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In January 2006, a group of us went over to Catalina for the Avalon 50 miler.

Ken and Jeanne and I went over on Friday out of Long Beach, a very calm trip this time (as opposed to my last visit, which was done during a 'small craft warning'. Kevin & Christine & Gamel flew in with Nabi, Gamel's brother. Apparently it took two or three passes at the landing strip (which is perched up on top of a prominence about 10 miles into the running course) to get down.

It was Kevin & Gamel's first 50 miler. Gamel had found a rental house, which worked out great. We were able to get snacks & goodies, and unwind a bit before signing in.

Friday evening, we went and ate at Antonio's (?), our regular Italian place, then headed down to registration where the RD went over the course. He told us that there had been no rain, so the course was expected to be in good shape, which turned out to be the case.

It was a nice start, clear, with a full moon, and the day's weather was pretty good overall. We did end up having a little bit of rain around lunch time, but nothing major, and it was kind of nice. I ran most of it with Gamel (who talked and talked!), but at about mile 38, I told him to go on ahead. He ran into his brother shortly thereafter, so that worked out.

Everyone finished, so we were all very happy. That night, we made dinner back at the house, then headed over to catch the end of the awards. This was my 5th finish, but they hadn't gotten my plaque, so I had to give them my info and they did eventually mail it to me.

Avalon is a great race, a great first 50 miler, and lots of fun. I'm sure we'll be back.