I awoke to raindrops on my tent at Blackjack campground around 6 am. The sun had just begun to rise, and I was slow to get out of bed. I was snug as a bug in my quilt, and liner. It was in the low 50’s, and not too chilly.
I peeked outside the tent, and I threw on my camp shoes, which were a fairly lightweight pair of Teva flip flops. Everything outside was damp, and my flip flops were not doing that great in the wet dirt. My feet started to get a bit dirty, and I realized these shoes were not going to work. These will be staying home next time.
The Plan
The first thing I would do, is what I do every morning, and that is to make coffee. Along with that, I would have some oatmeal, which I had pre-measured in a sandwich bag, along with brown sugar, raisins, and dried apples. Then I would head over to the pit toilet on the other side of camp, before filling up 3 liters of water, at the spigot over there. I would also need to not waste time, since I wanted to start hiking early, to ensure my chances of success.
People were already packing up, and getting ready to leave camp. Off to my left were two girls backpacking together. In front of me, was an older couple, who were hanging stuff up to dry, along with two younger guys. Off in the far corner, was a larger group of women.
The pit toilets were neither clean, nor hygienic. I was glad I had hand sanitizer, and wilderness soap flakes. Pit toilets have a strong stench, and this one was much worse.
Afterward I washed my hands at the spigot. My sea to summit soap flakes worked great. I chatted with a couple, by the spigot, who offered some kind words of encouragement.
Everyone was busy preparing to leave camp at this point. It was time to make breakfast, and everyone else seemed far ahead of me.
While my water was boiling, I went inside the tent, and got dressed in what I planned to wear that day. I poured water on my oatmeal in the sandwich bag. The rest of the water was poured in a sandwich bag, which was then poured over my Sea to Summit backpackers coffee filter, over the Toaks cup.
While the oatmeal was soaking, I began packing things up in my tent. I touched the tent roof for a moment, and a few sprinkles got on my quilt. So I took care not to touch the ceiling of the tent again, or shake it, as I gathered up what was inside.
Breakfast was served.
It was time to eat, and have my coffee for a moment, thinking through how this day was going to unfold. I hoped for no more bison encounters. Nor did I want to get rained on. Nothing was certain at this point.
After breakfast, I began disassembling my tent. I did not take the wet cover off with stuff still inside the tent, since that would cause condensation to drizzle all over everything inside.That is why I took my stuff out of the tent first.
Big Agnes tents are freestanding, so they can stand without being staked. They are waterproof, but nothing will really stop condensation completely. After packing up everything inside the tent, I took off the rainfly…slowly.
After removing the wet rainfly. I shook it off as best as I could by wildly flying it around in the air, twirling it back and forth, like a circus performer on their day off. I was far enough from people to do this. Other people were going to all this trouble.The last thing I wanted was to carry around a damp backpack, and tent. So it made sense to shake it out.
I started figuring out how I would pack the tent. Most of it was dry enough to pack inside my bag, but the cover needed more time. After shaking the rain drops off I tried drying it with a towel. So the small towel I brought for wiping up condensation was now soaked, and would need to hang off the side of the pack to dry.
I stuffed my rainfly into the net pouch on the outside of my pack, to give it some airflow. The rest of the tent went into the bottom of the pack, separate from the rest of my other gear, which was in a dry bag.
All this made me realize how hiking in rain, on something like the Appalachian Trail, must actually be miserable. There is such a small amount of water, and it’s a huge dilemma. The air is damp, so things are not likely to dry quickly today.
Packing can become a tedious job. I needed to pack so I could get to the things I need, without taking everything out later. The things I need to access quickly, like my Garmin in-reach, and my solar charger, were ready on top of the pack. My food for the day, was also
I decided I was taking no chances with water, so in addition to the water I had already filled, I filled my 2 liter platypus bottle. It was more weight, but gave me some security. I would not end up needing this extra water. I also poured some electrolyte powder into my vitamin water bottle.
I had my backup paper maps ready. They were tucked into my hip belt with my snacks, and a few cough drops to suck on. I was now ready to go, and started walking north of camp, just as a large group of ladies were also leaving. It was around 8am, and I had enough food, so I had no intention of stopping at Airport in the Sky for food, like most people usually do on this hike.
My Itinerary
I would pass Airport in the Sky, hiking toward Little Harbor which was 8.1 miles. I would enjoy lunch at the beach there, before making the climb over the hills, into Two Harbors. It would be a total of 15.7 miles, I had estimated. My camping reservation was for Two Harbors. I felt I had it in me to go further than I ever had in a day before, backpacking.
