BajaNomad

San Clemente Island

woody with a view - 6-4-2012 at 11:20 AM

last week we mobilized and started getting our feet wet on the island. it's completely different than San Nicolas in every way. bigger, more people, Navy Seals come out at night (there is a curfew on the island) no driving after dark and nobody outside after 10 or 11pm, period!

anyway, here are some shots from near the area i'm working. can't provide any details on location...... you know the drill!

i caught 3 sheephead one day during lunch. i had leftover yellowtail ceviche from Memorial Day and as i sat there eating and watching the viejas swim around uninterested in my swimbaits it suddenlt dawned on me. yup, stuck a chunk of yellowtail marinated in lime juice on my hook and proceeded to watch the fish swim up to my bait and it was on. 3 pieces, 3 fish.


railroadgreen53 - 6-4-2012 at 11:39 AM

theres two good surf spots on the back side of island wink wink

Ateo - 6-4-2012 at 01:12 PM

Looks like a great place for a swim.

woody with a view - 6-4-2012 at 01:47 PM

i brought a board. i know of the spot by the airport. we'll see how it goes. they don't want any exploring due to unexploded ordinance. the Navy still uses it for live fire ops.

i also brought my speargun, mask and all the rest of the gear.

[Edited on 6-4-2012 by woody with a view]

baitcast - 6-4-2012 at 03:28 PM

Used to play war games out there on a LST,beach the rig and the grunts would hit the beach,then come back out and get sea sick,the ones who got sick were made to carry buckets while on board,the first lesson learned was never get sick in a head wind:lol:Rob

Cisco - 6-4-2012 at 03:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
i brought a board. i know of the spot by the airport. we'll see how it goes. they don't want any exploring due to unexploded ordinance. the Navy still uses it for live fire ops.

i also brought my speargun, mask and all the rest of the gear.

[Edited on 6-4-2012 by woody with a view]


Any goats on the island???

desertcpl - 6-4-2012 at 03:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cisco
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
i brought a board. i know of the spot by the airport. we'll see how it goes. they don't want any exploring due to unexploded ordinance. the Navy still uses it for live fire ops.

i also brought my speargun, mask and all the rest of the gear.

[Edited on 6-4-2012 by woody with a view]


Any goats on the island???






I think he moved to Canada

woody with a view - 6-4-2012 at 06:57 PM

no. haven't seen any foxes either but the signs are everywhere.

Cisco - 6-4-2012 at 07:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
no. haven't seen any foxes either but the signs are everywhere.


Can't remember where but saw goat's shot off the cliffs somewhere in the Channel Islands, drop into the water and be picked up as a food source by commercial fishermen when I was a kid.

Thought it was San Clemente.

woody with a view - 6-4-2012 at 07:21 PM

all of the ranching in the CI's has been eliminated. the state/fed is on an environmental frenzy. the amount of tree huggers almost outnumber the construction guys.

David K - 6-4-2012 at 08:11 PM

It is fun on 'Santa Ana', super clear days to see San Clemente Island from North San Diego County hilltops... It's like 50 miles offshore, right Woody?

Bob H - 6-4-2012 at 08:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cisco
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
no. haven't seen any foxes either but the signs are everywhere.


Can't remember where but saw goat's shot off the cliffs somewhere in the Channel Islands, drop into the water and be picked up as a food source by commercial fishermen when I was a kid.

Thought it was San Clemente.


There must be goats there...
http://www.scigoats.org/

David K - 6-4-2012 at 08:26 PM

Wow a San Clemente Island GOAT Association??!! :wow:

Mexitron - 6-4-2012 at 08:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Wow a San Clemente Island GOAT Association??!! :wow:


Sounds like the last of the goats were taken out in 1991 but the association is trying to keep the particular breed genetically intact from the goats which were brought out alive...

woody with a view - 6-5-2012 at 06:14 AM

the SEALS we are working with have a couple of racks hanging on the wall. was prolly a good bbq!

