Backpacking the Trans-Catalina trail

The Trans-Catalina Trail stretches approximately 38.5 miles across Catalina Island, offering a diverse array of landscapes, from rugged mountains to serene coastal vistas. Accompanied by two fantastic friends and sandwiched by the warm hospitality of family in Long beach, we hiked from Avalon to Two Harbors.

This journey was unique in my photographic pursuits. With my Konica film camera in tow, the challenge was less about capturing the perfect shot and more about the physical effort required to reach these awe-inspiring locations. The real test lay in the long hikes and climbs, carrying gear and film through steep and rocky terrain. Each photo represents not just a beautiful scene but the journey to get there.

Once we reached the vantage points, the beauty of Catalina Island naturally unfolded before us, making the act of taking photos a delight. The island's diverse landscapes—ranging from panoramic ocean views to tranquil valleys—provided endless inspiration. The focus shifted from technical aspects of photography to simply being present in the moment, capturing the raw, untouched beauty around us. This trip taught me that sometimes the greatest photos come from the journey itself, where the effort and experience shape the art.

  • Magnificent sunrise over Pacific ocean
  • Backpacker on a summit on Catalina island, with a small sunny lens flare
  • Rolling mountains along the ocean
  • A man resting in the grass, with flowers like thought bubbles near his head
  • Two backpackers navigate next to a signpost with the ocean in the background
  • Rolling hills and hiking trails, with blowing hair in the foreground
  • Two backpackers eating lunch on a summit overlooking the ocean
  • A traffic cone with grass peeking out mirroring the palm trees behind it
  • A trail hiking into the sky, flowers on both sides
  • backpackers climbing a summit on a sunny day
  • Hiker's shoes with their hiking snacks
  • A sunny blue beach with magnificent rocks
  • The ocean viewed through a tent opening in the morning
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