Catalina: Part 3 (the end)

5.03.2013

Lately, I've been examining my life and myself pretty closely (I don't know why I said 'lately' as I over-analyze on the regular). I've been trying to be in touch with the things that truly make me happy - things I want to do because they make my heart full, they bring me peace, and make me feel like myself.  I'm not quite sure if it's that the weather is warming up, but I want to be outside all the time.  Growing up less than a mile from the beach, having sand between my toes just feels right.

There was a moment, on the boat to Avalon, where my heart swelled with happiness (Prestyn has captured this in an Instagram which exudes joy).  Being on the water, with a friend that I love so much...it was hard to imagine a peace that felt better than that.  Although my trip was short, it was restorative.  It brought things into focus because I wasn't being pulled in a million directions from work and other obligations.  I know what I want - I want to hike, I want to play in the waves at the beach, I want to read, take pictures, eat fabulous meals, and laugh and discuss every part of life with my friends.  I want to be connected to music, I want to write, I want to find balance.

This week and in the upcoming weeks, when I have a hard moment (which seems plentiful these days, life is stress city), I will think back to the beach.  To the Garibaldis in the cove when snorkeling.  To the sea lions playing as I paddle boarded.  To the millions of blues that the ocean and sky provided.  I will see you again in a few weeks, Catalina - and I can't wait!

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Morgan + Kyle
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Morgan wouldn't let go of my hand for the picture, so cute
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our snorkeling spot
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the cross
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taking a boat to my express boat in Avalon
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joy
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I want this in my life
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rainbows follow beauty
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photo by Jordan...our goodbye :(
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I like pictures of the USA flag in the breeze, ok?
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a very short visit
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watching the sun lower in the sky was breathtaking
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you're welcome
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a casino turned schmancy movie theater
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Goodbye, Catalina

Catalina: Part 2

5.02.2013

Life here is a poem.  You can hardly tell where the ocean meets the sky, everything is such a dazzling color of blue (and it really makes you understand why Catalina's airport is called 'The Airport in the Sky" - high above the clouds, you feel like you're on Mount Olympus).  I was constantly in awe of the fresh air, the gorgeous views, and the endemic wildlife.  I was very sad to leave (so sad in fact that after only being there for a couple hours on Friday, Prestyn and I headed straight to her computer so I could book a later boat on Sunday and spend an additional 7 hours there). Below are more photos from our 10 mile hike and some shenanigans involving the touch tank.

Also - I'm ridiculous and I have ANOTHER post about Catalina to follow this because I took 985 total pictures because I obviously have a problem.

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every thistle was covered in spider webs and I thought it was weirdly awesome
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road leading to the airport
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almost there...
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the squirrels are endemic to the island and HUGE
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two of my favorite things: hiking + Hangar 24 orange wheat
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a super cool tile map of the island
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Prestyn and her doppelganger
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yes, we just walked up to strangers planes and no one stopped up
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this succulent is a Live Forever and is endemic to the island
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I obviously like taking pictures of signs
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this unguarded tractor had the keys in it, I was very tempted...
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the sky blends into the ocean
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a fox! one of the 3 I saw there
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Prestyn and the ever adorable Morgan
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spotting foxes didn't get any less exciting
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showing Morgan an octopus
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the cross: a steep hike I hope to make next time
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watching the kids load up on the boat from the dining hall
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the waterfront
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taking a walk on the pier with Morgan
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