Following Malabar: Avalon Harbor, Catalina Island

Sunday, November 17th

For the first time we feel like cruisers, not just transients stopping in various harbors that could still be San Francisco bay.

Yes, this morning I awaken in the mooring field of Avalon Harbor, Santa Catalina Island. Breakfast in the cockpit with stunning views. The small, brightly colored town nests along the shore and climbs into the hillsides, all behind a palm tree lined boulevard and in front of the backdrop of sharp hills climbing quickly from sea level.

The bells of the Catholic church have just summoned everyone to mass as the partiers in the powerboats nearby finally awaken from last night's drinking.

It is actually difficult to believe I am still in California. Only 26 miles from the grumpy grime of Los Angeles.

We arrived around 2:30pm yesterday and were greeted by a friendly Harbor Patrol boat. They meet you and check you in, assign a mooring ball and answer any questions all from the boat. Quite simple.

The mooring was SO easy. For a girl whose only ever moored at Angel Island, the pre-run lines attached to a floating stick that you just pick-up was almost too good to be true. If you aren't hanging off the bow head first with your legs wrapped around the lifelines it almost seems like you're doing it wrong. My SF sailor friends know what I'm talkin' about.

Anyway, we got the boat put away, inflated our dinghy, lowered our outboard and headed into town for a stroll.

I have always wondered why anyone would pay $73 for a round-trip ferry service to this island, but then I got here. It is SO ADORABLE! Seriously, I let out so many girly squeals of delight I'm surprised Keegan didn't lose his hearing.

Looking forward to spending an entire week here!

**Tip for Visiting: If you're sailing thru Catalina Island in the off season Avalon Harbor is quite reasonably priced. If you pay for two nights at the mooring ball (It was $64 for our boat.) You get the next five nights for free! Seven nights for the price of two! What a deal!