#trans-catalina trail

[magicbeanbuyr]

A spot to rest along the Trans-Catalina trail

[ultralowoxygen]

gold, mine | catalina island by vctr.rvra Via Flickr: Somewhere along the Trans Catalina Trail _ Canon Sureshot 90uii 35mm point-and-shoot; expired Fujifilm Fujicolor 200

[aformerghost]

40 miles, 4 days, 1,000+ft elevation, I backpacked an entire fucking island. No one can hold a candle to my flame right now.

[placeswordsdreams]

Trans-Catalina Trail, Catalina Island, California

[wanderingchardonnay]

Inspirational Tourist Trap

Waking up in my tent I felt the familiar pit in my stomach like before every backcountry hiking trip. But this was kinda different. I can’t do this. I’m not sure I want to do this, what if something goes wrong, breaks, hurts……When did I become this person. Oh yeah it came with my cancer diagnosis. Side effects: Fear and self-doubt. But I’m getting ahead of myself. After my surgery I didn’t do…

[runawaymusbus]

light of TCT - day three

light of TCT - day three

I awoke before the rest of the family and found my way stumbling out into the brisk winter air. I walked in eerie darkness as Christmas lights from the close two harbor homes gave color to the black.

I stood staring at the outline of seals who called to each other on the sea boulders. Back and forth they barked as my neck tingled up my spine. I looked to the tent where the ones I love laid breathing in heavy sleeps. My body ached but not from soreness. Not from exhaustion of muscles.

No my body ached because it knew.

It knew a storm was brewing.

The clouds pounding inside the smallest’s mind.

Today was Christmas.

And my body knew.

And I knew.

And I knew he was not going to be alright today.

He was not going to be alright today.

Soon enough the repeat of last morning began. Head lamps clicked on as I addressed the ankle biters and the tall one addressed our gear. Buckets spoke in rapid excitement attempting to find her bald eagle friend in the dark we saw the day prior. She wiggled begging to borrow my only light. I shhed her in my mother warning tone as I placed their boots beside them respectively to put on. Monkey was silent as he began to struggle and fight with placing his worn black foot on.

His face darkened as his forehead wrinkled. The pressure of hatred filled the air. I stopped him with one quick hand grab. The waters pushing against his broken bridge I stopped him on the brink of breaking.

‘That’s the wrong foot’ I delivered as emotionless as I could muster. All my training teaching to not react. Stay as calm as possible. No highs or lows just flatline when he is in his episodes. You see to any other child this is a nothing miss step. A silly oops. But not to monkey. No when he switches left foot for right foot shoe it is a decided choice to signal a fire about to explode. His already deep brown eyes morphed completely to black as the whites disappeared. He was in his shell. I shuddered as I walked away to give space. We both needed space as my own passion of emotions threatened to make a bad situation worse so I walked away.

This version of my beloved is always hard to swallow.

We made our way up and out. Leaving the two kissing harbors behind as we reached the hardest part of the trail. Steep muddy inclines lay ahead as I swore while I barley kept my two feet flat on the ground. The pack’s form offsetting my weights balance and I clung to the tall one as I declared the ankle biters must fend for themselves.

They are young I argued. I am notorious for breaking when I fall. I have rods and screws and multiple breaks as evidence.

They fell.

We slipped.

I dug my nails in the tall one.

They fell some more.

I hunched over and declared the family just leave me because - god help me - this incline down and this back pack half my weight was not a combination of success.

Leave me here.

I quit.

Yet somehow even with my famous leave me in the wilderness to die declarations. Even with monkeys quiet sunken gaze. We laughed as we came upon the most beautiful camp site my eyes had pondered. The sea kissed the walls as the sky blazed blue. Mid morning we reached parsons landing in one piece on this Christmas miracle day. It welcomes us home in beauty.

‘Let’s keep going’ I smiled as we placed our weary packs in the lockers. Parsons landing was the end of the trans catalina trail but the day was still young and the official end of catalina was miles further in the luxury of senses that was starlight beach. He sighed and smiled and once again we ventured. This leg without our gear and sandwiches and candy stuffed in our pockets.

