name. She smiled as she remembered the letter from her grandmother that was attached to the will, I hope you will consider taking over The Long Branch. It has always brought me luck and I know it will do the same for you. Kitty smiled again as Matt walked through the saloon door.
Notes Tied On The Sagebrush 