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AVALON, CATALINA ISLAND - The first weekend after New Year's was a beautiful weekend with no strong winds and over 80 boats arrived to enjoy the nice weather. The following weekend welcomed the hearty souls that come to run 50 miles in Avalon's interior. Not only do these wonderful folks pay an entry fee, they are encouraged to obtain sponsorships. ALL proceeds from entry fees and sponsored mileage go to charity. Recipients include: Avalon Hospital, Avalon High School scholarships, Catalina Conservancy and the Bill Putnam Health Care Fund.
The first storm in a series blew in with rain beginning to fall on the 17th and continuing for 6 days. With the .10 of rain that fell on the 13th, the total for the month was up to 4.61 inches. Another .16 of rain fell on the 26th bringing our monthly total to 4.77 and adding at least 19 acre feet of water to our thirsty reservoir.
During our big "Storm Week" a Gale Warning was issued on Monday the 18th, a Small Craft Warning on Tuesday and a Storm Warning was due to go into effect on Wednesday the 20th with winds predicted to blow at 55 mph however it was downgraded to a Gale Warning by afternoon. A Gale Warning was issued again on Thursday and downgraded to a Small Craft Advisory on Friday, continuing through Sunday. There were 4 Catalina Express departures combined on Monday and Tuesday and none on Wednesday and Thursday. With 12 to 15 foot seas, their phone room flooded, internet down and debris in the harbor in Long Beach causing engine problems, the first Catalina Express boat in 3 days finally arrived in Avalon at 12:25 pm on Friday the 22nd. Fortunately, when visibility and wind conditions permitted, Island Express Helicopters were able to make some flights to and from the island. The Carnival "Paradise" traveled to calmer waters in Cabo San Lucas rather than come to the island on Tuesday the 19th.
January 2010 stats are as follows:
People aboard boats: 1,528
Vessels Moored: 382
Vessels Anchored: 29
Lost/Stolen Reports: 0/3
Accident Reports: 1
Average Temp - High/Low: 63/54
Average Sea Temp: 58
Rain: 4.77
Moorings Sold/transferred: 0
Citations Issued: 0
Discharges: 0
Cruise Ship Passengers:
Paradise - 3 weeks: 9,325
Elation - 2 weeks: 4,635
Total Cruise Ship: 13,960
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