Catalina Island

Where: Catalina Island

Get there: Ferry or helicopter

Destination: Avalon (coastal town)

Goal: Do everything in 12 hours

Tips

The ferry to Catalina Island

There are two tiers of tickets you can buy, and it's best to reserve online. Commodore is the "premier" tier and you get to board the boat first plus enjoy a complimentary drink. General means you board after Commodore and don't get a free drink. Also, the boat blasts air so bring a hoodie. Tickets for adults run from $36/way (general) to $51/way (commodore). Going on your birthday? Your ticket is free.

You can also opt to travel by helicopter, which is about $250/round-trip per person.

Rent your room

Think you might want to stay over (or have a home base throughout the day?) rent your room before you go; on major holidays and weekends rooms get completely booked out in advance.

Rent bikes

Most people get around Avalon by foot, bike or golf cart—and rentals run out quick. Before your trip,  go online to Brown's Bikes and reserve your ride. Bikes are $20 each for the day.

Rent your lounge chair or cabana

Descanso Beach Club is the place to be if you want to swim, drink and relax. There's public beach access for a few bucks or your can snag a lounge chair or cabana for the next level of luxury. Like hotel rooms, these go fast so book in advance of your visit.

The 12-hour Catalina Day Trip

Start: 6:00am 

Hop on the earliest ferry. It's brutal, and for the 6:00am boat ride you have to arrive at the harbor at 5:15am to check in. This means you'll get up in the 4:00 hour. Grab coffee.

Arrive/Breakfast: 7:00am

Your ferry will arrive promptly at an hour you're usually just waking up to, which is fantastic but also means you'll be able to get breakfast before anyone else. This is crucial. Go to Original Jack's Country Kitchen, a quick and cozy diner where you can get the much needed second cup of joe, eggs, waffles, breakfast burritos and more. 

Golf cart around Avalon: 8:45am

Next, you'll want to get a lay of the land and the best method is via golf cart. Avalon has some windy hilly roads, and while you think you want to bike them...don't. Rent a golf cart for an hour ($40) and follow the map they provide that will take you around, up and down all of Avalon.

Bike to Descanso Beach Club: 10:00am

After dropping off your golf cart, saunter over to pick up your reserved ride from Brown's Bikes. Head to Descanso Beach Club (opposite end of Avalon from where the ferry drops you). 

Descanso Beach Club: 10:30am

Tucked into the corner of a cove, the beach club offers public beach access, a fully stocked bar with a food menu, lounge chairs and cabanas. As noted earlier you will want to reserve chairs or a cabana before your trip, but when it comes down to it you got up before before dawn and desperately need a nap so this is your place to do it. When you're refreshed, take a dip in the ocean then grab a drink and snack.

Lunch: 2:00pm

There are tons of places in the center of Avalon for lunch, all likely busy. Opting for bar seating will expedite your wait, plus a beer at lunch is practically mandatory. Bluewater Grill sits right on the pier; get the tuna poke and chopped salad.

Jet skis: 3:15pm

If you do nothing else, rent a jet ski. Most run $130/hour for 2 people. Do it, it's the best hour I've ever had. Especially in the afternoon when the light hits the water just-so (and don't forget to check out all the boats with fantastic names as you taxi to-and-from the jet ski barge).

Return: 5:30pm
The ferry ride back will be exhausting, but since you'll be a bit more awake than your outbound trip make sure to watch as the ferry approaches the LA harbor.

By 6:30 you'll be back on the mainland, totally wiped and absolutely thrilled. Naturally, some people stay in Catalina overnight—but now you know you could totally do it in just one.

19 Awesome Secrets & Spots: LA to Monterey

The central coast is known for miles of ocean views, fruit festivals, wine tasting hotspots—but if that's all you're going for, you're missing out.

The following list will forever have my heart as some of my favorite places to eat, play and stay from Los Angeles to Monterey. They're accessible, affordable and run the range from infamous to unexpected, breathtaking to delicious. And...you've probably never heard of them before.

Santa Barbara

Tacos// Mony's. Photo credit: Henry J.

