Catalina 2009 - page 1

26-27 September 2009

On September 26-27, the Troop went on its first outing of the new school year to Catalina Island. Thirteen Scouts and ten adults took the early morning ferry from San Pedro to Avalon, and then hiked through town up to Hermit Gulch campground. It was a long, hot walk up through town to our campsite, but it was worth it. The site was nestled in a valley behind the town, and is located against the mountains in the trees. After setting up camp, we took a trolley back to town and spent the day at Descanso Beach. We swam, snorkeled, fished and kayaked the day away. We also ate nachos, buffalo burgers and hot wings until we were stuffed. Around 4pm, we took the trolley back to camp and got changed for dinner. Back in town, we worked on various merit badges and advancement requirements while some of the dads enjoyed the sunset and people watching. We then crowded into Antonio’s (right on the water) for loads of pizza and lemonade. After dinner, we ate ice cream at Big Olafs, and walked back up to camp. Along the way, we spotted dozens of Mule Deer, one of which was a 7 point buck! Lights out at 10pm.

We made breakfast in the morning fog and worked on more merit badge and advancement requirements. After packing up, we hiked down the road to the Catalina Conservancy and learned about the local flora and fauna, including the several hundred bison that roam the island freely. Then it was off to the ferry landing to drop off our packs, followed by a footrace between patrols to Descanso Beach to pick up snorkeling gear. After we geared up, we snorkeled at the marine park at Casino Point, and saw tons of garibaldi, calico bass, lobster, and other marine animals - what great visibility. We ate lunch back at Descanso and finished up the day by working on more merit badge requirements, snorkeling and kayaking. At about 3:45pm we hiked back to the ferry landing, changed into our uniforms and took the ferry back to San Pedro. It was a trip to remember.

- Jack and Nick V.