Cisco - 6-5-2012 at 11:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
the SEALS we are working with have a couple of racks hanging on the wall. was prolly a good bbq!


It was thick with lobster and abalone then also.

woody with a view - 6-5-2012 at 11:46 AM

the guys tell me they are planting lobster at the site for future harvesting as they "catch their food" while onsite. i promised to leave them alone as it isn't lobster season-yet!

remnants of Hurricane Fabio

woody with a view - 7-21-2012 at 12:40 PM

last Tues and Wed. some sprinkles but otherwise perfect. life is good.



notice the destroyer offshore? beats the heck outta shrimpers! :light:

Mexitron - 7-21-2012 at 02:40 PM

Beauty!

acadist - 7-21-2012 at 02:54 PM

Great pics Woody, looks like you got a sweet job, or at least a great place to work. Heard anything about any tuna yet?

Curt63 - 7-21-2012 at 03:33 PM

Real nice

Vince - 7-21-2012 at 05:17 PM

Thanks for the info and photos, Woody. I love reading anything about San Clemente Island. My father was the first medical officer (MD) there in 1939, we lived on the island from 1939 to just before Pearl Harbor when they cleared all of the families out to the mainland. My father was an amateur movie photographer and took many beautiful 8mm movies of us and the other families, all in color. The color was of excellent quality and I now have all of them on DVD's. Good shots of the island and island life. I don't remember all of that, but we went back several times in the '50's and on up to the present time. They had a dedication ceremony 2 years ago for the new clinic and honored him as the first doctor on the island. All 6 of his kids went out for it. I remember many times on the island experiencing the diving and fishing which was bountiful.We lived in a duplex which is now the security shack. Great view of Catalina and the mainland. My dad was from South Dakota, so when we were all living there he imported some pheasants to plant on the island. They did not thrive because the native fox killed them off. The navy has done a good job of protecting the natural resources.

Ken Bondy - 7-21-2012 at 09:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cisco
Can't remember where but saw goat's shot off the cliffs somewhere in the Channel Islands, drop into the water and be picked up as a food source by commercial fishermen when I was a kid.

Thought it was San Clemente.


Dick Anderson, one of the pioneers of California diving, described goat shooting/retrieval at Catalina

woody with a view - 7-21-2012 at 10:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Vince
Thanks for the info and photos, Woody. I love reading anything about San Clemente Island. My father was the first medical officer (MD) there in 1939, we lived on the island from 1939 to just before Pearl Harbor when they cleared all of the families out to the mainland. My father was an amateur movie photographer and took many beautiful 8mm movies of us and the other families, all in color. The color was of excellent quality and I now have all of them on DVD's. Good shots of the island and island life. I don't remember all of that, but we went back several times in the '50's and on up to the present time. They had a dedication ceremony 2 years ago for the new clinic and honored him as the first doctor on the island. All 6 of his kids went out for it. I remember many times on the island experiencing the diving and fishing which was bountiful.We lived in a duplex which is now the security shack. Great view of Catalina and the mainland. My dad was from South Dakota, so when we were all living there he imported some pheasants to plant on the island. They did not thrive because the native fox killed them off. The navy has done a good job of protecting the natural resources.


WOW! I'd love to see some of that footage. PLEASE U2U me with some details. I want to throw that name around and see how it plays.....

[Edited on 7-22-2012 by woody with a view]

woody with a view - 8-3-2012 at 09:56 AM

Tuesday was absolutely beautiful. so nice i took a dip in the ocean (65 degrees?) and got to know the kelp bed in front of the job site. there was a 12-15# male sheephead that was smart enough to stay out of range, but i'll get him! ended up putting this little guy on the bbq after the chicken was finished.



notice the rope?


fox hole!


[Edited on 8-3-2012 by woody with a view]

Ateo - 8-3-2012 at 10:12 AM

Fricken cool. That's all I gotta say.

woody with a view - 8-3-2012 at 07:49 PM

Vince

Thanks for the DVD! I still haven't had a chance to watch it but I will.

