Living the Dream Along the Trans Catalina Island Trail

Tears of joy rolled down my cheeks and I said out loud, “That's it. That is why I am doing this.”

The revelation of why I was there came about day three along the Trans Catalina Island Trail (TCT). As usually happens on a retreat, I entered this one wondering why I was doing it. Something within me pulled me there for reason. I missed the California coast and it's incredible ocean waves and wanted to see the beauty and wonders of Catalina Island. As a strong, powerful, determined, healthy, happy woman, I knew I could do hard things. My goal was to find the magic and wonder, mystery and intrigue, of Catalina Island. I planned to look for that wonder around every corner, plant, rock, and cloud. I intended to let nature guide the way, listen to my intuition, and find peace and joy among the challenges.

I started training for this hike in March immediately after signing up. This was my fifth retreat with Bigger Life Adventures, and I knew it would be a difficult hike across Catalina Island, sleeping four nights in a tent along the way. Carrie sent me a sample training plan, and I quickly worked to create my own. After long hours on the treadmill at steep inclines, local hikes up and down the Illinois River valley hills, intense yoga asana and mindfulness work, and physical therapy for my newly identified moderate scoliosis, I was ready. I flew to Los Angelos, stayed in a hotel near the Catalina Express ferry in San Pedro, and was well rested and ready to begin my adventure. 

Day 1, May 14, 2026. “I did it! I hiked the first day well and I am so proud of my accomplishment. I feel good.”

Figure 1. Day 1 hiking the Trans Catalina Trail.

Day one began with a short Uber ride to the ferry where I found Carrie and Zach by their car. There were eight people in our group: Carrie and Zach from Bigger Life Adventures and their helper Magan, as well as Quinn, Colleen, Dan, Betsi, and me. We caught the ferry about 8:30 a.m. The ferry boat went slow until they got out of the bay and then it picked up speed. Dolphins jumped alongside the boat during our 75-minute ride to Catalina Island. After docking in Avalon, we got our bags and helped unload all the supplies, taking it all to a gear haul truck. Aaron transported our gear from campsite to campsite across the island so all we had to carry while hiking was a day pack. 

Figure 2. Gear haul truck (picture from day 4).

The first part of our hike was through town, about a mile, then we turned onto the trail. This was the part I was worried about. It goes up 1,700 feet for 1.5 miles. I found it was much easier than expected. I didn't get my usual breathlessness at the beginning of hiking. Plants lined the trail and many were starting to bloom. At the top of the hill was a shade structure so we stopped there to eat our lunch that Zach had made us - a vegan chickpea-salad burrito. That, along with a Nuun hydration water, helped revive me for the rest of the day’s hike.

The trail from there was much easier. We walked up and down smaller hills, on the road some, but mostly on narrow foot paths through the vegetation. Occasionally we saw signs of bison. Two big bull bison were at TCT-mile 5 near the playground where we were supposed to get water. They were too close, so we had to wait for the next hydrant. I had enough water but wanted to be sure. I carried two liters in my backpack’s water bladder and another liter in a water bottle. Twice a day I added a Nuun hydration tablet to the water bottle. My daypack also included a raincoat (that I never used), snacks (Cliff bars, trail mix, and granola bars), emergency medicine (that I didn’t use), a 3x5” notebook for journaling along the way, and two handkerchiefs. I kept it as light as possible. 

Figure 3. Watching the bison on our hike to the water source.

I used deep nose breathing on hills and I think it helped. I fell into a steady gate with deep nose breaths every 2-3 breaths. I had researched this prior to hiking and found the extra oxygen helped a lot going uphill. I also was skilled at using my trekking poles, with proper positions going up and down hill. I mostly hiked alone in the middle of the pack, yet I was usually only a few minutes behind the leaders. 

The final climb that day was the hardest. It went right by another big bison that they later called George. I quickened my pace through there, finding a burst of energy to power up that hill. The trail to camp was level but seemed long. Finally, I made it to the campground. I was tired and sore, but very happy with my effort on day one. 