The walk there was easy without the packs on our shoulders. But even as the sea waves white cusps of hellos below us a storm brewed darkly within monkey. He was quiet to our chatter. He refused to answer any questions. And he fell behind our long leg clan. As he slumped within his frame behind the tall one reached down to grab his hand in assistance - a action money hated with vengeance in his need to be independent - and all the sadness within him exploded. His screams filled the world as my own tired anger punched my stomach. I looked to the tall one biting my tongue in frustration. The mix of sweat, tiredness, resentfulness and annoyance tempted fates of peace.

As monkey cried we walked.

As monkey screamed we scrambled off path to cliffs overlooking the sea.

As monkey gauged on his own spit we pretended to be foxes and leaped.

As monkey wailed we reached starlight beach to scramble up the rocks to sit watching surreal beauty surrounding us.

We sat exhausted psychically as lunch was slowly taken out from pockets of sweaters. I wordlessly sat the snot and tear mix of mess monkey on my lap and presented him with food. He fingered it wordless refusing to eat. I talked of nothing important. Pretending he was the monkey he was yesterday. The monkey he was a couple years prior before the last big separation. The happy, carefree monkey. Not this shell that returned to us afraid of what may be and angry of what it was. I talked of rocks and clouds. Of counting seals and seagulls. My monologue of nothing to a wall of a audience.

As I chattered without ceasing slowly he started to take bites. As I filled the air with words attempting to push out the tension he chewed. And then a soft voice whispered ‘look’ as a wave crashed beneath him. He buried himself deeper in my lap as tension released and love filled. And I sighed.

We were ok. We were ok.

Eventually we crawled our way back to the campsite to roast marshmallows and our Christmas dinner of ramen noodles. Monkey against firm warnings got soaked in the icy sea which began anther cycle of terror as we stripped his wet jeans from him and laid him in the tent where he passed out still whimpering.

Tomorrow will be better I assured the tall one and buckets as we sat shadows by the camp fire.

Today is Christmas I reasoned.

He is confused I explained.

He is tired I comforted.

He is scared I convinced myself.

A collective sigh filled the sky as the sun set and we all crawled in the tent to collapse to much welcomed sleep.

Day three completed. 15 Miles. 48.5 Miles total.

[tannertravelslife]

How we hiked the Trans-Catalina Trail

Day 1 - Long Beach -> Avalon -> Black Jack

 Total Mileage- 13.8

 Trail Miles - 10.7

  Time - 5 hours

We took the 6AM Catalina Express ferry from the Long Beach port, which costs $34.50 per person. While researching online, we found that a new Trailhead center had recently opened, and that we would need to stop there to get our permits. We also read that we could arrange for firewood and water to be positioned for us at our first stop, the Black Jack campgrounds. The trails have a system wherein you are given a key to a lockbox, into which water and firewood can be placed so you don’t need to pack it in. In theory, very convenient. In practice, less convenient, at least in our case. We walked around Avalon for the better half of 90 minutes trying to find the person we needed to talk to to get this firewood and water. The woman working at the Conservancy told us we needed to call the Island Company. The locals told us we needed to go to the Conservancy. After a while of fruitless effort, we said “F*ck it” and started heading towards the head of the trail.

We walked past Catalina’s Nature Center around mile 2, and a very nice lady there told us there would be a place to refill our water 6 miles into our hike.  She also told us there would be potable water at the Black Jack campground. As for firewood, due to high winds and dry conditions, there was currently a fire ban in effect, so a campfire of any kind was out of the question. Feeling reassured and confident, we continued on the first leg of our hike. In retrospect, we wasted time in Avalon for no reason. A bit of preparation and scouting of current conditions (maybe calling the Island Company ahead of time) would have saved us some effort. 

