Ahh, Catalina — that idyllic island getaway, just 22 miles off the Southern California coast. Most vacationers seek out its beach-front shops, restaurants, and spas, but OVS students decided to explore its wilder side.
Taking the Catalina Express to Two Harbors, they hiked seven miles to base camp at Little Harbor along the Trans Catalina Trail to spend four days and three nights on the island. From there, they explored the remote backside of the island on foot and via mountain bike. Students logged an additional 20 miles on the Trans Catalina Trail and other hiking routes, 
geocaching and investigating the island’s geology and early human history along the way. The historic Ben Weston Beach was a day hike target, and students met several bison from the 130-strong of the Catalina Wild Herd. They also explored the WWII bunker atop the bluffs overlooking the Pacific.
Students got to spend plenty of time in the water, too, surfing Little Harbor and Shark Harbor, fishing from ocean kayaks, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and boogie boarding. OVS had Little Harbor to themselves, and used the beach for games under the sun and stars. Glow-in-the-dark bocce ball and capture the flag were among the many other beach-side highlights. 
Coming up over the next month for the Outdoor Education department: two Lower Campus equestrian trail rides in the Ventura River Preserve, middle school Slot Canyoneering through the Mojave Desert, and a high school trip to the Topa Topa Mountains, where students literally walk off campus for a 3-day adventure to the summit of Ojai’s beloved peak. No van, no bus, no problem!
See more photos of from the trip here.
Learn more about our Outdoor Education program here.
A view and a new friend
