Short Tour of Catalina Island

10 hours of driving and 90 minutes on the ferry and we were on Catalina Island. The ferry ride was amazing. Not to much rocking and swaying on the trip over and we passed by two schools of dolphins. The yellow tail are thick right now and I am sure the dolphins are feasting on chicken of the sea. It is quite a beautiful site.  You definitely earn your downhill on the island. Hot desert terrain accompanied by a sea breeze makes for good riding conditions. Little Harbor was our first camp site and we were greeted by the local fox. We made sure everything was secured at all times. He would wait for campers to leave for just a minute and go for the prize. Our new friends Ron and Heather found out how quick you can loose a granola bar from a sly fox. We tied every thing up high at night and had no problems at all. 

Growing up in California has given me a life time longing for the ocean sunsets. I picked Little Harbor and Parson's Landing so I would catch the sunsets there and I was right. Absolutely amazing! The perfect back drop for some quality time with my son. Here he is in the sunset picture. We had a good time just sitting on the cliff, talking and enjoying the sunset after a fantastic ride over the island. In the distance we could see a big bull buffalo grazing on some green grass and a few rays down below exposed by the crystal clear ocean. 

The "Liveforever" plant is a species only found on Catalina Island.

"Fire flies be free"

I learned that the animal warning signs are not exaggerated. My own confidence got the best of me when I approached this bull a little to close. At about 5 to 7 yards away he turned tword me, snorted, and lowered his head to charge. I held completely still and when he gave the ok to move and I moved back slowly. When I was out of his personal space he went back to grazing. We had to go over this hill because he would not let us pass on the road. I now have a greater respect for these beasts then I had previously. They are truly magnificent animals. 

There is no camping outside of the designated areas. I recommend a large group to save cost on the camp sites. Also I brought in all my food from the main land. Expect at least twice the cost for living expenses on the island.