Catalina Video

Catalina: August 2010 from Joe Gonzalez on Vimeo.

Or you can access it here.

Catalina

Friday August 6th.  Joe and I drove up to Long Beach where Jessica and Coco dropped us off at the ferry that took us to Avalon.  On the ferry we played dominos.  I lost, many times.

We got to Avalon and the weather was beautiful.  It was finally summertime.  The beach was bustling, but we were hungry, so instead of spending time there or heading up the hill to our camping spot, we stopped to eat.  

Our campsite was a 30 minute walk through town and past the golf course at Hermit's Gulch.  The trek was a little arduous with our backpacks, but nothing like last year (eight miles, in the dark).  Our tent was up in a jiffy so we headed into town where we took some photos at the beach and bought some groceries at the itty-bitty island Vons.  

Feeling that there was no better or safer time to ever do so, we hitchhiked back to camp with our groceries.  A nice guy picked us up on his golf cart and drove us the mile up the hill.  That night we made dinner, listened to music, and went to bed.  

Saturday August 7th.  Camping seems to revolve around food.  Most of the time it is either being made, eaten, cleaned up or hidden.  True to this, upon waking up on Saturday we made some mexican hot chocolate, scrambled eggs, and hash browns.  Our little camping stove worked much better this time.  

Beth and Ashton were on their way to camp with us so we headed back down into Avalon to meet them at the pier.  

We found them and then headed back to camp.  This time a man offered all of us a ride on the back of his golf cart which was much appreciated.  Beth and Ashton set up their tent and then we were on our way back down to Avalon.  We toured the town and ended up at Descanso Beach Club where we enjoyed the sun and the view for a while.  On the way back to the grocery store we all posed for some more photos.  

Back up to the campground.  This time we had to walk.  We made a pretty gourmet dinner by camping standards and had a dessert of smores with green apples.  The night was finished off with a round of dominos.  I finally won.  

Sunday August 9th.  Breakfast.  Clean up.  Packing.  Today was the day we had to go back home.  

We finally decided to use the $2 shuttle that runs between Avalon and the campsite, but sadly we were $3 short so we hiked back to the ferry with all of our things, only to find the exact money we needed once we arrived.  Beth and Ashton spent some time with us in Long Beach and then it was time to go back home.  Showers were needed by all.  

Please check back because Joe is almost done editing the movie film from our camping excursion.  He took most of these photos and I'm sure that he will also do a much better job editing all of the photos from the trip so be sure to check his flickr too.  

This Weekend

Friday July 23rd, Saturday July 24th and Sunday July 25th.  Hung out with this kid in Long Beach.  (You might have to have Joe add you to see more photos of her.)  I heard a rumor that she is the cutest most smartest baby in the whole wide world.  We had dinner at Taco Surf with some friends in the area.  Silly baby was too tired to make it though breakfast.  At least she was in a good mood before hand.

Later on Saturday we went to Balboa Park.  We used to go here a lot.  I think that some free Tuesday visits are in order.

Sunday involved swimming and laundry.  Every weekend should have a pool or a beach.

The Island

Sunday July 11th.  The island was a good idea.  Its practice for the future.  This will happen again very soon, this Sunday in fact.

As American as Baseball

Saturday July 3rd.  Best worst seats I've ever sat in, most fun I've had at a game.  The guy never came back with my shave ice, I guess I'll just have to wait a few months.

26 Things In 26 Weeks