Catalilna Island PIREP request

[gkainz]

Looking for PIREP on places to stay, things to do on Catalina for a few days. Wife's birthday coming up and we both realized that, even though we had lived in SoCal (her longer than I) we had never been to Catalina.


edit - stupid typing stuttering fingers ... "Catalilna" doh!

 

[docmirror]

Expensive. Not much to do on the island. Flying in is not tough if you realize you're landing on a kind of carrier. Landing to the west, you can get some downdrafts on final due to the topology. On takeoff, the runway looks a lot shorter than it is because of the crown.

You used to need a permit to hike or backpack, or picnic, or camp on the island, but that may have changed. Once you do some shopping, or take the tour, that's about it. Now, if you're a diver, there's good diving on the north and east side of the island. Strong currents though, so know you're open water skills.

 

[sdflyer]

I have flow there twice there this May. Landing fee $20. To get to Avalon city you need to wait for the bus which drives every so often. Not sure about hotel and other accommodations.

Runway 22 is sloping and right after touch down you don't see the last 1000 ft. Runway 4 has no such problems. Taxiways are narrow but manageable even with light twin. Time to time Cessna Citation lands there

 

[gkainz]

Alas, she's a non-GA passenger, so we'll fly commercial from Denver to LAX, SNA or ONT and take the ferry. She's also a non-diver, so that part's out, too. I dove San Diego for years, loved it, but that's probably out, too. After all, it's her birthday, not mine!

 

[Areeda]

Greg,

Let me know when you are coming. I may be able to provide GA part 91 transportation to a friend.

If you want to do it at low altitude there is a helicopter and ferry service (which I have not used).

My wife is European and she loves the island and the village of Avalon. Prices are a bit high but it is a really cool place.

Joe

 

[gkainz]

Hi Joe - would LOVE to do that! Unfortunately, me riding with you and the birthday girl taking the ferry would probably not score me any birthday points! She's truly a "non-GA passenger", but thanks!
Greg