Neptune's Soldiers

woody with a view - 8-3-2012 at 08:00 PM

Met a handful of submariners who were granted 24 hours shore leave. Of course we met at the bar! Where else would a young naval officer go with only 24 hours to burn? The next time these fine young men come up for air may be 2-3 months from now!

Tip of the spear, Gents! :cool:




[Edited on 8-4-2012 by woody with a view]

Curt63 - 8-3-2012 at 08:20 PM

Cool pics and cool gig!

Skipjack Joe - 8-3-2012 at 11:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view




That a halfmoon, Medialuna californiensis. A great fighter on light tackle. Better than surf perch.

woody with a view - 8-4-2012 at 07:04 AM

There was a school of 60 or more swimming around. this was the biggie. thanks for the ID.

bacquito - 8-4-2012 at 07:09 AM

Thanks, interesting.

bacquito - 8-4-2012 at 07:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Vince
Thanks for the info and photos, Woody. I love reading anything about San Clemente Island. My father was the first medical officer (MD) there in 1939, we lived on the island from 1939 to just before Pearl Harbor when they cleared all of the families out to the mainland. My father was an amateur movie photographer and took many beautiful 8mm movies of us and the other families, all in color. The color was of excellent quality and I now have all of them on DVD's. Good shots of the island and island life. I don't remember all of that, but we went back several times in the '50's and on up to the present time. They had a dedication ceremony 2 years ago for the new clinic and honored him as the first doctor on the island. All 6 of his kids went out for it. I remember many times on the island experiencing the diving and fishing which was bountiful.We lived in a duplex which is now the security shack. Great view of Catalina and the mainland. My dad was from South Dakota, so when we were all living there he imported some pheasants to plant on the island. They did not thrive because the native fox killed them off. The navy has done a good job of protecting the natural resources.


How interesting, what history!

woody with a view - 9-8-2012 at 03:31 PM

Been working my asss off, nose to the grindstone style. Finally got out so see some of the sites last week. There is a surf spot out there! Just throw in some NW energy and it's gonna be on! How about them kelp beds?

6.30am sunrise at the job site. Hey Russ, I think I got the hang of it!

Pt Loma in the early morning glow. Where it all began.....

Home SWEET Home on the way home!

There isn't anything larger than a shrub. Don't be fooled!

Ateo - 9-8-2012 at 04:40 PM

Very interesting. Can you tell us what you're doing out there or would you have to kill us?

Hope the job extends into Winter as that little knuckle nub looks promising.

woody with a view - 9-8-2012 at 07:24 PM

I'm putting your tax dollars to work and trying to turn a profit.

Nuff said......:lol::yes::rolleyes::P

woody with a view - 10-7-2012 at 06:55 AM

Last week we finally poured the slab. slow but steady progress on the Island. we took off from Montgomery Field this time as the Navy commuter was full.


rush hour, Island Style!


job site.


last week's south swell hitting the point from the wrong angle. foto taken on final approach from 4 miles away!


we batch our own concrete at the site. 2 days to pour 60 yards this way. take note you contractors, it takes twice as long to do anything out here.




after work.





Vince, i saw your dads picture right inside the front door of the medical building. apparently, there is no longer a Medical Officer on the Island, only a Corpsman or three!

[Edited on 10-7-2012 by woody with a view]

bajario - 10-7-2012 at 07:42 AM

We're revisiting a project IEP landed over there.

Is it BYOB on the island?

Trying to make sure nothing is forgotten in our best and final.

woody with a view - 10-7-2012 at 07:44 AM

It is currently BYOB. Think containers on a barge not in luggage! They are supposed to open up sales from the store in Nov. Something about contractors ruining it for everyone else....

Ateo - 10-7-2012 at 08:30 AM

Did anyone carve their initials in the concrete pad? jk........

Way cool man.

bajario - 10-7-2012 at 10:01 AM

Probably the masons and the painters and then everyone in between.