Figure 4. George the bison was close to the trail at the top of a steep hill.

The campground was open and dry, and we couldn’t have a fire there. Our campsite had a few big pines and one large Deodar cedar. It was very cold and chilly there after the sun went down. Every day I got hot hiking on the trail, then cool at night. I wore a sun shirt while hiking and I think it kept me cooler. As soon as I arrived at camp, I set up my tent on the edge by some grasses. I really wanted to crawl in and lay down but knew I needed to stay up a few more hours. I put my camp chair together and sat outside waiting on the others to arrive. 

Figure 5. My tent on night 1 of the TCT.

Supper was great. We had noodles, fried tofu, broccoli, peanut sauce, salad, and Tulsi tea. I ate a bowl full and that was enough. I was cold, sore, and tired. Carrie did a short yoga with Magan, Colleen, and me. We did short stretches, which felt great. I used my yoga towel for yoga. It was almost too light weight on the rocky, sandy surface but still worked well. At one point a wind burst blew Colleen and my towels up and around us at the same time and made us laugh.

Day 1 Stats

• Avalon to Blackjack Campground
• 11 miles; 6 hours; 3,339 feet gain
• “Easier than expected.”

Day 2, Friday May 15, 2026. “What a beautiful morning at Blackjack Camp. I am rested and getting ready for another day of hiking. My impression of my first day and night is that it is much easier than I expected. Today I plan to settle in and saunter. It is a much shorter hike to Little Harbors.”

I slept well my first night on the trail. I went in my tent about 8:30. It was a little cold at first on my legs. I wished that I'd brought my Under Armour pants but instead wrapped my sweatshirt around my legs. I listened to a Calm app sleep story on my iPad and got sleepy. When I turned on brown noise I went immediately to sleep, feeling safe, secure, and happy in my tent. Mark was in an identical tent 2,000 miles away in Arkansas on a moto trip. I was able to text him when I arrived because I had a signal. He was tired too. It gave me peace of mind to hear from him.

Figure 6. Mark's identical tent 2,000 miles away in Arkansas.

I woke early and cleaned up before crawling out of my tent, brushing my teeth and using body wipes to clean up. I had another laugh that morning. I was waiting behind two guys at the water spigot when it malfunctioned and water went everywhere. We all laughed despite the people still sleeping in tents near us. Magan told us to go to the other spigot. I went first and two earwigs came out. Oh well, I refilled my water bottle and water bladder and was ready for the day. 

I started each morning with excellent coffee that Zach made in the French press. A pair of California quail ran past me and were so cute. I ran the Merlin bird app occasionally and added many new birds to my life list. There was so much to analyze in nature there. 

Figure 7. California quail.

We did a few stretches at camp and sang an inspirational chant after an oatmeal breakfast, then hit the trail soon after 8:00 a.m. I walked slower and looked around more. I really liked the trail that day. I walked alone in the middle again and quickly settled into a great saunter, connecting with the majesty around me. The magic of Catalina was strong that morning. Hummingbirds and other birds flew around me. Songbirds sang to me along the trail. In a valley along a narrow trail, there were old California oak trees. I stopped to touch one and it seemed happy to have me there. I thanked it for sharing its space with me. Under the oaks was an island fox. A spotted towhee bird said hello from the branches. Later I touched an opuntia and felt its longevity and patience.

Figure 8. California scrub oak in a valley that gave me inspiration during my TCT hike.

Our first stop was the airport where I ate a breakfast burrito and had hot tea. There was a good phone signal there, so I sent some messages to let family know I was doing well. After that, I sauntered along at my usual pace, alone in the middle, enjoying the vast, sweeping views and occasional glimpses of the ocean.

