Most of us have radar. If you're going over and back with the group, no worries, you can tuck yourself in-between those that have it, been done before many times. But like Roger says, the probability of heavy fog is very low in August. Welcome!
I would like to get some details I did not find. Are there any showers or bathroom facilities on shore? What is the cost for the moorage at Two Harbors?
I heard there was a fire on the Island. Sure hope this weather mellows out for our trip. We are roasting here in the Bay Area.
Steve
I would like to get some details I did not find. Are there any showers or bathroom facilities on shore? What is the cost for the moorage at Two Harbors?
Most of us 'locals' have been to Catalina many times, so I'm just one of many that can answer you. Last time I was there it was $20/night on the string line (long line with short loops for your bow then another loop for the stern, just like a mooring but without the ball!). The string holds about 40 boats or so, very friendly and hopefully we can be grouped together somewhat.
As far as showers, yes, and I believe $2 in quarters will provide a good shower. Two bathroom buildings, restaurant, general store and grill. Hand-dipped ice cream cones after dinner also, but have gotten kind of pricey lately, single large dip $2.75 :amgry (especially when you're carrying 3-4 kids on board!).
The fire on Catalina is located between the airport and Two Harbors, covering about 1200 - 1500 acres at last report. They expect to have it fully contained tomorrow (7/25/6). Should have no affect on our trip next month.
Lucky and I may come out on Thursday or Friday and stay until Sunday. I'll know more when I see her new work schedule.
I was out there this last weekend and saw the lightning which started the fires. It was quite a show.
Also bumped into Koinonea(SP). We had a very nice chat. They may be there sometime during the gathering since they go to the island quite often anyway.
Quite a weekend. Lost GPS at night on the way out in heavy sea and no sight of the island. Lost radar on the way back in with 1/8th mile visability in the fog. Both failures due to lose conections cause by the boat pounding on a choppy sea. Responded to a mayday of a boat run aground on ship rock and another one of a boat on fire in LA harbor on the way home. Noone was injured in either incident minimal damage to either boat.
We will arrive at MDR on Sunday Aug. 20 and leave with the group on Monday. Since we do not have radar we will stick close and also come back on Sat. if that is what most of folks are doing. Out side of the beach party Monday evening it looks like we need dinners for Tue., Wed., Thur. with eating out on Friday night. Any suggestions for what is needed for the beach gathering in the way of food?
You can probably take away 1 of those 3 dinners since a group of us generally go fishing and bring home enough for a great fish-fry. Haven't failed so far...
Barbecue on Monday night features a main course of tri-tip provided by yours truly. Bring your own drinks and any side dish you might want to add. There are two resturants ashore; a dinner place and a breakfast/lunch cafe. You always have the option of eating ashore or aboard your boat, and sometimes thing just evolve into a roving boat to boat dinner one night. Everything is very laid back, but with modern conviences ashore. You will love it.
BTW, Roger, are you doing the corn thing again for the Monday barbecue? Hope so, havn't been able to duplicate it yet at home, and loved it last time. Spuds, anyone?
So Roger, how much of that corn with the 'special seasoning'moon) are you gonna bring? --now you can't fit your tank on board? j/k, we'll appreciate everything you touch in the cooking dept!
I will see if Natalie can make us all an individual pack of cookies like I did for the Delta Extravaganza. It realy is a practical matter. It keeps the cookie junkies from boarding my boat at 3am looking their fix. :smilep Hey I even had the harbor patrol looking for some cookies!
For you fishermen, or politically correct fishcatchers, the waters in So. Cal. are unusually warm, with Mahi-mahi being caught off Newport. Could make for some interesting catches off Catalina, and some warm water diving.
Well we got Lucky's schedule and it looks like we won't be able to make it to Catalina during the gathering. That's a real shame because we've had such good times during the last three Catalina Adventures.
Perhaps we might be able to get a few boats together at Catalina for an "unofficial" gathering in the near future.
I plan on fishing off of Dana Point next weekend to see if I pick up a few of those dorado everyone's talking about. So far folks have had the best luck just south of Newport fishing the kelp patties. Lots of yallowtail too. Both species are coming in at an average of just under 20lb. Last weekend the water temp. was 73deg.
Last year at the gathering I spoke with a fellow that caught a dorado while trolling from Dana Point to Catalina. I don't recall how close to the island he caught it though. Nor do I recall the water temp. at the island last year.
Hope you all have a wonderful time. Shucks! I know you will.
So sorry you're not going to make the Catalina gathering, you both will surely be missed. We'll hoist one for ya on Friday! Hope you catch one of those Dorado or Yellowtail or anything else of size, let us know how you do. We'll be thinking of you.