This first leg of the hike starts off on some switchbacks headed up the mountain, and then stays around 1,200’ for the remainder of the day. If you choose to hike the Trans-Catalina, you will be treated with some unique landscapes, awe-inspiring vistas, and will at some point enter the “playpen” through a large set of gates. Any time you are in this gated area, you are in bison country, and can encounter them roaming free. Obviously not a native species to the island, the bison were introduced in true California fashion: for a movie backdrop in the 1920s. The size of the herd is managed artificially (small islands aren’t meant for big hoofed mammals), and the gates simply control the range of the bison population. Make sure you stay at least 50 feet away from these animals! They are beautiful but can be dangerous. We left the 2 mile trail marker at 9:00AM, and hit Black Jack around 2:00PM, making for about 5 hours of hiking. There are multiple rest stop stations and places to fill up on water during this section of the hike. We settled in at Black Jack with our sleeping pads, pillows, and sleeping bags. We opted to really rough it and hike without tents, but were comfortable in our sleeping bags, even without a fire. 

Day 2 - Black Jack -> Two Harbors

Total Mileage - 16.2

 Trail Mileage -  13.5

 Time- 7 hours

This was my favorite day of the trip, but also in my opinion the hardest. Some people choose to stop and spend the night in Little Harbor campground, which is about 9 miles from Black Jack. Little Harbor is a beautiful option on the exposed pacific side, with a clear sandy beach and lots of palm trees. We stopped here to eat lunch and check out the ocean, but know that if you choose to camp here you will need to be prepared for the wind coming off the sea.

This leg contained the most mileage traveled and the most diverse landscape of the entire trip. You start the day walking past the Airport in the Sky (mile 12.75), which is as the name suggests Catalina’s own airport. We personally decided to keep hiking, but I would highly recommend taking a load off and checking it out. They have amenities and a full restaurant, for both those staying grounded and those heading for the air. Their hours are seasonally variable like many of the places on the island-- 8AM-7PM from April to October, and 8AM-5PM the rest of the year. After passing Airport in the Sky we continued to Little Harbor campground. We had a sip of coffee and a quick moment to relax, then pushed on towards towards Two Harbors. This was probably my favorite experience of the trip. The rawness on both sides, the way the cliffs dropped down to the ocean below, and the overcast conditions made it for a Lord of the Rings-like experience. I was my own Aragorn; I felt like we were transported to another universe for this section. We came back to Earth in Two Harbors, at a restaurant in town. The campsite itself is located about a quarter mile past the small village. There are fewer than 100 residents living permanently in Two Harbors, but they’re well-stocked for the hikers which pass through. You can check in at the information desk and get yourself situated. Don’t forget to hit the general store for a well deserved snack after a long day on the trail. 

Day 3 - Two Harbors -> Parsons Landing

Total Mileage - 7.8

Trail Mileage - 6.6

 Time - 4 hours

Day 3 will bring you to the highest elevation of the trip, 1,600’ above sea-level. It is an extremely steep ascent with an even steeper descent. You must check in at the information desk for this final chunk of the trek to get your firewood and water dropped at Parsons Landing, as there is no potable water or amenities to speak of. The trail kindly sends someone once a day to drop supplies for hikers, so you’ll be good as long as you stop at the information desk. On my way down from the peak, I was sliding on my pockets down what seemed like a giant gravel slide. We got into Parsons Landing around 12:30, and at that time of day the kelp flies were nearly unbearable. Not wanting to walk any more cliffs, we tried staying in the water to beat the bugs as best we could. The tide was a bit aggressive and there were a lot of sharp rocks in the water, which made it a tossup between being eaten by insects or smashed against the crags. When our water showed up around 3:00 PM, we decided to take our bets with the flies. Thankfully, they eventually went away at sundown and we could finally sit comfortably. We slept here for the night.

Day 4 - Parsons Landing -> Two Harbors

 Total Mileage - 10.6

 Trail Mileage -  7.7

 Time - 3 hours

The last leg of the trip begins with a small trail that leads somewhat anticlimactically to a road. Follow that road at a gradual descent all the way back to Two Harbors, and there you have it, you’ve reached the end of the TCT. You wind past a few kids camps and some pleasant views on this final, leisurely day.