About 6.5 miles into the day’s hike (TCT mile 17.5), I got tired and my right big toe started to hurt. I stopped to take off my sock but didn't have band aids in my pack to slow the growing blister. I had on the wrong socks, and they didn't wick moisture like the merino wool socks I’d used the day before. 

Figure 9. View when I took a break to check my bad socks and new blister.

At about TCT mile 18 was a shade table, so I sat down to rest. I had just heard a western meadowlark and enjoyed hearing its melodic song. I wrote in my 3x5 notebook, “I am tired and sore. Why was I doing this? Is this some sort of vision quest?” I had a slight headache. However, all along the way the plants called to me when I needed a break or some inspiration. Tiny flowers along the trail begged to be noticed. 

Figure 10. Sand heliotrope along hiking trail.

As I climbed one hill, I started to formulate a song in my head and sang it out loud to myself. It had many versions but mostly went like this. 

• Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking along. 
• Put one foot in front of the other, and you'll see what's around the bend. 
• It's joy, mystery and fun. Let go of fear and doubt. Find magic in nature's bliss.

As I sat at the table, Zach and Betsi came along. I sang them the song, completing my secret mission for the trip and having a good laugh. Soon I was rested, revived, and ready for the final trek to camp.

I made it to Little Harbor Campground about 3:00 p.m. and though tired, set up my tent. It was tucked into a clearing beside large Canary Island date palms. From my little cove I could see more palms and the ocean. Waves rolled in loudly at times, but it looked rather calm. It had been cloudy and overcast all day, which made for very nice hiking conditions. At camp there was a cool breeze. Some of our group went for a swim but I sat in my camp chair to write in my journal, then climbed above for a better view of the area. 

Figure 11. View from my tent on night 2 at Little Harbor Campground.

We had a fun evening at camp. Carrie led us in yin yoga. There were some poses that I couldn't do due to aches and soreness. Sphinx pose was very painful on my lower back. I had my rolled up sleeping bag as a prop to put it under my hips and that helped. Windshield wipers with my legs didn't go as far as usual. The left supine twist hurt my left middle back. 

Zach made tacos with sweet potatoes and beans, and slaw. After supper he lit the campfire and we made smores. Dan kept catching his marshmallow on fire and couldn't seem to blow it out. We laughed and laughed. Zach and Carrie led us in some songs they made up about Catalina Island. I played the guitar and sang “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane”.

I was able to get a message from Mark using my iPhone’s satellite texting. It seemed to work but took a lot of extra effort. 

I pulled a card from the inspirational deck and got the squirrel. There were many on the island and they made large holes in the ground. The card said to be unpredictable, to know where I'm going, but don't always take the direct or planned route. Find the fun and adventurous route instead.

Figure 12. Catalina Island squirrel.

Day 2 Stats

• Blackjack Campground to Little Harbors Campground
• 8 miles; 6 hours (including lunch stop); 1,000 feet gain
• “Got tired about mile 7 (TCT-mile 18).”

Day 3, Saturday May 16, 2026. “Wow! That was a hard day! I did it and I did it well. I finished the harder over the top trail. It wasn't easy.”

I woke up rested on day three, sleeping well again in my little tent. I enjoyed morning coffee in my camp chair, surrounded by the palm trees. This was my favorite campsite of the trip. I watched ocean waves roll into shore with loud thunderous crashes and frothy surf. A house finch sang loudly above Zach and Carrie's tent. The mockingbirds were so prolific and active on the island. I wondered what they were saying to us.

That morning I wasn't sure yet if I was going to do the harder version of the hike or not. The TCT goes up and over Silver Peak, but there was an easier option to walk the road from town to camp after lunch.  We started at Little Harbors camp with breakfast and stretches. I took down my tent, packed everything up and hit the trail to Two Harbors soon after 8 a.m. 

The hike was mostly straight uphill the whole morning. It was gorgeous though walking the ridge along the ocean. It reminded me of being at Big Sur. I felt great during in the morning hike and saw some new plant types including some cacti and yarrow. 