1. Mony's (eat)
You'll want to get the tacos so you can try all 14 of the different fillings, but you really shouldn't say no to the nachos or burritos so go with a crowd (or just over order for yourself). This tiny Mexican eatery often has a line out the door, boasts sauces like peanut, pistachio and sweet mango, and with prices designed for hungry college kids, it's a true gem. Note: closed on Sundays. Under $10/pp (unless you get everything, in which case every dollar over is the best you'll ever spend.)

2. Carpinteria Campground (lodging)

Pitch a tent or park your RV, when you stay at any of the campgrounds in Carpinteria you're going to go to sleep and wake up to the rhythmic harmony of crashing waves. With walkable access to town you're never far away from a quick snack, meal or booze run and always just a few steps away from watching the sun rise and set over the ocean. Reserve online OR hedge your bets and arrive in the early afternoon to nab one of the spots set aside for drop-ins. Per night: $35-$60

This is glamping// El Capitan

3. El Capitan Canyon (lodging)
A short walk under the rail road tracks to the beach, El Capitan Canyon is 100% glamping. And it's wonderful; this, coming from a love-to-backpack-and-camp gal, means it's worth every penny. Whether you pick a safari tent decked out with a real bed, electrical outlets and private fire pit or a petite cabin, El Capitan is a must any time of year (even new year's eve, making it a unique and rustic option to traditional festivities). Rate: $145+/night

Wind Caves// Gaviota

4. Wind Caves (hike)
Starting from Gaviota campground, this hike is short (2.5 miles round-trip) and in certain spots a bit steep, but when the summit is a series of wind caves (caves carved into rock by strong winds) it's the ideal quickie en route to pick blueberries or eat a pork sandwich (see below). The view is spectacular.

Blueberries galore// Santa Barbara Blueberries

5. Santa Barbara Blueberries (activity)

Driving north, this blueberry and raspberry farm is seasonal (June-July, sometimes starting in April or extending through August) so make sure to stop and take advantage of U-Pick, a.k.a. gorge yourself on fresh fruit as you pick some to take home. The fields are uncovered so bring a hat/sunglasses, and if the bushes are looking lean crouch down; the berries underneath the bushes are always the last to be discovered. $18/bucket

Los Alamos

Lunch// Photo Credit: Bell Street Farm

6. Bell Street Farm (eat)
Rotisserie Pork Salad. Rotisserie Pork Sandwich. Those were the two reasons I tried Bell Street Farm, and they're the two (main) reasons I'll go back. If you check out yelp, there are a handful of delicious cafes and restaurants in cozy Los Alamos (population: under 19,000 in 2010) primarily doing the whole "seasonal menu" thing with a farmhouse-chic motif. But Bell Street Farm is special, because there's a patio out back where you can enjoy a local wine or beer with delicious shareable or individual plates (or, take the whole lot to go and picnic where you please). Get the soup (any time of year), the market salads and of course...the Rotisserie Pork (ok, or chicken. That looked good too). Sandwiches: $15.75 and under

                               

                                                                             Pismo                    

Pecan roll, dollop of cream cheese frosting

7. Old West Cinnamon Roll (indulgence)
Swathed in cinnamon and sugar with the option of pecans, walnuts, almond, crumb or plain plus a great dollop of cream cheese frosting, these cinnamon rolls are the size of your hand and hail from heaven. Doors open at 6:30 a.m. with rolls starting at $2.75, the only limit is how much sugar you can handle at once. Extra frosting: $.75

8. Monarch Butterflies (activity)

Nicknamed "the butterfly trees," this tiny majestic grove of Eucalyptus and Monterey Pines is known to harbor upwards of 25,000 butterflies during peak season (Nov-Feb). For a tour go from 10am to 4pm, otherwise guide yourself around the trees. Free!

Avila 

The market at the Barn//Photo Credit: Avila Valley Barn

9. Avila Valley Barn (activity)
Think fresh pies, hayrides, pumpkin patches, apple picking and petting zoo all-in-one. When there's roasted corn grab a cob and douse it in butter, if apples are in season take a bucket and go pick a pound or two and if you prefer your fruit in pie form they've got 'em all: apple, pumpkin, berry, etc. Whole pie: under $25

Private hot springs//Photo credit: Asami L.