During the main hiking season, you can catch a ferry from Two Harbors back to San Pedro. Unfortunately, we were hiking during the off season. Again, this is where some forethought and planning will do you good. Having neither the time nor energy to hike all the way back to Avalon, we instead took the town taxi across the island. This cost us each an additional 94 dollars. Though we were both out some cash, it was funny to see the same scenery which took us four days of sweat to conquer, passing idly by the window of a taxi in just two hours. Feeling accomplished, exhausted, sweaty, and in dire need of a shower, we took the ferry from Avalon back to Long Beach. 

To watch our recap video, click here !! 

Check out Grant’s Photo series from the trip - HERE

[nataliatakesnyc]

Not everyone can say they’ve been to the Big Apple, but  [ NATALIA CASTANEDA ], a [ 27 ] year-old [ TRANS FEMALE ] has lived in [ BROOKLYN ] for [ 24 HOURS ]. This is the city of dreams and [ SHE ] knows it, because they came to NYC to be an [ LAWYER ]. Well, that and as an [ SISTER ] to [ CAMILA CASTANEDA ]. Living in the city means they meet all kinds of people, but everyone always seems to think they look like [ ZION MORENO ]. They even got away with free cab fare once because of it!

— general information !

full name: Natalia Celeste Castaneda.

nickname(s): Nat. 

age: Twenty-seven.

date of birth: December 28th.

place of birth: Cartagena, Colombia.

ethnicity: Mexican. 

gender: Trans female. 

pronouns: She/Her. 

sexual/romantic orientation: Bisexual / Biromantic.

— physical appearance !

hair color: Dark brown.

eye color: Dark brown.

height: 5'10"

tattoos: Lily flowers and leaves over her right thigh and onto her hip. 

piercings: Several in both ears: two in both lobes, one in upper lobe in both ears, daith in right ear, helix in both ears, conch in left ear.

scars: None. 

— health !

sleeping habits: She tends to work too hard and stay up too late, waking up far too early. She is trying to be better about it, trying to make sure she is in bed by 11pm or 12am and up by 7 or 8 am. Sometimes 9-10am if she lets herself sleep in!

exercise habits: Not super exercise forward. She tries to go running once or twice a week, sometimes hiking, but nothing too labor intensive. 

addictions: None.

drug use: No.

alcohol use: Occasionally, whether it’s a night out with friends or coworkers. A social drinker more than anything. 

— favorites !

weather: Sunny. 

color: Pink. 

beverage: Iced vanilla latte. 

food: Glazed donuts. 

animal: Any breed of cats. 

— family !

parent(s): Catalina Castaneda & Arturo Castaneda.

sibling(s): Camila Castaneda, Alejandro Castaneda.

spouse: None.

children: None.

pet(s): None.

Natalia Castaneda was the baby of the Castaneda children, born in Cartagena, Columbia. She was a fairly happy child, constantly trailing after her siblings and always far too eager to spend time with them. She was always interested in the work that her father was doing, a lawyer and a good one at that. The man always seemed so strict and firm to everyone else, but was a huge teddy bear to the family he cared so deeply for. Assigned male at birth, Natalia was considered her father’s mini me for the longest time. Her personality far too similar to the man’s in her tendency to work far too hard and have a stand-off-ish aura to those who didn’t know her well. She would always stand up for those who needed it, for those who she cared deeply for. She even wanted to pursue the same career in law, set on getting the best grades possible. 

It wasn’t until around age thirteen that Natalia got the courage to come to her family with the information that she was a woman and had felt this way for ages. She wanted to be addressed as the name Natalia and referred to as the young woman she was. Her family was immediately supportive, the way they supported her only made her already deep love for them all grow. She had no doubts that they would do whatever made her the most comfortable and happy in her own skin. Over the process of a few years, Natalia transitioned. Different clothes, a name that felt utterly her, and becoming more comfortable in who she had always been.

After high school, Natalia attended college with the intent to go into law. She made the move to Bogotá, Colombia. She attended university there, graduated undergrad completing a bachelor in law before moving onto going back to school for a Masters in law. After finishing school, Natalia felt she was at a stand still. Unsure of what exactly to do, the young woman moved back home to Cartagena. She decided to intern at the office her father worked at, happy to get some experience underneath her belt.

