Hi Guys,

Looking for some adventure seekers in planning and executing a Catalina Island crossing this summer.

My original plan was to freight over my Hobie PA14, ferry over, pickup yak and fish, camp and then reverse the process. The freighter travels over night and doesn't operate on Sundays and only drops off on Saturdays. This created some logistically problems and extended the trip on the front and back end.

Further research has shown that a kayak crossing is indeed possible, especially in a pedal powered yak. I've already been in training by doing extended kayak outings (8+ hrs pedaling) here in Lake Mead (yup, I'm in Henderson NV)

I'm interested in doing a 4 day trip. 1 day to get there, set up camp and rest, 2 days fish, 1 day to get back (I'll probably need a day to rest before driving back)

I just purchased a sail (I have hobie kayak sailing experience from before), but would have no problem just pedaling to stay with a group.

This would be an affordable adventure if you considered the costs of parking (ferry terminal) and primitive camping on Catalina Island (approx $200 ttl).

I'm also pretty flexible since I'm self employed.

Anyway - here's to dreams and dreamers and a toast on Catalina Island
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~Elric

Hi there NorCal Brothers - It's me, a blast from the past! Anyway, I wanted to extend an invitation to anyone interested in making this epic trip. I know Chet has already done this on an Adventure AI, but it can be done on a paddle kayak - research it yourself. The details of this trip is on Big Water's Edge - shooting for mid May, early June - better weather and before tourism season when it might be tough to get a camping site. Let me know if you're down to go!

I just saw this movie today and I'm going to have to buck against the general consensus. I saw nothing crafty about about this storyline and the reason why it was so long was because they had to do some very creative editing to put anything together like a cohesive movie. There's just too many obvious holes in this movie - IMHO.
You want something that'll blow your mind, see Fight Club, Momento, The Butterfly Effect, The Usual Suspects and Johnnie Darko.
I saw it in IMAX and wasn't impressed, so before YOU spend $50+ after snacks, maybe you should be forewarned.

Great Battle Jim - Stood up for ya in the comments section!

Sending positive vibes and a prayer to the heavens for you! Still looking forward to your adventure in Alaska!

 

Anyone else see the Discovery Channel show - Swords: Life on the Line?

It's a commercial fishing series just like the crab fisherman series in Alaska. I just stumbled across it and saw them tossing back "rats" - baby swords - "too small for market". These guys were tossing back these carcasses back in the ocean like trash. Oh, they did show, one live "rat" that they released. After the commercial break, they showcase a different boat who pull up nothing but blue sharks "blue dogs" who are screwing up their gear by spinning in the lines. The narrator goes to say by noon, they caught 500 sharks, but only 10 swords, and at $5 per hook, equipment costs add up - WTF!

Are we to feel sorry for these guys if one of them goes overboard? Is this a conspiracy by the Discovery Channel to get long line fishermen banned? If it is, they're doing one helluva job.

Is this the same place as Point Bonita just outside the Golden Gate, by the lighthouse? I have fond memories fishing off the old coast guard pier just under the lighthouse. You have a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge to your left and are protected from any winds by the high bluff behind you.
I don't recall any signs prohibiting fishing there, but the trail down was pretty steep, so much so, if you lost your footing - you'd be in a world of hurt. There were tide pools there where you could keep your fish alive and your drinks cold!
The fishing there was ok, as access was limited by your dexterity and foolhardiness. I've caught rockfish, greenling, cabbies, but mostly it was the perch. There are some pilings there that would cough up a few fish on a good day.
This area was a gem for a city dweller who needed to get a fix in a pinch and get out of the city. I'm sorry to hear that they are cracking down on the area, maybe because of the dangers getting there or the MPA, either way, its a lost.
This was truly a place where you could relax with your friends with minimal hassle, hope to catch fish, get treated to a spectacular view of the City and the Bridge, watch the boats go past and get home (SF) in 45 mins.

Brings back great memories...
Do they still have the ring on the hook game at bar?
Does the yak fleet have any hobies?