We had a great trip to Catalina Island for the Independence Day long weekend. I stole a couple of additional days off and we headed to the island on Thursday, and sailed home on Monday, July 4. We certified friends who wanted to learn how to SCUBA dive over the weekend which was fun, and had a couple nice dives as well. We enjoyed visiting with friends and aquaintences at Fourth of July Yacht Club (which, by the way, is located in Fourth of July Cove) where we have been active for many years. A few good meals, a fireworks show on July 3 (there is logic in this--visiting boats usually have to leave on July 4, so, fireworks on the third makes sense...), and some sunny weather put me in the cruising spirit!