Catalina Island Reunion

Most of you know that Nancy lived in Japan from 1964 – 1966 and spent her Sophomore and Junior years at the American School in Japan (ASIJ). In October the class of '66 (Nancy is class of '67) sponsored a reunion on Catalina Island, and as with all their reunions, all the classes of the 60's were invited. Their last reunions was their 50^th in Tokyo. (See Resent Posts: Tokyo Reunion)

Since Nancy didn't get in her usual fall backpacking trip in the Olympics, she decided to research hikes on Catalina. To her delight, she learned of the Trans-Catalina Trail, a 38.5 mile hike across the length of the island, a good substitute.

Her plan was to do 26 miles of the trail, a three day, two night hike. Catalina Island is a Conservancy, all camping must to be booked and paid ahead of time, and there are only two campgrounds along her route.

Four days before the reunion she flew into Los Angeles, spent the night in San Pedro, then took the morning ferry from San Pedro to Two Harbors on the NE coast of the island. Upon arrival in Two Harbors she immediately began the hike. A mile up the trail, Nancy took the two mile roundtrip side trip to the Cat Harbor overlook before continuing the additional 5 miles to her first campsite at Little Harbor.

Nancy, who found the first day a challenge, didn't feel bad after talking to other hikers who agreed. The night was very windy and she could hear things crashing all night, and twice the tent completely leaned over. In the morning she discovered the campsite littered with palm fronds that had blown off the surrounding trees. Luckily, none hit the tent. Those who camped near the water had to move their tents in the middle of the night due to the wind.

In the morning Nancy continued the hike from the beach up the hill towards the airport when she ran into a small herd of bison, lying in the middle of the trail. There wasn't a safe way around, so she waited and soon was joined by a young male hiker. Eventually the bison moved off to the side and Nancy and her new hiking partner, Justin, continued up to the airport. The bison were brought to Catalina, once owned by the Wigley Family, in 1925 for a movie. They are now managed by the Conservancy.

The airport is a favorite hiker stop, known for it's great burgers and salads. Not being in a hurry, Nancy and Justin spent the afternoon eating and relaxing before continuing on the two miles to their next camp at Black Jack campground. It was a pleasant evening visiting with other hikers.

Nancy was the first out of the campground the next morning, wanting to get into Avalon by early afternoon so she could get a shower before the reunion gathering that evening. It's 11 miles from Blackjack to Avalon with ups and downs until the final two miles which are all downhill. She ran into Justin (actually he ran into her) several times during the day and last saw him at the campground in Avalon as she headed to her hotel. It was a nice hike overall and running into the bison was a treat. In addition to the bison she also saw two foxes. And of course, the weather was perfect.

The next two nights were spent in Avalon for the reunion and Nancy shared a room with her ASIJ friend Anna who lives in Portland, OR. Anna let it be known that Nancy had done the hike and was approached by the '68 class agent to do a presentation of her experience. She's not comfortable speaking to crowds, but when she was told it would be only the class of '68 luncheon, she finally warmed up to the idea and gave a short talk with photos of the hike. Afterwards she got many compliments saying how interesting her talk was and how much it was enjoyed. Her hike was something most of her classmates would never attempt.

After the reunion Nancy and Anna took the ferry into Dana Point and had another reunion with Nancy's friends from her softball days in Laguna Beach. Always a fun time when they get together.