10. Sycamore Mineral Springs (indulgence)

One of my favorite places on earth, Sycamore Mineral Springs is where you go to melt in a private mineral hot springs for two (or a group). Upon arrival you get to choose your tub, which will be one of ten or so scattered across the hillside, shrouded by trees. There's a rickety wood staircase that hikes you up to your tub and a wood fence/partition that provides just enough privacy. Oh, and wine/beer is available for purchase at check-in. Sadly, you can't BYO. Weekdays: $14.50pp/hour, weekend: $18.50pp/hour

Serenity swing

11. Serenity Swing (hike)
A swing in a tree on top of a hill with a view of the ocean? Delightful! A somewhat kept secret of the Cal Poly students, the Serenity Swing is infamous throughout local college kids' Instas yet is still absolutely perfect for all ages that like a little treat at the end of a hike. Round-trip is 3.8 miles with a hands-and-knees scramble up to the summit. Don't forget your camera! Only cost is parking at one of the Cal Poly lots.

Tri-tip// Photo credit: Firestone Grill

12. Firestone Bar and Grill (eat)

Firestone is where you go in SLO for tri-tip. Juicy, succulent, barked tri-tip; and it's available in many forms, like stacked between garlic-buttered french bread, melted in a quesadilla, piled on a cobb salad or tucked in a taco. BBQ chicken, ribs, burgers, hot dogs and veg-options are also present, and likely delicious—but really, you go here for the tri-tip. Period. Tri-tip sandwich: $9.25

13. Bishop Peak (hike)
Yet another trek with a stunning reward, Bishop Peak is a volcanic plug and the tallest of the "Nine Sisters," a family  of peaks stretching across San Louis Obispo. More a climb than a hike, this 3.5 mile round-trip will take you to the top of the peak and, if you so please, up, between, behind and around  bunch of boulders and caves. The views are unforgettable. Free!

Drive-in, kick back// Photo credit: Pat S.

14. Sunset Drive-In Theater (activity)

OMG when's the last time you went to a drive-in theatre? Like me, it's quite possible you've never been, so here's your chance. Boasting a newly released double-feature every night means you get TWO movies for the price of one, and that ONE is just $8/person. Oh, and nobody will know whether your drink is 21+. Tickets: $8/person

Carnitas plate (+ olives)// Taco Temple

15. Taco Temple (indulgence)
Fresh chips, salsa (and a drink if you so desire) while you wait make the 20-45 minutes fly. Then, get the carnitas platter, extra Temple dressing, a fried fish taco and a to-go container. With a close proximity to the ocean, there's always a full blackboard list of just-plucked-from-the-sea fish and shellfish available in a variety of preparations. But get the taco. Oh, and a carnitas burrito. With extra Temple dressing. Carnitas platter: $15

Half way up// Cerro Alto

16. Cerro Alto (hike)
For another view that will help you earn your tacos, when you summit Cerro Alto you're actually at `one of the highest points in SLO. This hike starts at Cerro Alto campground where you need to pay a few bucks to park, but let your wallet rest assured this it's totally worth it. With a gradual to relatively steep incline, Cerro Alto clocks in at around 5.5 miles round-trip and includes shady spots, a few benches, hikers with dogs and a 365 degree view up top. Parking: $8/day

Quite majestic// Montana de Oro

17. Bluffs Trail, Montana de Oro (hike)
For a hike that's more a stroll with a picturesque view of the ocean, this is it. I love this trail; it's one of those that gives you a cliff-side opportunity to walk along the shore without being in the sand. Plus, there's something monumental about being able to see miles upon miles of waves breaking all at once. Depending on how far you go, you can get in roughly a handful of blissful miles round-trip. Bring water, snacks and a jacket because it can get windy.

