The slow boat to Catalina

The tilt of this photo tells the story of the return trip from Catalina: bumpy, impossible to get a level photo. Given the conditions, the island looks almost normal... I have about 10 other similar shots that show either side of the island inclined at least 20 degrees uphill. We left at almost sundown when the wind and waves are at their peak... coming back from the island you can either run west out to sea and take the waves head on until you get far enough away from the sharp western point of the island that is pushing the waves at you, or you can head north towards home and get smacked on the side by waves all night.

It was only my second overnight trip on a small boat, but that didn't stop my easy going friend from letting me steer the thing most of the weekend, even after dark with high waves. With everyone down below in the cabin, and just me and the sea and the stars with no other boat in sight (it was about 10 p.m. on a Sunday night) it was about the most lonely feeling I have ever had.

The ferries to Catalina take a little over an hour, but in our trawler, an old fishing boat designed for long distance and stability, it took about four hours to get to the island, and almost six on the way back, about the speed of a sail boat. But, as my friend pointed out, they have to work their rear ends off to maintain that speed, but to drive the trawler, you really just need to point the front of the boat at the island, hold a hand on the wheel (leaving a hand free for the beverage of your choice), and not run into another boat.

This is really the only way to go as far as I am concerned. We anchored off shore, where my friends scuba dived. Since I have no idea how to scuba, I rowed in to shore and hiked up the steep slopes of the island. The entire west end of the place is totally deserted, and full of remote beaches.

So find a friend who lives on a boat as soon as possible... there is no way I would ever live in a 20 by 10 space that bobs back and forth 24 hours a day, but I am sure glad I know someone who does.