Santa Barbara Museum Cruise Bound for the Wilderness of San Miguel

Wind-swept San Miguel, the remote westernmost island of the Channel Islands chain, will be the lure to travelers embarking on a short summer cruise with the Sea Center of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

The isolated shores of the island--a starkly beautiful wilderness known for its unique forests of caliche (calcium carbonate castings of ancient trees)--is a breeding ground for large numbers of seals and sea lions.

Museum guides will lead a hike to Cabrillo Monument, the Lester Ranch site, San Miguel Peak (861 feet) and the caliche forest, all the while discussing the flora, fauna, geology and history of the island. A second day will be spent cruising around the island to observe its birds, mammals and physical formations.

The trip is scheduled for June 10 and 11 (two nights aboard the vessel Peace); boarding begins June 9 at 9 p.m. at Ventura Harbor. Registration, limited to 28, must be made by May 10. Participants must be in good physical condition; children must be at least 12 years old. Fee is $280 per person. For reservations or information, call (805) 963-1067.