A Special Valentine's Day in Catalina Island

February 14th 2010

Ok, so this is a little later but we did spend a very, very special Valentine's Day this year in Catalina Island. Catalina is quickly becoming my paradise away from home...we truly hit the jack pot by taking a chance and spending a 3-day Presidents day weekend. The weather was a sparkly 70 degrees, and although we haven't suffered much on the west coast like the east coasters. It is an El Nino year, and we are getting flooded! Its been perfect for our winter plants and gardening, but not as warm as it usually is. So anyway, we took the ferry from Long Beach we our bikes and camping gear. I like to term this "bike camping" which is like backpacking but on your bike. The experience is very backpacking-esque because you do take all you can handle very minimally and hit the trails. I have grown to love taking to touring on the trails because of no cars and the wilderness experience. As I have said before, I find going by foot just a little too slow for my taste and biking to be just perfect.

I was testing out my Old Man Mountain full suspension racks as well. These caught quite a few eyes as they are one of a kind. It allows for full touring gear on a full suspension mountain bike. I like to be comfortable and take to the trails, so this was an awesome set up.

When we disembarked in Two Harbors, the people on foot waited in a long line for their van ride to their campsites. Since we were fully independent, we got a sandwich, went shopping in the small market, had a beer and then checked into our campsite before the hour long ride to Little Harbor. So we beat the crowds and did our own way with no hassle.

Now, the riding in Catalina is far from easy- its very steep out here. But from time to time you crest on top of ridge to catch the blue water below, or out on the pacific and you are stunned. Could it really be this perfect, this beautiful, this clear?!? We watched kayakers hug the shore line as we pedaled along. We scheduled a kayak rental the next day and rode around our campsite before building a fire.

Little Harbor is the best campsite, in my opinion. It is close enough without being too far to amenities. Our site wasl iterally, right on the beach, snuggled in a tiny cove overlooking the waves, the beach, the rocky cove and palm trees. Watching the sun set from our tent door was a special moment and we took plenty of photos.

The next day we rode out to the far end of Parson's Landing, and along the way there are some amazing coves and clear water. Its much calmer on this side than the ocean side so when we took to our kayaks in six foot swells I wasn't so excited! The water was cold and I was glad I brought my cycling tights to keep warm in.

So just an hour ferry ride away, there is an amazing escape to a paradise island. Can you believe we even imagined our someday wedding, of camping and snorkeling, biking and hiking. Its go something for everybody.