Figure 13. Leaving Little Harbors Campground to climb up the TCT on day 3.

At the top of one hill, I stopped to watch the waves crash into the shore far below me. At that moment I had a revelation. I put my arms out wide and soaked in the Catalina magic. I felt freedom on that ridge. I heard the song “There is So Much Magnificence” by Steve Gold in my head. I thought maybe this was why I was here, to see this view again like I'd pictured in my head so many times listening to that song.

Figure 14. Watching the waves far below as I sang "There is so much magnificence near the ocean."

As I hiked along, I trudged up very steep inclines while ravens flew overhead. They seemed to urge me along. I heard mockingbirds serenade me the entire way giving me such inspiration. I wished that I was a bird to fly up to the top of the next hill. At the top there were misty dense clouds that covered us making the breezes even cooler, though still giving us a clear view of the ocean. It was hard at times to know where the ocean and sky met. They seemed to merge into one with various shades of blue. I saw a water droplet on an opuntia leaf, which was such an oxymoron, yet appropriate for a plant full of so much water.

Figure 15. I climbed to the top of this on day 3. Wow, what a view!

About two miles from town, as I was hiking up a steep road, I had another epiphany. Tears of joy rolled down my cheeks and I said out loud, “That's it. That is why I am doing this.” I realized that I was doing what I've always wanted to do since I was a child. I always wanted to do a cross-country backpacking trip, though I wanted the traditional look of a canvas knapsack, red-laced hiking boots, and wooden hiking staff. I even bought a sleeping bag in high school thinking I'd start a gear collection. Then life happened, societal norms sent me to college and to work, and I got into the grind of “normal” life. People kept telling me I couldn't, shouldn’t, it's too dangerous, it’s not for women, yet I never listened. I have always been a trailblazer, yet I never did the cross-country hike of my dreams - backpacking and camping in a tent along the way, mostly alone. Yes, I was with a group that gave me safety, security, and community, yet I mostly hiked alone and slept in my own tent. I had freedom to be me.

Figure 16. The point on the TCT when I realized why I was there.

We had lunch in the town of Two Harbors. I refilled all my water vessels since there was no water at the camp we were going to. I felt great at lunch so decided to do the harder hike to camp, another seven miles up and down the steepest sections of the TCT. I felt like I had trained so hard for this. I had fretted, planned, researched, questioned, and I knew I needed to do it.

On the way to the big hill, we stopped at a tree swing. I swung high and yelled with glee. By then the sun was intense and there was very little shade going up. I wore my sun shirt and used nose breathing. It was very hard hiking, and I was hot, but I persevered and before I knew it, I was at the top. It was very windy up there. The 360-degree views were incredible. 

Figure 17. View of Two Harbors Isthmus from Silver Peak, the highest point on the island.

The wind continued until we headed back downhill. I’m not sure whether the up or downhill were harder, though I did fall going down. It was a slow-motion fall caused by a big rock. I sat a bit stunned then slid more downhill trying to get up. I was tempted to scoot the whole way down. It was slow going from there. 

Figure 18. Steep road hike from Silver Peak down to Parsons Harbor Campground.

As I entered camp, I stopped at the outhouse then descended into Parsons Landing Campground, which was on the beach. There was a little rock wall to put our tents behind that blocked the wind off the ocean. The waves were strong there. I almost lost my tent in the wind while setting it up. I was reaching for the stakes to secure it when the wind sent it rolling across the beach. Luckily Carrie caught it and Zach helped me stake it down. After securing everything, I walked in the surf to cool my feet, which felt good. I'd given my feet a beating that day. I was sore all over, but I felt good. 

Figure 19. Sunset at Parsons Harbor Campground.

