Trial run at Avalon, Catalina

We are inching ever closer to our departure date.  That is how it appears at times, then at others it's as if we are barreling headfirst down a rapid in a stream.  We decided that due to some excellent weather, we would head to Avalon for a test sail.  The newly installed solar panels, re-wire of the entire battery panel, and newly added reefing system all needed to be checked out prior to departing.  And... we have some freebies from the West End Cruising Club at the Isthmus that need to be used up! 
   So, off we went, motor-sailing across the channel on an 75 degree day in December with 10-14 knots of northerly wind.  Arriving in the early afternoon, we settled into an un-crowded Avalon harbor for a few days.  The winds were supposed to be up a bit, giving us pause as to whether to sail around to Cat harbor on the backside for protection from the Santa Ana winds.  Fortunately it died down out here and it was fabulous.


Leif with his competition!!

Christmas lights and sunset over Avalon.

   Day one found us up early, hoping for a Cape Canyon tour around the inside of Catalina on a Hum-V, passing over dirt hiking trails and seeing areas that the tour busses don't get to see.  As we arrived at booth, we were told that the tour was cancelled due to no reservations, but tomorrow's tour would be available.  Bummer.   So, instead, we played mini-golf, and had a yummy breakfast ashore, as well as a very extensive walk up the hill to the Wrigley Botanical Gardens and back.  We didn't actually go into the gardens, as the mini-golf course gives an excellent account of many of the native plants around Catalina as you play each hole. 
   And, as to our solar replenishment of our batteries, we left the refrigerator running, some small appliances charging, and still returned to full charge on the battery panel.  So, success on that part.
   The next day again found us up early and off to try our luck at the Cape Canyon tour.  We succeeded in our quest, and jumped aboard an eco-fueled Hum V for a 4+ hour tour.  It was a bumpy ride past the many water storage ponds, many, many bison, lovely Cottonwood lined canyons and serene rocky beaches.  One would never know that much of this was on the island.

A captive bald eagle, injured and can't fly for more than a few seconds.

 There are many bald eagles which have been transplanted on the island, which replace the golden eagles that began taking over and eating the small island foxes.  The foxes were close to extinction, so they created a program to help keep them from that fate.  Now there are many foxes, and bald eagles which eat fish and not foxes!  We did get to see one bald eagle and one golden eagle in pens as they were unfit to release into nature due to blindness and inability to fly. 

Shark's Cove on the backside of the island.

   One thing I forgot to mention was that the Carnival cruise ship Inspiration showed up anchored offshore in the morning.  I had never seen one anchored here, it was quite a sight, with the shore-boats constantly ferrying back and forth all day.  It was kind of a relief to see it set sail at 5 p.m. and the crowds diminish.  Great for the local economy, but it's so nice to be here as if on our own private island this time of year. 

Our very capable ride!

   Another interesting event is that the small squid appear to be in season for laying their eggs.  There are millions of them here, and this in turn attracts thousands of seagulls!  It's fascinating to watch the squid come to the surface for some unknown reason, and then the seagulls will dive and pick them off for dinner.  The bay is surrounded by circling gulls night and day!  We heard that one of the Cousteau family is here filming this event with lights at night.

Finisterra, surrounded by seagulls searching for squid!