Thanks for the heads up.

woody with a view - 10-7-2012 at 10:47 AM

good luck on the bid! next up for me is Yuma....

bajario - 10-7-2012 at 02:39 PM

Looks like we're going in opposite directions. We just finished a BEQ out there. When we do land in the same spot one either side the odd #ed rounds are on me.

woody with a view - 10-7-2012 at 03:23 PM

DEAL!

Vince - 10-8-2012 at 09:00 AM

Enjoyed your photos, Woody. I was at homecoming weekend at the U. of South Dakota this weekend met up with one of the professors of biology that goes out to the island once a year and does research on the plant life. He said after the navy evacuated the remaining goats off the island they all got a goat disease that they were vulnerable to on the mainland and they all died. An interesting twist to the goat saga that I did not know.

vgabndo - 10-8-2012 at 03:36 PM

I met a gold miner on the Salmon River out of Sawyers Bar who built a batch plant out of a dead transit mix truck, a flat bed and some United Airlines baggage conveyors!

There is no easy mud. Period. That isn't easy mud. Better you than me. I paid my dues on the road. Here's my certificate!:lol::lol:

When you go to MCAS, take some Bass stuff. Picacho State Park, twenty miles out of Winterhaven is a cool spot to camp by water.

mm.jpg - 40kB

woody with a view - 10-8-2012 at 06:54 PM

camp by the water, in Yuma? maybe in april before the furnace turns on. we'll be staying somewhere in town i imagine but will be itching to get out and explore the place(s).

that is some frequent flying!

woody with a view - 11-9-2012 at 04:47 PM

this morning over SCI.


The building is coming along nicely.


And FINALLY, Monday had some waves! not really big enough to ride without dodging boils and rocks although this isn't even a good day from what the watch commander told me.


It sure looks fun!


Notice the rock on the left? Can't wait for a real swell!

Mexitron - 11-9-2012 at 05:38 PM

Looks like a fun place to surf!

This past week at SCI

woody with a view - 11-30-2012 at 02:00 PM

Surf came up today but it was funky and the wrong angle i guess. not DOH in my book. I was on the 9am flight so no time to get on it as you gotta check in an hour before departure. It looks better than it was. I stood there for 1/2 an hour and only snapped these two.



When the septic tank gets full call the Island "Turd Herder!"


Fishing has been outstanding! All the Viejas and Blancos you want. My freezer is full for the winter!


That is what a 10lb+ Vieja looks like!!!


Looking forward to better weather next week!

[Edited on 11-30-2012 by woody with a view]

desertcpl - 11-30-2012 at 03:20 PM

that is one big sheap head,, big ones like that, we used to make fish chowder with

The day before and the day of the end of the world sunrises

woody with a view - 12-21-2012 at 07:06 PM

Pretty bad a s s sunrises the past two days. Yesterday's was epic and came a day early, in my opinion. Notice the fireball?


This morning wasn't half bad, either!


[Edited on 12-22-2012 by woody with a view]

Ateo - 12-21-2012 at 07:21 PM

Not far from Cortez Bank bro. Just another 40 mile paddle I'm guessing? Nice shots.

wessongroup - 12-21-2012 at 07:23 PM

What a job ...... yeah, somebody has to do it :):)

woody with a view - 12-21-2012 at 07:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by wessongroup
What a job ...... yeah, somebody has to do it :):)


don't look now, but i actually get a paycheck every week too! and for that I get to work day after Xmas and New Years.... ALMOST OVER-then Baja for a week.

Vince - 12-22-2012 at 10:16 AM

Woody- Looks like you are still doing some good work out on SCI. I could see it clearly from the Cessna on Thursday. Glad my dad's photo is still on the Clinic wall. Loving your photos, keep them coming.

Twas the day after Christmas.....

woody with a view - 12-30-2012 at 09:42 AM

And we headed back to the island. We are completing our in house punchlist so we are getting close to finishing out this project.

This is how sardines must feel!


I never get tired of this view!


