Family Backpack Trip, Catalina

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  • spencer rifle

    Grandmaster
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    Apr 15, 2011
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    Scrounging brass
    Finally, after years of trying, we got the whole family together for the annual family backpacking trip. Previous destinations included several segments of the AT in Virginia and Pennsylvania, Pictured Rocks/North Country Trail and Lantau Island near Hong Kong. Always before one of them was away out of the country.

    We spent 4 days hiking and camping on Catalina Island. While not as unremittingly steep and hot as Lantau (3000 ' climb), it was still a challenge for old joints. After touring the Pismo Beach area and driving up the PCH (seeing otters, elephant seals and redwoods), we eventually took the ferry to Two Harbors and camped there the first night. The island and area have had more than the usual rain, and everything was green and blooming. Catalina foxes ate our bagels, which they managed to get out of a closed pack.

    Hiked over the island to Little Harbor about 6 miles for night two - up high the clouds rolled in and they swept past us over the mountains. Magnificent campground next to the ocean. Difficult hike but worth it in the end.

    Hiked up near the island high point past flowers and bison and ravens 7 miles to Black Jack campground. Had a campfire sing-along and added two guys (Roman and Nick) to our group, since they were going our way. Coldest night of the trip - about 50 degrees. Rained in the morning - just enough to get everything wet right before we had to pack it up. So much for "never rains in southern California."

    Hiked 9 miles down into Avalon, where we had a room, hot showers and a Jacuzzi waiting for us. Ate at the Lobster Trap - highly recommended and worth it.

    Great to have the family together in paradise. Could easily live in southern California if it wasn't a People's Republic.
    Two words - PALM TREES!
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    Big Sur waterfall

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    Big Sur redwoods

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    USS Iowa

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    Trail picnic shelter with clouds

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    Little Harbor campground

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    El Rancho Escondito Road

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    Bison along Upper Cottonwood Trail

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    Two Harbors campground
     
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