Chow’s First Trip to Catalina Island
This is one of the first Monday’s in a while that I actually feel refreshed from the weekend!
After spending the entire week fighting a mean cold, my symptoms finally cleared up and I was able to enjoy a fun, fitness-packed weekend with my Mom.
The highlight of her trip was definitely our jaunt over to Catalina Island on Saturday.
I was thrilled to find out, prior to taking the trip, that the island is actually pretty dog-friendly.
The Catalina Island Express, the main ferry to the island, allows dogs to ride for free as long as they are leashed and muzzled. Unfortunately, humans have to pay (muzzled or not). Mr. Chow definitely didn’t enjoy being restrained, but it was well worth the brief annoyance.
He had such a blast on the island and made several new friends.
Other dogs…
..and inanimate objects.
The first thing we did upon arriving was head up toward the Garden to Sky loop for a hike.
It’s about 1.5 miles from the town of Avalon to the head of the hike. If you can, bum a ride from one of the locals in a golf cart and avoid wasting your time/energy on the not-so-scenic paved road route.
Had we done this, things may have gone better on our hike. Unfortunately, we didn’t.
Our hike started out beautifully. It’s a 4-mile loop that ends at the Botanical Gardens, and the perfect length for someone recovering from a cold.
The 1.5 mile walk to the head of the hike took us past the golf course and through the campgrounds. As we made our way up the mountain, we were greeted by gorgeous views of the Catalina Island Marina.
About a mile up though, Chow started to lag. Our usually boisterous boy kept crawling up the sides of the hill, trying to find shade and then promptly diving head first into the dirt to nap. When another dog-toting party came by, he started a trend.
The other dog and his master turned back, but we tried to power on.
About a 1/4 mile later though, Chow wasn’t having it anymore.
I knew by the fact that his tongue was so far out that I could see the black spots in the back that we had to turn back.
Chow’s dad was so worried about him, that he pulled a Superman and carried him down.
Sadly, we didn’t get to see the view from the very top or the Botanical Gardens, but obviously it was for the best. It’s not that the hike was too strenuous for him, it’s that it was a little too hot out and lacking shade.
If we went earlier in the morning, and skipped the precursory trip up the road, he would have been fine.
So basically, we’re 0 for 2 on our recent hiking trips!
Getting Lost in Solstice Canyon >>
We still ended up going about 4 miles total though, and worked up quite the appetite.
Back on Avalon’s main stretch, we quenched our hunger and thirst at The Avalon Grille. They don’t allow dogs on the patio, but you can leash them up on the gate outside, right next to your table.
Chow enjoyed a nice bowl of ice water, and we filled up on the Mojitos and Tuna Tartare.
After lunch we perused the main street for a bit. I’ll note here that dogs aren’t actually allowed on the main drag, but no one gave us any grief.
Before we left, we indulged in one last Catalina Island staple…
Peanut Butter, Cookies N’ Cream, and Strawberry Cheesecake.
Yeah, it was full fat…but I’ve been sick so I deserved a treat.
If you’ve never been to Catalina Island, I highly recommend a trip. Aside from our hike, there are tons of trails all over the 37 mile island and a bunch of fun things to do. I distinctly remember one raucous night of karaoke a few years back.
If you want to visit, here are some things you should know:
Tips & Facts:
-The ferry ride costs $72 roundtrip for adults and takes about an hour.
-Make sure to book your ferry at least a day in advance for the weekend. The spots fill fast.
-It takes 45 minutes-1 hour to get to the San Pedro or Long Beach dock from Los Angeles.
-You ride free on your birthday!
-If you’re going to hike, do it in the early morning. It’s not very shady, and as you saw above, it gets hot fast.
-You need permits (they’re free) to hike in Catalina. Get them here.
If you have any other questions about Catalina, let me know. It was my third trip there, but certainly not my last.
Check out this post for our last trip which included hiking and scuba diving: Working Out for the Weekend >>
Weigh In: Have you been to Catalina Island? What’s your favorite thing to do there? Any tips for training your dog to be a better hiker??
GiGi Eats Celebrities says:
I am obsessed with your cute little family… And I am dying of laughter about Chow being a wimp and NOT hiking anymore – AH HA HA HA HA!!!!! You must whip him into shape. I am sure ABE loveeddddd that ;)
Whitney English says:
Thanks Gig! Want to babysit, haha?!?!
And yes, Chow definitely needs some conditioning. Let me know if you know any doggie fitness trainers!
Amy Black says:
I was dying laughing as I read through this. Chow is such a ham! I love Catalina, but haven’t been for years! I defs need to go soon!!!
Whitney English says:
I know I think he does it all just for attention! Come visit soon!
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Tina says:
Happened upon your blog when searching for info re dogs. We have had several dogs join us hiking on Catalina. These pooches can do 10 – 12 miles at altitude in Big Bear and Lake Tahoe. They all have trouble in the sun on Catalina, Hermit Gulch included. Need to go early morning or better, in the fog, and give the water every 15 minutes or so.
Whitney English says:
Thanks for sharing Tine – good to know! I thought Mr. Chow was just really lazy haha.
Tori says:
We’ve always wanted to bring our dog to Catalina! Did you have to get any extra permits when you went?
Whitney English says:
Nope! They’re just not allowed on certain streets and you have to muzzle them on the ferry. Otherwise, it’s dog friendly!
Lulu says:
Hello Whitney! Thank you so much for the information you’ve provided about bringing your furchild with you to Catalina Island/Avalon. My husband and I used to go to Catalina Island many moons ago but without our beloved 11 year old cockapoo. We take him every where so of course our plans duirng the summer is limited. We would love to go to Catalina Island but I know some areas (if not most) are not dog friendly. If I were to keep Toby inside his DoggyRide do you think we will be able to walk the main area adjacent to the beach. As for the ferry ride, we would definately keep him inside his DoggyRide. Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated. (Good to know at least Avalon Grill will allow dogs but as long as they are outside of the patio area.) Thank you.
Whitney E. RD says:
Hi Lulu, it’s been a while since I visited but I think you should be ok with him inside his carrier! Hope you have a great trip! xo
Elisa says:
I congratulate you on a successful trip and thank you for your photos. Now it’s easier to plan trips to the islands or for travel, as there are many blogs or weightbytes that have already collected a lot of useful information for this. For example the website https://vacationtomaldives.com/ which I used before my trip to the Maldives was pretty cool