Solo backpacking does this to level that I find hard to put into words.I appreciate how all the other noise instantly falls away, revealing the real big
underlying thoughts and ideas in your life that need attention
Dude, that sounds so killer!I loved doing the Trans-Catalina Trail. For my first (and only so far) real foray into backpacking, it was luxurious. 10 - 12 mile days. Places to stop, eat, and drink on the way. Both Little Harbor and Parsons were awesome. Only downside is that you're forced to camp in designated campsites and it's a bit pricey. Oh, and going up Fenceline Road was quite awful. Buffalo Milks at Two Harbors made up for it.
Overall, though, yes, absolutely agreed about getting away from everything and keeping everything simple. Frees the mind from all the extraneous bullshit, of which you realize there is a lot of once you're away from it.
BTW, this is an awesome thread.
Did you have snorkeling gear with you?
Catalina isn't the right place for it, but how about something like this?