Carrie led us in a yin yoga class that evening, which felt good. Stretching each night and morning really helped the sore muscles and joints. We watched a gorgeous sunset from camp as the big ball of orange dropped into the sea between two rocks. I love West Coast sunsets. Supper was good (mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy), and we sat around a blazing fire until crawling into our sleeping bags for the night. 

Figure 20. Evening campfire at Parsons Landing campground.

Day 3 Stats

• Little Harbors Campground to Parsons Landing Campground
• 13 miles; 8 hours; 3,000 feet gain
• “Hardest, yet best, day yet!”

Day 4, Sunday, May 17, 2026. “My takeaway personal message today is to keep living my dream. I wanted to do so much as a youngster and never did most of it. Well, I'm doing it now. Mark and I travel all over, see and do so much, yet there is much more to do. I know that my next project and current life purpose is to Live Big. I already did the career and job and created great things. Now I get to reap the benefits from years of hard work.”

On a cloudy Sunday morning I sat in my chair by my tent drinking coffee watching the ocean. A group of brown pelicans sat on the smaller rock in an outcropping in the ocean. It was magnificent there near the ocean. I heard the waves crashing all night and it was a perfect supplement to my usual sleeping brown noise. They were so loud that it was hard to hear the birds. There was way too much invasive fennel growing on the island. However, Zach made fennel and coriander tea for supper, and it was very good.

Figure 21. Watching pelicans on a rock in the ocean at Parsons Landing Campground.

As I sat and watched the ocean I wrote, “This is an enchanted campground full of nature's wonders. A perfect little bay at the end of the island. Yes, I’ve walked all the way from one end to the other of Catalina Island. My feet know it, my bones know it, and my mind knows it. I feel the peace and love here. Nature’s vibes are strong and friendly. I have none of my usual morning dread. No anxious thoughts though I do wonder about Mark as he rides his motorcycle in the hills of Arkansas. The ocean sweeps out in front of me. I'm protected from the wind behind my rock wall. On the left a large cliff has big fallen rocks at its end in the ocean. It rises steeply with eroded red soil areas emphasizing the calmer green dotted hills of grasses, sage, opuntia, and in the valley, small oaks and shrubs. It is similar on the right, though there are less red soil and more exposed rock.”

I reached Two Harbors campground about 3:00 p.m. It was a much easier day, but I was still beat. It took me about four hours to walk the 8 miles back to Two Harbors on the road. It wasn't as pretty a hike as previous ones, but there were many views of the ocean. I could hear seals occasionally. I took many pictures of plants. There were new plants, yet most were exotics. I did finally see a California poppy and was so excited that I said out loud, “Oh, yes.”

Figure 22. California poppies!

I stopped a few times along the trail, first at a bench about an hour in. Later, I sat along the road on a pile of dirt along the cliff’s edge. There I had a snack and put a band aid on my toe. I wore my Chaco sandals that day and they were better for my sore feet. I tried to not use my trekking poles, but my knee hurt when I didn't. 

Back in Two Harbors town I bought a smoothie drink and took a short break before heading to camp. The hike there was all uphill and hot and I was tired when I arrived at camp. Site #16 was large at Two Harbors campground. I set up my tent at the end with my door open to the ocean view. This time I staked one corner right away so it wouldn't blow away.

Figure 23. Entering our final campground at Two Harbors.

I put on my swimsuit and headed to the beach where everyone else was. Halfway down to the beach they were already coming back up so I went alone. I stood in the ocean and let the waves cleanse and cool my feet. It was too cold to get all the way in. There was a cold outdoor shower on the way back to camp. I had my soap so I washed my hair and body parts as best I could with my long sleeve swimsuit on. It felt good to clean up a little with more than just body wipes.

Cooled down and clean, I sat by my tent and listened to the ocean at the bottom of the hill. Beside and above me the breeze rattled palm fronds. Tall spindly yellow mustard plants swayed and danced around gleefully. The breeze felt good through my clean hair and on my face. Soon it'd be too cool, and I'd need my puffy coat and stocking cap again. I was so glad that I had them with me.

