We were blessed with an unusually clear Pacific Ocean on this trip to Catalina island. The visibility was 40 feet, often 50 feet. The trip was in late May, so from my understanding this is better than average for that time of the year. Most of these photos were taken near Two Harbors. This Catalina Island visibility contributes to these gorgeous shades of blue seen here.
Visibility at Catalina Island
 |
| metamorphic tidal rocks looking out at the mooring balls |
The visibility at Catalina stayed this quality the entire week. Maybe this can be attributed to the warmer waters this El Nino year? Who knows?
Even here in deeper waters - 200 feet, you can see this great pastel blue color to the ocean.
Catalina island visibility
The shallow waters in the Two Harbors bay was spectacular. Jess and I snorkeled at the Blue Caves and we scuba dove at Cherry Cove. We actually had much more fun snorkeling. The caves were spectacular. Lots of abalone. It is all marine protected though, so no harvesting.
 |
| great visibility in the water at the Two Harbors dock |
 |
| prickly pear cactus at Two Harbors |
We sailed out from San Diego, which is about a 73 nautical mile journey. If you are taking your boat from LA, here is a good link to estimate
crossing distances for boating to Catalina Island from major LA harbors.
If you're taking your boat from San Diego, this page has good
San Diego to Catalina Island boating distances.
10 comments:
One of the unique aspects of applying for a jumbo mortgage in Virginia is the regional diversity in property types and values. From historic homes in Richmond to waterfront estates in Virginia Beach or sprawling countryside mansions in the Shenandoah Valley, the state offers a wide range of high-value real estate. This makes jumbo loans flexible tools for buyers with various lifestyle preferences but similar financing needs. Real estate professionals in Virginia often work closely with jumbo loan specialists to guide their clients through the application and approval process, ensuring that the financing aligns with the type of property and the buyer’s financial situation.
For more visit jumbo mortgage Virginia.
In the heart of the state, Richmond provides a mix of historic and modern living that appeals to both young professionals and retirees. Neighborhoods such as The Fan District and Church Hill showcase beautifully restored homes, cobblestone streets, and a strong sense of community. The city’s thriving arts scene, local breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants make it a vibrant place to live. Additionally, Richmond offers more affordable housing than many other parts of Virginia, making it ideal for those looking to own property without sacrificing culture or convenience. This blend of charm and affordability positions Richmond among the best neighborhoods in Virginia to buy a home.
For more visit best neighborhoods in Virginia to buy a home.
In the heart of the state, Richmond provides a mix of historic and modern living that appeals to both young professionals and retirees. Neighborhoods such as The Fan District and Church Hill showcase beautifully restored homes, cobblestone streets, and a strong sense of community. The city’s thriving arts scene, local breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants make it a vibrant place to live. Additionally, Richmond offers more affordable housing than many other parts of FHA loan credit score requirements Virginia, making it ideal for those looking to own property without sacrificing culture or convenience. This blend of charm and affordability positions Richmond among the best neighborhoods in Virginia to buy a home.
Another standout among Virginia’s best lenders is Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, which has earned a reputation for delivering tailored mortgage solutions across the state. Based in best lenders for first-time buyers in Virginia works with buyers to find the right financing options, including FHA, VA, and USDA loans—programs that are especially helpful for first-timers who may not qualify for conventional loans. Their mortgage consultants take the time to explain each step of the loan process and remain highly accessible during what can be a stressful period for buyers. Their focus on customer education and commitment to transparency have helped thousands of Virginians buy their first homes with confidence.
Virginia does not impose a uniform statewide property taxes in Virginia. Instead, tax rates differ widely from one locality to another. For instance, urban areas with more extensive public services, such as Fairfax County or the City of Alexandria, may have higher rates than rural areas like Bath or Highland counties. Some localities may also have additional taxes for specific purposes, such as stormwater management or public transportation. These variances make it crucial for property owners and prospective buyers to understand the local tax environment before purchasing real estate. In competitive housing markets, even a slight difference in tax rates can influence overall housing affordability.
The Virginia USDA loans is generally straightforward, although it does require attention to detail. Applicants must meet income limits based on household size and geographic location, and the property must be located in a USDA-designated rural area. These geographic qualifications are surprisingly generous in Virginia, encompassing a wide range of communities that are not traditionally considered rural. This expansive definition opens doors for many Virginia residents who may not even realize they qualify. Once eligibility is confirmed, buyers can work with USDA-approved lenders to begin the pre-approval and underwriting process, which is similar to that of a conventional loan but with a few additional government-backed assurances.
Virginia also sees a significant number of homebuyers utilizing FHA loans due to their lenient credit score requirements and lower down payment thresholds. Especially for first-time buyers, home financing Virginia can make homeownership more accessible. The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) works closely with lenders across the state to help residents access these FHA loans, often pairing them with down payment assistance programs. These government-backed options are especially valuable in cities like Norfolk or Roanoke, where housing markets are competitive yet relatively affordable.
For applicants with a credit score between 500 and 579, it’s still possible to get an FHA loan in Virginia, but they will need to provide a 10% down payment instead of the 3.5% offered to those with higher scores. This higher down payment requirement compensates for the increased credit risk perceived by the lender. Borrowers in this range may also face stricter scrutiny in other aspects of the loan application, such as proof of income, reserves, and overall financial stability. Additionally, only a limited number of lenders are willing to underwrite FHA loans for borrowers with scores below 580, so the availability of such options can be quite restricted across Virginia. For more visit What is the minimum credit score for an FHA loan in Virginia?
One of the most common FHA home inspection requirements Virginia involves the condition of the roof. FHA guidelines mandate that a roof must be in good condition with no leaks and have a remaining life expectancy of at least two years. Given Virginia’s varied climate—with cold winters, humid summers, and heavy rains—roofs are a common area of concern. Inspectors will look for missing shingles, water damage, and signs of aging. If repairs are needed, the seller may be required to fix the issues before the loan can be approved. In some cases, a reinspection is necessary to verify that all required repairs have been made.
The real estate market in Virginia Beach is dynamic and consistently strong. Property values have remained stable over the years, with steady growth making it an attractive market for long-term investment. Buyers can find everything from modest starter homes to luxury waterfront estates, depending on their budget and lifestyle preferences. With a strategic location that includes access to major highways, military bases, and Norfolk International Airport, Virginia Beach is also appealing for those who work in nearby cities but want to live in a more relaxed, picturesque environment. Buying a house in Virginia Beach means entering a market that balances affordability with lifestyle benefits, which is a rare combination these days.
For more visit buy house in Virginia Beach.
Post a Comment