Hi folks! We took a fun trip to Catalina Island this past weekend. The trip getting there was the worst part. Bare with me as a I try to explain our adventure.
In the beginning (10 weeks ago), I decided to train for a sprint triathlon. I've been inspired by Jill. She is a beauty & a beast (athletically speaking of course). Anyway, so I have been training for several weeks. I've been looking so forward to this weekend. I have been swimming, biking, and running. The training has been fun! I made the mistake of training on a spin bike instead of the real thing. Working out in the morning is easiest on my way to work.
Last week, I came down with a terrible cold and flu like symptoms. I had to miss the Halloween party. :( Anyway, my plan was to train on my REAL bike, however, I couldn't breathe well, much less bike. So, I took the bike to the shop to get all fixed up. The only day I had to ride the bike was Friday morning. FAIL. It stormed ALLLLL day. Seriously? It NEVER rains in San Diego.
Moving on. I bought a real cheap car trunk bike rack for the ride to Long Beach. Um, never buy one of those if it cost less than 2 cheeseburgers and a coke. Yea....
So, we ended up leaving later than planned for several reasons. We inhaled 6" subs and hit the road.
Stop #1 was on the interstate. Mind you, it is like 40 degrees, raining, and cold. These aren't the best weather conditions for a cheap bike rack and heavy mountain bike (with road tires). Allan had to get out in the cold to fix the bike. Literally, I thought it was going to FLY OFF THE CAR. Not kidding. I was driving like 30 mph for this very reason. We are NEVER going to make it!
Stop #2 was at a gas station to fix the bike again. We have been approximately 12 miles.
Did I mention that we needed to be in Long Beach by 4:30 pm? Well, at this point, it is like 3:00 and it is raining. What do you get when it rains in San Diego? HORRIFIED DRIVERS. Others around me have their windshield wipers like 90 to nothin'. Also, the traffic towards LA does not have a good reputation.
Once we barely made it to our destination, we had like 15 minutes to board the boat. It took roughly 20 minutes to untangle the bike from the car. I packed WAAAAYY too much. Who knew you had to CARRY ALL OF YOUR STUFF TO THE BOAT?! Not me..and certainly not Allan. There is not a drop off for luggage. No mam. Whatever you bring the the island, you carry yourself. Allan had his backpack (50+ pounds) and our huge bag. I was carrying a gym bag, camera bag, bike, purse, helmet, AND THE BIKE. Just please imagine.
At this point, we are starving. We aren't really talking much because our goal was to GET ON THE BOAT and get a drink and a snack.
Allan is wearing shorts and a t shirt. We accidentally left his jacket in the car (oops). I am nice and cozy bundled up in jeans, boots, and even a jacket with a hoodie! It rained on us as we waited to board the boat.
Destination: boat. We made it! YAA!! Allan watched the stuff as I waited in line to get the goodies. This was our only goal at this point. FOOD! I waited 15-20 minutes in line only to find out they accepted CASH ONLY.
Seriously? We have no cash.
(perfect picture for how we were feeling. I may or may not have been laughing in this picture)
After digging through our multiple bags, I managed to collect $1.25. YA. We could afford some salty chips. No water or drink.
(He is smiling now, but in a few minutes he will be thirsty)
It took about an hour to get to the island. By this time, it is dark. IT WAS FREEZING. Allan managed to change into jeans, socks & tennis shoes (this is important to remember).
We followed the crowd to the van for transportation to the hotel. The first shuttle came by and wouldn't take us because I had a bike. The second shuttle came by and loaded the van then told us he took cash only. The third shuttle FINALLY took us to our hotel. 45 minutes later.....no food.....no drink......FREEZING in the rain.
We made it to our hotel. Got our room. Threw our stuff down. THEN, we realized dogs were next door. Not just small dogs. LARGE BARKING DOGS that were locked in the room. At this point, we are not very happy. We asked to change rooms. In the meantime, Allan accidentally stepped into a MUD PUDDLE. He came back, stood in the doorway with water up to his knees, and we just DIED laughing.
Could it get much worse? O yes.
After returning from dinner, we finally laid our heads on the pillow and THE FREAKIN' FIRE ALARM GOES OFF. Not kidding.
Fire. THE ROOM BELOW US!!! Omg, what should we grab?!
So we had to evacuate the building. IN THE FREEZING COLD.
Finally, after 1 hour, we were able to go back to our rooms. We went to sleep around midnight.
I forgot to mention that we missed the safety meeting for the triathlon. I don't even know what the course will be like! Here goes to a fun day of racing!
WAFFLES?! Yes, please. Actually, Allan indulged in waffles and syrup while I ate a nice hearty yogurt parfait and OJ.
RACE TIME!
I suited up and got ready for the triathlon. Well, actually... I'm not sure if I was exactly ready.
The water was freeeeezing cold. The swim was a challenge. a.) I have never swam in ocean water b.) I have never swam in a wetsuit c.) It was bizarre swimming next to 20+ people!
After 1/2 mile swim, I booked it to the bike and rode for 9 miles. The bike was fun but also uphill!
Allan was my biggest fan! He waited for me at every corner and took some good pics!
Allan was my biggest fan! He waited for me at every corner and took some good pics!
After the bike, I ran 3.3 miles. I must say I was happy to be on my feet! It was a beautiful run through mountains and I was able to see more of the island.
After I finished, we ate lunch. Would you like some carbs with some carbs? Yes, please.
The island was so quaint. The homes were small and unique. The town on the island is only about 1 mile in length. We were able to see the entire town in no time!
I treated myself to a pedicure while Allan took an online test!
We parked it at a bar to watch the AL vs. LSU game.
After the game, we walked around the town then hit the hot tub!
We were hoping for a more successful journey on the boat ride home.
We ordered yummy breakfast bagels and coffee.
It was cold and dreary but I love that kind of weather. =)
Here is a nice visual of all of our bags!
Allan spent 15 minutes on the phone with Lewis.
Obviously, Lewis was telling jokes or something.
Bye Bye island!
Catalina Expess
After the game, we walked around the town then hit the hot tub!
We were hoping for a more successful journey on the boat ride home.
We ordered yummy breakfast bagels and coffee.
It was cold and dreary but I love that kind of weather. =)
Here is a nice visual of all of our bags!
Allan spent 15 minutes on the phone with Lewis.
Obviously, Lewis was telling jokes or something.
Bye Bye island!
Catalina Expess
Despite our crazy travel experience, we had a really good time. We will forever remember the fun we had on Catalina island. This is all part of our "California Adventure" together!
