Two Harbors, Catalina Island

The afternoon heat ricochets off of the red, iron rich soil.  Trapped by the brim of my hat, it creates rivulets of sweat that meander down my face, my arms, my entire body.  On this ridge, the scrub oak trees offer shade sparingly and it is only when we find some that we stop to catch our breath and I remove my backpack, letting my shirt fall off of my shoulders to revel in the slightest breeze.  We are on the steep incline of Silver Peak trail.  As we reach for our water bottles we admire the territorial views at 1500 feet; the fog entrapping the peaks to the south, the anchorages below.

 

When we think that we’re at the top, we dig deep and find renewed energy.  We have a spring in our step as we turn a hairpin corner just to find the steep road continues up.  We spot a signpost directing us to Water Tank road.  We take the turn to the north.  Glad to be walking in a different direction, it feels like we’re getting somewhere.  Shortly, we arrive at Goat Trail/Lions Head junction.  The wide road becomes a skinny trail bordered with pear cacti.  Used by deer, it clings to the side of the island winding its way down to the main, unpacked dirt road.  We walk the perimeter from Cherry Cove to Two Harbors watching the exodus of weekend boats returning to the mainland just 20 miles from this Gilligan’s island retreat.  The road deposits us on the beach in front of the bar 3-1/2 hours after we departed.  We are hot, tired, salt encrusted and oh so very happy to have made the climb; after all, a refreshing Margarita and a swim in the warm, crystal clear water await us.