On to Little Harbor
After one last look at the beautiful campground, I began my hike to Little Harbor. I chat with a few of the women in the hiking group, mentioning I am a slow hiker. They tell me they are as well, empathizing. Some of them are also on their first backpacking trips. This trail is a popular “first backpacking trip,” for lots of people. They take off ahead of me, as I am starting a little slow this morning. But I catch up to them a few minutes later, at the turnoff for the Airport in the Sky. One of the women is sure they are on the right track. They are all confused about where to go. I let them know they are on the right track, and show them my map. None of them had alltrails or a charged phone.
A Trail Family
A couple came up to us all at the same time, hiking in the opposite direction. They were also confused. So I assure them too, they were on the right track. Nobody believes me at first, until I show them my alltrails map. All seemed grateful for the help. One even offers to allow me to stay with them at Little Harbor, after I mention that I’m going all the way to Two Harbors. After thanking them for the offer, I sort of broke away from that group, and ended up hiking along with the other couple, John and Jen, who were friendly. I had a trail family of sorts.
I would pass through a dry woodland, through more mostly parched looking hills. Eventually I passed the Airport in the Sky, which felt like a cool milestone in my first ever thru hiking journey.
Hiker Hunger
I didn’t stop at the restaurant there. I was only eating vegan, as I had been the last few years. I did not expect vegan options, since they are hard to come by, especially the gluten free variety. My oatmeal with raisins got me going this morning. I was on the other hand, craving fresh veggies. So once in Two Harbors, I vowed to indulge in a veggie burger and fries, at the Harbor Reef Restaurant, which would likely come with some lettuce and tomato on top. Maybe even a pickle if I was lucky. That hiker hunger was real, and I was feeling it, just one day into my adventure. I can’t even begin to imagine how hungry I would be after a really long trip.
The hills were laced in fog, as I headed through the interior of Catalina Island.
I passed through a canyon with beautiful oak trees, twisted like twigs of vine charcoal, I might find in my art supply box, back in high school. I was so far, feeling great on my second day of this hike. My pack had grown a bit lighter, as I had eaten some of my food.
Leapfrogging
The two younger guys, who left earlier than I back at camp, suddenly passed me. We were “leapfrogging,” each other. They had stopped for breakfast at Airport in the Sky.
I had lost John and Jen at some point, but caught up with them again. We started taking photos of each other, and Jen took this one for me. I was above the beautiful sea cliffs on the eastern side of Catalina once more, before I would cross over to the west side of the island.
I began to see more people on trail, nearing Little Harbor. I passed a group heading to Avalon, going in the opposite direction.
It started to look like it might just get sunny outside.
I came to find John and Jen had booked a spot right next to mine at Two Harbors. They were headed to Parsons Landing for a fourth night next. They also invited me to stay with them there. Parsons Landing is almost impossible to book. But If I did that, I would not make my ferry home, and I wanted to stick to my plans. I appreciated knowing I was welcome at their beach camping site if I needed to stay longer. I eventually hiked on up ahead of them, and would not see them again until Two Harbors. I would not see the group of women until then either.
I came across a group heading in the opposite direction to Blackjack, as I wound my way through the hills, on narrow single track trails, on my way to Little Harbor.
There were ghostly looking bone dry remains of trees strewn about. This is a difficult environment to survive.
Catalina Island at times, has had wildfires, and is a fragile ecosystem.
There was one more ridge to climb, before Little Harbor.
On this ridge I end up passing the two younger guys, and approach the older couple, who left camp long before me. I felt I had a good momentum going.
I could see Little Harbor in the distance, and the sun was dying to come out.
It was around noon, and I made my way towards the beach. There were calm seas in Little Harbor this morning.
It was finally lunch time. I made a Ram-Bomb, which is a type of ramen you may like, or find disgusting if you’re more of a purist. To make this concoction, you throw all kinds of extra stuff into plain old ramen. I combined two packages of rice noodles (since I’m gluten free), Sprouts plain mashed potato flakes, and various condiment packets (Hoisin, Sriracha, and Soy sauce).
Just was I was stretching out on the bench, I see the two girls from the other campsite at Blackjack arriving, and realize this is not an oceanfront picnic table, its a campsite. I made a quick move of everything to another spot, to finish my cup of tea, and take a break.
The campground was empty. Most backpackers had not arrived yet. In late summer, this would be a great spot to swim, and snorkel. If I was staying here longer, there were more trails to explore. You can camp right on the beach too.
The wind picking up. I sat on the beach a bit with a cup of tea, took off my shoes, and walked in the warm sand.
I was ready for that ready veggie burger in Little Harbor. I was anxious to get through the last five miles, and set up camp.
Little did I know this would be a serious climb. I began my ascent up the first few switchbacks, leaving behind the crystal blue waters of Little Harbor.
