16th Annual Catalina Off-Shore Adventure C-Dory Gathering

J

Jim Gibson

Member
The 16th Annual Catalina Off-Shore Adventure is hereby scheduled from Sunday, July 30, 2017 to Saturday, August 5, 2017. Please mark your 2017 calendars.

See last year for details on this trip. Please indicate 2017 attendance on this thread. All C-Cory’s are invited.

More will be posted later.

Jim & Kath
 
I'm putting in for time off- hoping to do Catalina this year.
If able to go--- we will be leaving from Channel Islands Harbor for the 4 hour trip to Two Harbors on Sunday 7/30 and returning to Channel Islands Harbor on Saturday 8/5.
 
We are thinking of bringing "Serenity" my son's 25 from Dana Point. We won't know our exact schedule until later in the year,. We know from past years it is a great gathering.
 
I wish we could make this trip, but this happens to be one of the weeks we are out of town this summer. We are over in Catalina nearly every weekend, so if anyone needs any intel or fishing recommendations, just let me know.

Enjoy Catalina!
 
Would love to come. But one west coast trip a summer, not to mention all the other trips we're taking/planning... But one of these years I need to make the Catalina gathering... Colby
 
Tim, I have been enjoying your videos for the last couple of years and since you offered yourself to brain picking.... I notice a spot that you like to anchor and go ashore but I can't seem to figure out where that is on the map. Here is a google map that I have created with the places that I know.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xANOb ... sp=sharing

I've been coming over to Catalina for many many years but never seemed to get it all explored especially with sailboats. Now that I have a C-Dory I would love to find all the nooks and crannies. Any other locations you might think of to put on the map I would be really appreciative.

One of these days we are bound to run into each other, I keep Far C'r in San Pedro at the dry boat storage

Floyd
(not sure why my signature isn't showing up)
 
Floyd,
One of my bucket list items is to stand on every beach (even the tiny rocky ones) at Catalina Island. Earlier this year I checked off every beach on the front side, from the West End to the East End light.

Of all the beaches on the front side, easily my favorite is Rippers Cove. On your google map it is labeled "Valley of Ollas." There are two beaches, one with a few campsites and another that is just sand. My second favorite is called Cabrillo Harbor (which is not really a harbor- just an open anchorage. This spot is just west of Goat Harbor and above the MLPA boundary. There is a great rocky beach and a large 30' Rock pillar lies just off the beach. You can jump off the rock at high tide, if you are a thrill seeker. This is also a good spot for yellowtail (anchor in 60-80 feet of water) if the current is running west to east.

My boat is just across the way in Cabrillo Marina ("Hurricane Gulch") and would love to meet up at the island some time. My kids always see C-Dory 22's and remember our old boat very fondly. They would get a kick out of seeing another 22'.
 
Hey Tim,

This is a little off topic, but I've been looking for a way to hike from the North facing side of Catalina to the airport, maybe around Goat Harbor, any information on a trail from there? In the past (way past) I've hiking many times from Little Harbor to the airport, but it's a grueling (long) 7.5 miles each way, about 9-10 hrs including lunch.
 
There are two trails from the middle of the frontside up to the road. Both are basically up a canyon and involve some scrambling. The first is out behind the campground at Rippers cove. It leads to the road that connects into Empire Landing.

The second "trail" (I am using the quotes quite liberally) is out of Cabrillo Harbor. You follow the trail on the East end of the beach, then head up a ridge. I did this once and probably wouldn't do it again. You basically have to climb through fields of cactus. No fun.

The hiking options are actually limited. There are some new trails coming to the island, but they really won't go anywhere you can hike from a remote beach.

http://www.dailybreeze.com/lifestyle/20 ... ina-island
 
I worked at Catalina for 2 summers in the early 1950's (also a one week summer camper '46 thru '51)--a long time ago. I have regularly gone there 1946 thru 1992, on my or my father's boats, I have hiked most of the Island.

Probably the easiest North side hike to the "Airport in the SKY"--Black Jack, is from White's Landing. There is a dirt road to the central road. It is long and very hot in the summer--with no water (all of the Island). The current map shows a road from Camp Fox (Button shell Beach--just East of Long Point)- it was not there when I worked there in the 50's. It will be steep, but shorter than the one from Long Point. Problem is that all of these coves with camps are semi restricted to the public and you would have to have permission to pass over the camp leased property. I suspect that most people would freely be given permission.

I have taken the "Trail" in and out of Coat Harbor a number of times, and as Tim noted, all of these are steep. There were a few times when campers could not make it back on a round trip hike, and we had to take a boat to "Rescue" them--these are 8 to 15 year old kids--so for the most part agile.

The hikes out of Cabrillo and Rippers are approximately the same difficulty--maybe Goat Harbor a little steeper. These are all more difficult, but shorter than the trip from Little Harbor.

Anyone who hikes Catalina, needs to be aware that there are rattlesnakes on the Island. As Tim noted--lots of cactus (and I have spent hours pulling thorns out of folks who were "hapless"...Also I have seen several rescues of folks who got down a cliff and could not get back up (Helicopter LA Sheriff). I have also seen several very bad accidents from falls--with death and permanent brain damage. I would advise to stick to the roads and trails as noted on Google maps, Google Earth or the Island conservancy trails. Often the steep cliff don't show up well even on the best maps and photo's--a topo map might also help--but not always give the perfect route.
 
Thanks Tim!

Feel free to place and annotate a marker on any other secret places you might find on my map. I added Ripper and Cabrillo to the map. I can't wait to get my Grandson out on the boat, he is 2, and have the kind of experiences your children are enjoying.

Looking forward to more Catalina trips this year as I will be able to spend more time and explore. Will keep an eye peeled for you.
 