We have our weekly safety meetings around the BBQ on the first night back every week! This weeks topic was "Fire Watch!"




Did I say I'll never work in a more ideal location?


Happy New Year!

[Edited on 12-30-2012 by woody with a view]

dtbushpilot - 12-30-2012 at 09:57 AM

Great pictures woody, thanks for posting and a very Happy New Year to you too....dt

BajaBlanca - 12-30-2012 at 11:03 AM

Happy New Year to the both of you ! great photos, all of them ! Have fun in Baja - how far south are you headed?

woody with a view - 12-30-2012 at 11:42 AM

still don't have a window. if it happens i'll be the week of the 12th.

wessongroup - 12-30-2012 at 11:45 AM

Thanks ... pay too :lol::lol:

David K - 12-30-2012 at 11:47 AM

Very cool Woody... Can you see the mainland from there normally or only on special clear day? I always like a Santa Ana day when you can see San Clemente Island from a hilltop in Encinitas... about 50 miles offshore, yes?

woody with a view - 12-30-2012 at 11:48 AM

only on clear days. after a rain i can see big bear snow covered mountains.

Terry28 - 12-30-2012 at 12:08 PM

Can you see my house??

woody with a view - 12-30-2012 at 02:10 PM

let me know next time you light the fire and i'll look for your smoke signals!

woody with a view - 1-5-2013 at 07:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Can you see the mainland from there normally or only on special clear day? I always like a Santa Ana day when you can see San Clemente Island from a hilltop in Encinitas...


Here is the view from above Nots Pier looking at the "backside" of Catalina, with the snow capped mountains in the distance.




One thing I will miss for sure.... Eat your heart out, Russ!!!


Our weekly visitor to the Safety BBQ's


Can anyone ID these mammals? We thought they were Orca from shore, but looking at the fotos they seem like dolphin.


The finished product! I've enjoyed EVERY single day on San Clemente Island over the past 6.5 months. Being at a remote site like Nots Pier has been special!!!


I'm gonna miss the fishing. 48oz Blanco's and 36oz Lobsters? Gimme a break! My last day on Island is Tuesda, Jan 8-my birthday! I'm planning to call in sick and just snorkel and fish all day long.




[Edited on 1-6-2013 by woody with a view]

Ateo - 1-5-2013 at 07:57 PM

Woody, I'm jealous. Excellent photos of the fish, langosta, and mountains. A job well done amigo.

woody with a view - 1-5-2013 at 08:19 PM

I'm jealous of your upcoming trip report......:biggrin:

Russ - 1-5-2013 at 09:00 PM

You're right. And that's cruel. I spent 2 winters on Catalina '64 & '65. But you're old enough to really take advantage of your glory hole. Have a blast!

woody with a view - 1-5-2013 at 09:03 PM

"had" a blast! Yuma on the horizon....

Final pics

woody with a view - 1-10-2013 at 08:29 AM

Just finished out the project at Nots Pier, San Clemente Island. Beneficial Occupancy Date is 1-16-2013 when SPAWAR Divers takes possesion of the Boat Storage Facility and our warranty period begins!

Flying out of Montgomery Field this week as the Navy commuter was full. Home Sweet Home from 4000 feet.


SCI and Catalina on the plotter.


Final fly-by of the finished product.


Catalina and the mainland in the distance. "Terminal's" surfspot right off the tip of the point. Never got to get some....


This launch site was used for the testing of the Tomahawk Cruise missile at SCI. They'd launch them out to sea and the Divers we built for would retrieve the missiles from the bottom of the ocean. Nice style, eh?



Bald Eagle sighting!!! I thought my eyes were getting old but I finally got a shot of this magnificent bird. Notice the red tags?


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!! I spent the past 2 B-days surfing in Baja, but this was pretty special!



Targets used by the So Cal Offshore Range at SCI. The fighter jets pick these targets off on at a time. Live fire concussions are a daily part of life out there.


Terminal's. The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!