Cayucos

For cookies// Photo credit: Brown Butter Cookie Company

18. Brown Butter Cookie Company (indulgence)
Ever heard of a little cookie so good that it made a beachside town famous? Now you have. Known for a variety of cookies the size and shape of half a golf ball, Brown Butter Cookie Company's signature brown-butter/salt-sprinkled cookie (aka the Original) is the stuff people make pilgrimages for (and billboards about). You can taste each favor in-store which is a wonderful foray into this new salty-sweet world of desserts. $12/dozen

Sunset// Moonstone Beach

19. Moonstone Beach (lodging)

Spectacular, really. This stretch of coastline includes cliffside benches, regal Monterey pines and sweeping takes of the Pacific. Moonstone is where you go to enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets, stroll (or jog) the wooden walking path and lavish in your hotel/cottage/inn/motel/b&b's ocean-facing hot tub. There's one good breakfast spot on the strip, but really, a brown butter cookie plus coffee is great in the early morning air. Castle Inn: $130+/night

Mt Whitney/Affordable Hiking Gear

1/3 of the way up Mt Whitney (7am)

Truth-be-told, I never really thought about hiking Mt Whitney until we heard back from the registration lottery that we had a secured a pass.  Then there I was, about a month out from our confirmed date (June 16^th), in a state of gear and shape that would (and is) not recommended for successfully climbing the highest summit in the contiguous United States. The longest hike I had under my recent belt was 6 miles. I didn’t have hiking boots, a backpack, poles, or any of the gear and endurance needed to hike 22 miles total and reach an elevation of 14,508 feet.

The first step (literally) was to train. Simply, we hiked, and starting with a local 8 miler we increased the mileage and altitude every weekend. Our second hike was another local 12 miler. Then we checked off real day hikes (Mt Baldy, 12 miles and 10,000 ft elevation) and lastly Mt Gorgonio (20 miles, 11,000 ft elevation). Granted, we had no idea how our bodies would feel over 12,000 feet (typically when altitude strikes with ailments) but we trained what we could control.

All of this, impressively, with only about 15% of the gear we would actually take to Whitney. We had purchased hiking boots early on to break them in, but the school-sized backpacks needed an upgrade. Since most people hiking Mt Whitney in a day spend 14+ hours on the mountain (the average for amateur hikers sans altitude sickness being 16 hours) there is a lot of necessary gear needed for survival. And coming from someone who hiked Gorgonio with two water bottles and a book bag, I'll be the first to admit that the cost and length of this list will make even the most eager and curious outdoor patron cringe and possibly turn on their heels with hands in the air (as I did several times). In addition, there are dozens of even more recommended items that come from blogs, websites, and stores that can further the tizzy: What do I need? How much? Which one? What size? What kind? How Many? Why?

Luckily, there are a number of local and nationwide resources that aim to make getting off (ok, WAY off) the couch as easy as possible. This means that if I can go from six miles to twenty-two, and a Volcom backpack to a day-pack equipped with gear, so can you. Unlike climbing Mt Whitney, which requires training and a strong will, you can easily secure what you need to try hiking this summer without breaking the bank (or cluttering your closet).

Recommended:

Day pack (30L, +/- 10L)

Hydration system (think camel-back or something like that of 3L)

Water filter

Hiking poles (these can be the difference of making it to the top…or not)

Hiking boots, socks, pants, sun glasses, headlamp, gloves, light outer-layers, dryfit shirts and undergarments

Sunblock, bug spray, iodine tablets, advil

There are some items you must buy. Boots and clothes, accessories, and non-reusable items like sunblock are final purchases. The best way to get these pieces is to shop clearance and sale in local stores so you can try things on for correct fit:

REI (nation-wide)

Adventure 16 (Southern CA)

Other items, such as water filters, hydration systems, backpacks, and hiking poles can often be rented. While local retail stores (above) offer rentals, there several online rental stores that ship nationwide for a minimal cost and an overall total that is a fraction of what it would cost to actually buy such items:

 Lowergear:

Order items for a duration of time (3 days to one month). Pay for shipping and length of rental – ships anywhere in the U.S. Owner Dallas Shewmaker is an avid outdoorsman who started lowergear.com for the exact reason we use it – why buy for a  one-off hike or camp when you can rent? User-friendly and full of advice, Dallas and his team are the epitome of customer service and care.

