Catalina comeback

Once-popular trip to Emerald Bay is resurrected by 20's & 30's Singles Section, Orange County Sierra Singles

Imagine a weekend spent on a beautiful island, snorkeling and swimming in crystal-clear water and hiking up mountains which reward you with breathtaking vistas. Add catered gourmet meals, dancing, and the company of 200 or so fun people. It's the perfect weekend getaway-the Catalina Island three-day mini-vacation at Emerald Bay. The trip is sponsored by the 20's & 30's Singles and Orange County Sierra Singles sections and will raise funds for the Chapter and the sections.

Participants will set sail on a ferry the morning of Friday, September 16, and return Sunday the 18 in the late afternoon.

Ron Domash of the 20's & 30's Singles Section, known as the Catalina Island Guru, offers his vast trip-leading expertise to this popular adventure. Domash made many trips to Emerald Bay as a Boy Scout, and has had a blast on the annual Sierra Club trip for more years than he can count-and he is determined to make you love Catalina too!

Camp Emerald Bay is rented by the Sierra Club for this extraordinary weekend. The camp offers comfortable accommodations, including tents with cots or shared wood cabins. Hot showers ensure campers are comfortable. Be sure to bring your appetite, as the Sierra Club hires a professional caterer to prepare delectable gourmet meals. Steve Feld, who has led the trip for many years, describes the food as 'absolutely fabulous-one of the highlights of the trip.'

Activity choices include snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, hiking, dancing, or just relaxing.

Most of Emerald Bay's surrounding water is designated as a marine preserve, which is home to a variety of colorful fish. 'The visibility in the water is amazing,' says Domash, who recalls encounters with sea urchins, garibaldi, and an octopus while snorkeling.

One of the weekend's most popular events is a seven-mile hike along a ridge, offering spectacular ocean views. The hike ends at an isthmus known as Two Harbors, a quaint spot and a perfect place to relax.

After a day of fun, the shindig begins! Music spins late into the night, so don't forget your dancing shoes! DJ Busta-Move Hector is working on scoring a disco ball. According to Feld, Hector is 'a great DJ-the kind of guy who keeps the party going all night.' A limbo contest and dance lessons may also take place.

There will also be a campfire with stories and sing-alongs for those who prefer more low-key entertainment.

See Calendar section for details and sign up at www.sc2030.org.

Catalina Extravaganza
September 16-18
O: 20's & 30's Singles Section/Crescenta Valley/OCSS. Camp at Emerald Bay on northern part of Catalina Island. Beautiful beaches, crystal blue water, spectacular views. Snorkeling, swimming, hiking, kayaking, dancing, sunbathing, or just relaxing. Fee includes: roundtrip boat, camp and landing fees for two nights, platform tent with bed and mattress or wood cabins with electric lights/outlets (sleeps eight, $20 per person extra for two nights), hot showers, flush toilets, campfires, plus catered meals from Friday lunch to Sunday brunch and happy hours. Sign up at www.sc2030.org. Price $199 with member number ($225 for nonmembers); add $20 for optional cabins. Web sign-ups encouraged, however, you may send check (payable to Sierra Club) with two SASEs, H&W phones, e-mail, name, and address to reservationist: Gerard Bailey, 740 Mission Dr., Camarillo, 93010, gerardbailey-at-verizon.net. (PayPal also available for additional $5 fee.) Information: www.sc2030.org or leader: Ron Domash, rdomash-at-yahoo.com.