Day 220 - Catalina Sunset

And with this lovely sunset pano from Parson's Landing, we bid adieu to Catalina Island, at least for this trip. I've finally caught up to my picture a day quota too, so with only 145 days left in 2011, let's see what else comes my way . . .

Day 219 - Campfire

A campfire on the beach at sunset? Yes, please . . .

Day 218 - Campfire

Sometimes you just need to warm your feet . . .

Day 217 - Sea Pebbles

The beach at Parson's Landing wasn't sand, but rather this amalgamation of small stones, pebbles, and sea shells.

Day 216 - Camping Names

Continuing another tradition, we were all given camping names which we put on our cups . . . these are "Tomfoolery 1" and "Tomfoolery 2."

Day 215 - Tube Snails

The shells of these tube snails are cemented to other rocks . . .

Day 214 - Beach / Canyon Pano

The far end of Parson's Landing went from the water back up into the hills that we had hiked along on our way in.

Day 213 - Campfire Cooking

My friend Mike has noted the absence of food pics in this here space, so Mike, this one's for you:

One of the best parts about camping is cooking over a wood fire . . . there's a definite difference between a charcoal grill and an actual campfire.

We had tri-tip for dinner both nights, and S'mores for dessert . . .

Day 212 - Campsite

Rather than pitch the tent on the shoreline gravel, we opted for a flat patch of dirt nestled a bit further back. More comfortable, less windy, and much quieter . . .

Day 211 - Parson's Landing

Over seven miles and a few blisters later, we made it to our campsite at Parson's Landing.

Day 210 - Texture

I suppose the hike wouldn't have taken as long if I hadn't stopped so often to take pictures . . .

Day 209 - Solitude

The Silver Peak Trail climbed over 1500 feet in a very short period of time, making the steep entry hike very challenging; we wondered what the fence posts we passed were meant to keep in or out . . .

Day 208 - Prickly Pear

Day 207 - Prickly Pear

The prickly pear cactus, or opuntia, were blooming all along our hiking route and campsite.

Day 206 - Catalina Harbor

Across the isthmus from Two Harbors is the actual Catalina Harbor.

Day 205 - Isthmus Pano

A narrow isthmus connects the small northern part of the island to the larger southern part.

Day 204 - Hiking

After landing at Two Harbors, we set out along the Trans Catalina Trail, taking the Silver Peak Trail up into the peaks of Catalina, before heading down Boushay Road to the campsite.