Figure 24. Tent at Two Harbors Campground.

We had curry and rice for supper, then ended the evening with a cacao ceremony. I set an intention of freedom - Freedom to be me at this fantastic time of my life. I stated my intension aloud, revealed my secret mission, then each person said a word to describe me - remarkable, inspiring, smart are the ones that I remember. One said she wants to be me when she grows up. That is always a good feeling to be a positive example of life.

Figure 25. Carrie and Zach lead us in a song for the Cacao Ceremony.

We sat around the fire until around 9:30 p.m. then I went to bed. Life was good, perfect really.

Day 4 Stats

• Parsons Landing Campground to Two Harbors Campground
• 8 miles, 4 hours, flat and easy
• “Found a California poppy plant!”

Day 5, Monday, May 18, 2026 “It's my last morning on the island. I'll miss it here. I'll miss the beautiful nature vibes, bird serenades, lapping ocean waves, sea lions, warming morning sun, amazing vegan food, no morning dread, natures color palette, all my friends, California poppies, magnificent views, feel good body aches, but mostly an overall feeling of peace, yes bliss fills my soul as I feel and absorb the island's magic.”

Monday morning, I sat by a warm fire, warming myself after a cold night. I woke up cold many times during the night. I had my sweatshirt jacket wrapped around my upper legs and the yoga towel on top of my sleeping bag. I slept in my yoga pants and sweatshirt. Still, I slept mostly well though I had weird dreams, not bad, just weird.

Figure 26. Morning journaling by the campfire at Two Harbors.

It was another morning where the sea and sky were merged as one. Blue gray water with sweeps of darker gray slightly rippled. Far away the light gray water slowly changed to opaque white-blue as the sky began. Somewhere, the sky slowly became bluer, finishing in a Robin egg blue above me.

We did a full yoga flow before our final breakfast. Yoga was beautiful in movement and location. I gazed at the blue sky and clouds above me in savasana and at the ocean hillsides in warrior two. I was amazed how good I felt after hiking 40 miles. 

Figure 27. Yoga at Two Harbors on our last morning.

We packed up one last time and put our bag out for the ferry pickup. It seemed weird to hike from camp to the ferry without my trekking poles. I went into a shop and got more band aids, then called Mark. It was good to hear his voice. We loaded the ferry for the 11:45 a.m. departure back to San Pedro harbor. I slept the entire 70-minute ferry ride. After debarking, I helped carry supplies to Carrie and Zach’s car, hugged everyone, then ordered an Uber to my Holiday Inn Express LAX for a much-needed shower and rest in a real bed before flying home the next day. 

Figure 28. Group picture before boarding the ferry back to LA.

In my room I reminisced to myself, feeling good and proud about my accomplishment. I remembered getting choked up as Carrie read the following poem during our final yoga session. This adventure gave me new laugh lines, blister scars, and sunspot souvenirs as well as many priceless memories. My hike wasn’t perfect, but it was mine and I enjoyed every mile.  

Source: https://www.facebook.com/rupikaurpoetry

Catalina Island Lists

• eBird – list of birds I saw and heard on the island. 
• iNaturalist – list of plants I photographed and identified on the island. 
• Gear I used
• Day pack: Teton Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack with 2-Liter Hydration Bladder 
• Water bottle: Owala 24 oz.
• Tent: Camel Crown 2 person camping dome tent
• Sleeping pad: Meetpeak Camping Sleeping Pad with pillow
• Sleeping Bag: 30 degree from farm store
• Chair:  Nemo Moonlight Reclining Camping Chair
• Boots: Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid Gore-Tex
• Sandals: Chaco Women's Z/2 Adjustable Strap Classic Sandal
• Hiking clothes: Columbia, Under-Armour, Kuhl, Branwyn, and Merino-Tech
• Trekking poles: Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles

Photos by Rhonda Ferree and other group members.