Two Harbors, Santa Catalina Island
Only 11NM north of Avalon Harbor but a world apart. Two Harbors is situated on an isthmus between the aptly named Isthmus Cove and Catalina Harbor. This location is less about restaurants, bars and historical Catalina and more about camping, hiking, biking, scuba and other water sports. Larry is grinding up the trails with his mountain bike while I explore them at a slow jog. It truly is a gorgeous spot with so much to offer the outdoor enthusiast. I will supply a word to the wise; if you wish to visit Isthmus Cove, be sure to bring a boat that is smaller than 59 feet. That way you can get a mooring ball near the wall (or cliff face) and try to hide from the constant wakes that the harbors’ own patrol, ferries and lifeguard boats (not too mention the rude boaters) constantly generate within the confines of the harbor. If I ever come back to this area I will be sure to avoid Isthmus Cove and head for the shelter of Cherry Cove Harbor instead.
Isthmus Cove mooring field at Two Harbors
On the isthmus of Two Harbors looking out toward Catalina Harbor and the Pacific beyond
The Isthmus Yacht Club…again, nonreciprocal
Isthmus Harbor
West End Road trail with the Independence in the background
Fourth of July Cove with the Independence way in the distance
Most of the island trails are protected and maintained by the Catalina Island Conservancy courtesy of the Wrigley family
The continual struggle of the ecologist…
Yes, they are out there…
During Larry’s mountain bike ride he came upon this adult male bison (approx. 1800 pounds!). He may look like he is in a coral but he’s not and I’m very glad that Larry didn’t get any closer. This male is a descendant of the fourteen bison that were originally brought to Catalina for a film in 1924. Evidently, they were left on the island after their close-ups and the herd eventually swelled to 600 animals. The Catalina Island Conservancy took matters into their own hands and through ‘non-hormonal contraceptives’ (I have no idea what that means) now have the herd down to a manageable 150 bison.
Catalina Harbor on the western side of the isthmus and the now the defunct Ballast Yacht club (center of photo)…oh well…it was probably nonreciprocal
The mini ‘ice plant’ succulent that is found along the trails
Today we hike. Straight up from Catalina Harbor, like mountain goats, 1,000 feet to the ridge line and the fog.
A little sweaty but worth it for the views
One thousand feet above sea level you get a feeling for the isthmus and the harbor configuration
With a rare calm water day we take a tender ride around Land’s End, the northernmost point of Santa Catalina Island.
Last evening at Two Harbors