Thanks Tim and Dr. Bob. That's the kind of information that's very hard to get, personal knowledge. I have done the Little Harbor to Airport in the Sky hike 4 times, the last was much hotter (February) and thus much harder, nearly exhausted at 1/2 the way back -- with both kids with me (9 and 15 at the time). Now my daughter, her husband and friends are undertaking a 1/2 marathon this year, they are pretty hardy people.

What I don't take away is whether there is any good way to get there from the North side. From what you've said, the better route would be following a canyon, steep, but better than a ridge line. So I guess I'll look closely at Rippers Cove and White's Landing as the better candidates.
 
White's landing is a road, which is fairly frequently used. That is the way I have used going to the Airport several times as well as a cross Island hike (N to S). It has switchbacks. There should be places to anchor, Beach access between the Balboa Yacht Club and The Camp. Inquire about leaving the dinghy. Don't go near any of the shore side facilities, but ask permission. Access should be allowed. But some YC members have been known to be "territorial". You might ask the Catalina Conservancy ahead of time.

Rippers--is a scramble--unless someone has done a lot of grading etc in the last few years. I have also seen a washout of the canyon. There is an Indian Midden, which should not be disturbed (don't know the current condition).

The Button Shell/Camp Fox, looks short--but I know that the route is steep--and from the water by Hen Rock impossible. Up the canyon to the West from Camp Fox, to the nearest ridge line, is steep, but from there, it does not look too bad, and seems to stay on ridge lines. I have no personal knowledge of exactly how this was laid out, and if it is really a vehicle road. They had talked about one in the 50's--but too expensive at that time. We did hike up that way, but a very steep trail, and you have to go thru the camp, and land your dinghy on the camp beach--generally frowned on during times campers are present. (Things can always change, however.)
 
I just finished reading the Log nautical newspaper:

One column caught my eye:

1-Two-Harbors-palapa-800x445.jpg





[quote]Partake in a Tahitian experience in Two Harbors


Harbor Sands, a revitalized beach on Catalina Island, is an oasis for boaters.
TWO HARBORS ― Boaters visiting Catalina Island’s East End can enjoy a revitalized beach with resort-style amenities. Harbor Sands, located west of the pier in Two Harbors, will be open to the public May 7.

On the beach at Harbor Sands, one can encounter a Tahitian ambiance with Two Harbors’ allure while relaxing in an inviting cushioned palapa surrounded by white sand sipping a cocktail delivered directly to the covered couches by servers from Harbor Reef Restaurant.

South Pacific Ambiance Meets Two Harbors Charm
Discover the calmer side of Catalina at Harbor Sands, where South Pacific ambiance and Two Harbors charm come together for a unique getaway that defines the West End experience. Harbor Sands at Two Harbors is the ideal place to relax and enjoy beautiful views of Isthmus Cove, while friendly servers bring all your favorite food and drinks from Harbor Reef Restaurant directly to your beachside palapa or chaise lounge.

Surrounded by soft sand beneath swaying palms, our rustic-style furnished palapas are roomy enough for small groups, yet intimate enough for couples to enjoy a peaceful, relaxing day at the beach. Other Harbor Sands amenities include chaise lounge rentals, beachfront dining deck, enhanced group picnic areas and more. Food and beverage service is available from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm daily during spring, summer and fall.

Introductory Pricing (through May 26):
Furnished Palapas (seating for up to 8): from $129/day weekday • from $189/day weekend
Chaise Lounge Pair: from $25/pair/day weekday • from $35/pair/day weekend[/quote]


That is the introductory pricing! (?) We also get to pay $ 35 a day for the string tie (chummy neighbors) or $39 a day for a mooring and boat up to 29 feet

I wonder if those of use who don't pay the ransom will be restricted from this private beach--it has happened at other areas of Catalina in the past. Sure don't want those scum who like to lie on beach mats cluttering up the sand!

I wonder how much an "enhanced picnic table" goes for and how it is "enhanced"?

Fortunately the "Landing fee" was declared illegal a few years back (I think it was $8 a day, or you could buy a "membership" for $100 for the immediate family.

I was just saying that at least Catalina was like S. Calif. was 100 plus years ago. I don't think my great grandfather, one of the first Judges in Los Angeles County would agree! I would love to hear what he had to say about the Palapas...I understand he had some colorful phrases.
 
Wow, that's unbelievable! There goes the ambiance of Two Harbors. It'll be like going to Raging Waters. Let me tell you how I really feel, oh wait, that will violate the rules of this site. I have to count to ten and cool off.....
 
On the Airport Hike, I think I'll go with the trail from Ripper's Cove. It looks to be somewhat shorter (as the crow flies) than from White's Landing, but I'm sure it will be more difficult. I believe either route would be shorter than the 7.5 mile hike from Little Harbor on the South side, which I don't want to repeat in my lifetime if at all possible, not even sure I could still make that hike...
 
As of now we have the following 5 to 7 boat attendees for the 16th Annual Catalina Off-Shore Adventure:

1. Jim & Kath - Pounder
2. John & Robbin - Dinner Belle II
3. Steve et. al. - Dora Jean
4. Floyd & Eiko - Far C'r
5. Joel & Susan - SEA3PO
6. Maybe Roger & PJ - C Hawk
7 Maybe Dr. Bob and Marie - Serenity.

Everyone is welcome to come to this event as there are no boat number limitations. Please consider this historic C-Dory gathering, likely the longest lasting gathering and probably the only off-shore gathering listed on this site.

This is really a remarkable venue, and it is testimonial to the long lasting nature of this event. Sign up now. Who knows when we will poop out and this event will only be a fond memory.
 
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