Sample price: (hiking poles) = $33/MONTH (retail price is over $33 EACH)

Adventure 16

Combo store (retail and rental) you can buy your non-refundables and rent items like poles all in one stop.  Also hosts monthly events by experienced trekking employees  to discuss anything from topography to weather to gear.

Sample price: (hiking poles) = $5/first night and $2/every night after (must pick up and return to store)

I ended up borrowing a backpack and filter from friends, renting poles, and buying everything else. I probably spent a total of $180 on gear and clothes, which would have been closer to $300+ if I had actually bought everything I needed.  And yes, we made it to the summit of Mt Whitney – and you can too (or any of the sister mountains) without spending too much out-of-pocket.

Mt Whitney Summit

Skeleton School - Lake Placid

Skeleton School

Olympic Development Center

Lake Placid, NY

Type: Adventure

Category: Thrills

Company: Crazy, crazy friends

Cost: $1000, plus transportation

Getting off the couch and doing anything, be it as simple as enjoying a new restaurant (try Umami Burger ), or stepping it up a notch and jumping out of a perfectly good airplane, is always a positive.  But sometimes there is a stronger pull to commit to something more extreme (or suicidal, depending on who you ask).  Not content with enjoying the warm weather sports that LA has to offer, I stepped up and flew across the country, took a train and a shuttle and ended up in freezing Lake Placid, NY.  Why?  To throw myself headfirst down an ice track at 60 MPH, wearing nothing but a helmet and spandex.  Most call it crazy, but the technical term is Skeleton, and it is fucking awesome.

Look at all the protection I'm wearing

When talking about what has been deemed “one of, if not THE craziest Olympic sport”, most people have no clue what it is.  Most conversations start with mentioning Bobsled (“Yes, like that movie from the 90’s”), and then progressing to Luge (feet first), and finally to Skeleton.  Then the next question is “Why?”  But I view it as Why not?  Skeleton is basically the worlds best slip n slide/roller coaster, only you have (limited) control.  Our Olympic Training Center allows idiots like myself to sign up for a week long development program for $900 (+ track membership fees).  

OTC Tip: When doing something that may be deemed "insane and a waste of money", wait to tell your loved ones til AFTER you pay the non-refundable deposit.

I assumed there would be a decent mix of other like-minded athletes, there to enjoy a week of heart-stopping thrills.  Yet again, my assumptions couldn't have been more off; aside from my buddy who joined me, everyone there was in one stage or another of actually trying to make the US team.  Or to put it another way: we were the only assholes there screwing around.  Luckily, everyone else thought we were even crazier than them, for using our yearly vacation time on Skeleton.  Although definite outsiders, we were nonetheless treated very well by everyone we came across. 
To start, the coach put us halfway down the track, had us assume the correct position (neck and head hanging over the edge of the sled, legs straight, thumbs hooked on the narrow saddle) and got us started with a push.  Hitting speeds around 35mph, I was somewhat disappointed.  Where was the blur of speed?  The panic of not being able to think?  Was this all for naught?



Boy, was I friggin wrong.  On day two we moved up higher off the track, and the speeds practically doubled (we reached a max of about 60 mph).  The first few runs were a complete blur of just trying to pinpoint which turns were coming up next.  But over the course of the week, I was able to anticipate turns, and set up the correct lines in and out of the major turns.

Skeleton at night is actually beautiful

In terms of danger, Skeleton isn't THAT bad (luge is actually much worse, for the record).  Our entire group walked away with some decent ice burns (right through the spandex), but nothing serious happened.  Like all sports, there is always the risk of major injury, but that's half the fun.

OTC Fun Fact: Sliders are limited to 2 or 3 runs max each day, because the human neck can't handle that much G-Force (forces can reach 5 Gs)

Will I make the Olympic Team?  Not a chance (plus I would have to move to Lake Placid, and "Off The Couch LP" wouldn't attract much attention).  But this was more about the overall experience of finding a unique adventure and finding a way to make it happen.  I know not everyone has the time nor means to take a week off of work and fly across the country, but sometimes you just need to toss yourself outside your normal element and conquer something new.  And crazy.