The last sunrise I ever want to see at SCI. This was 1-9-13, the day after my B-day. This job was so sweet I don't ever want to go back. It could never compare to our remote site as ALL other contractors must stay in and around Wilson Cove/town. We were 5 miles south on the east side.


I want to thank SPAWAR Divers for their hospitality. A greater bunch of guys I've never had the good fortune to hang out with. They took me on my first night dive (I was snorkeling and got 6) and between the 8 of us we got 60 lobsters in 45 minutes.

Master Diver, Chief M, SC-1 L, Doc and the rest of the boys-THANKS for the laughs!



[Edited on 1-10-2013 by woody with a view]

Ateo - 1-10-2013 at 08:40 AM

How long of a flight out to SCI? 20 minutes?

woody with a view - 1-10-2013 at 08:48 AM

25-30.

tripledigitken - 1-10-2013 at 08:55 AM

Woody,

I'm drooling over those bugs. Would you tell us how you caught them? From the pier?

Ken

great photos, by the way!

[Edited on 1-10-2013 by tripledigitken]

desertcpl - 1-10-2013 at 09:00 AM

very nice, I bet the memories will last a life time

woody with a view - 1-10-2013 at 09:02 AM

yes, from the pier. record was 21 in a night for 3 people.

yes, for a lifetime. unless i live to be REALLLLY old!

motoged - 1-10-2013 at 12:36 PM

Woody,
Thanks for opening up that part of the world for us....you are a man with good fortune to have that opportunity....


What kind of fish is that red articulated one.... ?

I may have seen one once, but my vision was fuzzy and my recollection fuzzier....





Nice pic of the fox.....shorter snout than red foxes.....

woody with a view - 1-10-2013 at 12:37 PM

the ones in the pic you quoted are Blanco-whitefish and are delish

the red and black one is a Vieja-sheephead and are better

the articulated one is a c-ckroach and are best....

[Edited on 1-10-2013 by woody with a view]

Next to last tails

woody with a view - 9-6-2013 at 07:31 PM

Being relegated to MCAS Yuma after spending 1 year between San Nicolas Island and San Clemente Island has really given me a once in a lifetime perspective. I would give my left nut again (and again, and again!!!) to be able to spend the rest of my working years aboard any of these Channel Islands.

Insert your caption here:

Ateo - 9-6-2013 at 07:37 PM

Dude, yeah that drive to Yuma is hard core. Channel Islands vs. Arizona? No contest. I was out at Golden Acorn today and thought about you when I saw a white Tundra on the road, but I know you don't drive that beast to work.........=)

woody with a view - 9-6-2013 at 08:46 PM

Nope, look for the silver Camry with the *** **** sticker.....:light:

bajario - 9-7-2013 at 08:03 AM

We have a one day job at San Nichols coming up soon and a couple dayer at SCI with Stranglehold.

Is there no issue with loading a fishstick and some gear for the barge with materials and being able to use them over there? The guys will be staying where the all the workers stay where ever that may be with there own sleeping bag. Wondering if they'll be ok to throw some jigs from the common areas of the islas?

durrelllrobert - 9-7-2013 at 09:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view











This launch site was used for the testing of the Tomahawk Cruise missile at SCI. They'd launch them out to sea and the Divers we built for would retrieve the missiles from the bottom of the ocean. Nice style, eh?




[Edited on 1-10-2013 by woody with a view]


I actually participated in a Sink-X of an old destroyer about a mile of SCI in 1987. For this test only the developmental warhead portion of the Tomahawk was placed directly under the ship hull by the divers. The test was used to simulate what would happen to a target if the sea skimming Tomahawk did a pop-up maneuver about 1 mile short of the target followed by a steep dive and water entry under the hull before detonation.

The resultant detonation created a giant oscillating bubble that lifted the destroyer out of the water and broke the hull in half. The two pieces are down there somewhere.




[Edited on 9-7-2013 by durrelllrobert]

Vince - 9-7-2013 at 12:29 PM

Great photos, Woody. I always look for your stories about SCI. I would love to get back out there.