In a word, it was steep, along with being very scenic.
The trail was a narrow path, along an exposed ridge. The sun was coming out, and it was a little breezy.
I was on the windward side of the island now. Like much of the island, there were few plants growing. There was a lot of cactus.
It was the warmest part of the day, but the temperatures were very mild, and around 60 degrees. So it was a perfect day for hiking. The air was clear, and I could see for miles.
I was now walking through my Mac OS Catalina screensaver photo.
I kept thinking, now this is why I go for a hike in the wilderness, all this beauty right here. You can read about it, but sometimes, you really have to just go experience it.
A member of the Catalina Conservancy passed me, on the way to Little Harbor. I had found mile marker 20. The truth is I had exceeded 20 miles, way back in Little Harbor, or sometime before that.
Most of Catalina is inaccessible except for by boat. But that is what keeps it pristine, the lack of traffic.
Two men pass by lugging heavy photography equipment. The photos you take here would be worth the extra weight.
I stopped at another of those rest areas you find along the trail, with a picnic table, with shade. It was time for another 20 minute break from carrying a backpack. I was about halfway to Two Harbors, and was making good time.
Another climb, another Probar.
It does not get much better than this. Being alone with all this beautiful scenery all to myself.
It was time to go, so I headed down the last few miles into Two Harbors.
It was around 5pm, when I spotted Two Harbors on my right, along with Cat Harbor, to my left.
I headed down the steep trail into the small town, a place I had never visited before. Cat Harbor’s waters looked a much lighter shade of blue in the afternoon sun.
This mile of the trail was where I really started to pay attention to how my feet were doing. They definitely felt sore, since I was not wearing the most cushioned shoes. The trail runners I wore were a bit too broken in. I felt every pebble under my soles. I hobbled on into town.
I arrived at the Harbor Cafe, located on the waterfront right by the ferry dock, with its open air seating. I ordered a veggie burger, and added avocado. I enjoyed it with fries, and a refillable pink lemonade. I had more than a few refills of this cold, sweet beverage. It was on to my campsite, another mile down the trail, at Two Harbors Campground.
I found my camping spot, and was not disappointed. The firewood I ordered was there waiting. That’s when I ran into Jon and Jen again, the two hikers I met early that morning. They coincidentally booked a site next to mine. We would share stories around a bonfire that evening.
My local surf beach, has also has fire pits where people will congregate, have a bonfire, play guitar, talk waves, and swap post surf stories. I missed being out and around people like this. This was indeed a very symbolic bonfire to me, and a sign of hope, that the Lord is watching over us, that goods things are yet to come.
Early to Bed
I was in bed early that night around 9:30 pm. I planned to wake at 6 am, and be back on trail by 6:30 am for Day 3 of my hike on the TCT. I had everything ready to go. I would leave my tent set up, and most of my stuff at the campground. This would allow me tohike the remaining 11 mile loop in one day, with my 3 oz daypack, while being able to get back in time for the 4:45 pm ferry at 4:45pm the next day.
A Second Night at Two Harbors
I had another night booked at Two Harbors, so I could stay another night, if need be to give myself some options. I had also booked the next days ferry, which can be cancelled by 6pm the day prior.
My elderly dog was waiting at home, with my a teenager. I don’t ever leave them so long, let alone three days. I had all the alone time I could want, and was not feeling a need to linger on here.
Read about Day 3 day hiking the TCT, where I journey from Two Harbors, hiking the last 11 mile section of the trail, all the way to Parsons Landing, the terminus of the TCT.
I hope you have enjoyed my 2021 Trans Catalina Hiking Diary. If you missed reading about Day 1 of my journey from Hermit Gulch to Blackjack campground, you can read about it here.
Also be sure to check out my Planning Guide to the TCT
More Bonfires please…
This was a cool experience to have, to have bonfire at a time when most people were fearful, believing we were still having a public health emergency. I don’t trust the news. Since when is catching a cold an emergency? Or the flu? In spring of 2021 it definitely wasn’t.
The lock downs stole all our normal social experiences away from us, the things that make us human. Closing things down, and our lives down, served no other purpose, than to create more fear, and sell billions of dollars of drugs. It was all a sham. If you can think for a minute, you can easily see the big picture. Fear not facts.
Life can never be 100% safe. If all adults were able to make their own decisions with their health, free of governmental interference, we all would have been better off. There is no such thing as the common good, unless you believe in socialism and dictators. I love this country, and our freedom. Being free to come an go as you please, and explore nature is what makes our country a unique, and a wonderful place to live. That’s why this is the land of the free, and the home of the brave! Let’s keep it free!
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2021 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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