Natalia has always been extremely close to both her siblings, telling them everything and them telling her everything in return. She’s always looked up to Camila in particular, seeing how she saw what she wanted to do and went after it. She missed her immensely while living in Colombia, making the decision to start applying for positions in New York City to be able to live near her sister. It was something that she didn’t particularly enjoy doing in lying slash keeping things from her sister, but she wanted to surprise the woman. It took awhile before finally Natalia was able to score a job as a lawyer in a firm in the city.

Packing up all her things and her life in Colombia, Natalia headed to the city after she was able to find an apartment in Brooklyn. Arriving at the city, Natalia now is beginning her life in New York City.  

[new--tomorrows]

Trail's end at Starlight Beach on Santa Catalina Island, 12 June 2016.

[jackson-falahee]

jackfalahee: Completely no filter from the Trans Catalina Trail a while back. Look at that sky.

[svtriteia]

Season 7 : Episode #147 : Enjoying the anchorage at Cat Harbor Hello Friends, After Camille and Mister Steady's hike on the Trans-Catalina Trail she was ready for some food prepared by someone else (and steady was ready for a long nap). We made our way ashore with the help of our new to us 1973 Johnson 2-stroke outboard (who served us brilliantly the entire time we were on the island). This is the first trip we have ever done with a "reliable" outboard for the dinghy and boy what a dream it is!!!! After enjoying some grub at Two Harbors we made our way back to Triteia while watching lots of "Mullet" fish jumping out of the water. As the sun was setting an older gentleman in a small sailboat came sailing slowly into the bay. We chatted boat to boat as he sailed and made his way up near the dinghy dock and anchored! 

Love  James and Camille 

[theadventuresofzarradekumori]

🏔 Had a blast on Catalina Island for my birthday 🎂Best birthday yet! Spent it with this handsome man of mine, @rhiannicholson. . . 🛳 Thank you @catalinaexpress for digging through your trash and by some miracle finding our patches, memento, we purchased from the island! 🌴 . . . 🐠 We hope to go back soon to experience our first backpacking trip across the Trans Catalina Trail. 😍 . . . . #hiking_daily #hikingboots #hiking🌲 #hiking👣 #hiking_hobby #hikingshoes #hikingboots #hikingtrail #hikinglife #hikingaddict #hikingfun #hikinggirl #hikinglovers #hikingtrails #hikingday #hikingwithfriends #womenwhohike #hikingwithdogs #hikewithdogs #dogfriendlyhiking #dogfriendlyhikes #travel2019 #2019Travel #2019Hiking #hiking2019 #explore2019 #2019exploring #traveller #fitnessandtravel #womenwholift (at Avalon, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxFtzUVgqWN/?igshid=72ze2l6ps47v

[elliotbabin]

Hiking the Trans Catalina Trail was a beautiful and humbling experience. Walked 40 miles with 17,000 feet of elevation change, saw lots of bison/foxes and had real good company (at Trans-Catalina Trail) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQnLg5A1Dm/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15bjn2e1ls3jy

[icarusdusoleil]

One of my goals for this year is to take a week long vacation. I haven’t had a real, honest, seven day long vacation in... gosh I wanna say 5 years? Taking a vacation and traveling has always been really important for my family and something we did often when I was growing up. I miss it.

I know I’m going to take a few days off work for Fanime in May... but I think I’m going to try to do the week long vacation in the fall. Like October maybe? I think it would be fun to do a vacation around my birthday.

Not sure where I want to go though... I’d love to go to Fort Bragg because that’s one of my favourite places. But maybe I wanna look up some stuff in northern California because I love huge redwoods. Then again... I’ve really been wanting to backpack the Trans-Catalina Island trail. Idk I gotta think about it and see what I can afford this year.

sighhh

[placeswordsdreams]

Trans-Catalina Trail, Catalina Islands, California

[halfwayanywhere]

Trans-Catalina Trail Backpacking Guide

Trans-Catalina Trail Backpacking Guide