Larina Cassidy

Lead Trail Trekker and Bison Herder

Larina is multi-generational islander with unique stories and Island knowledge passed down to her by various local legends. In her free time she enjoys fishing, exploring the Island and volunteering with the Catalina Conservancy. Comfort camping and beach excursions are some of her favorite work activities because she loves sharing hard-to-access parts of her Island home and helping create magical memories here for visiting adventurists. She is an expert marshmallow roaster who also happens to have her BA degree in Recreation and Tourism Management from San Diego State University. 

Pastor Lopez

Catalina Mountain Man & Stargazer

A lifelong surfer and island explorer, Pastor enjoys sharing Catalina Folklore and knowledge, gained from a lifetime in Catalina's backcountry.

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Aaron Pitts

Adventurer, Naturalist & Cocktail Shaker

Mr Pitts is a wilderness survival instructor, explorer and kayak adventurer. He has spent 20 years camping the various nooks and crannies of Catalina, led camping trips across North and South America, and hung a hammock in remote places all over the world. As a Catalina naturalist, marine naturalist, and wilderness first responder, Mr Pitts is a wealth of information as well as a big fan of peeling garlic by a campfire. When not camping Pitts can be found padding the coastline, heading to an airport, or shaking up cocktails for thirsty explorers.

Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy

Chief Dishwasher

and Bean Counter

Cinde hails from the Pacific Northwest of Washington State with over 40 years of hiking and camping experience.  She spends most of her time working with the abacus and when there's time to spare she enjoys boating, swimming, and is an expert wine taster. Together with Larina, she specializes in comfort camping and personally crafted group experiences. Cinde spends approximately 25 percent of her time giving back, by working with and serving on the boards of many civic organizations in town as well as serving in the capacity of an elected official. 

Linda Salo

World Adventurer & Catalina Trail Master

An avid hiker and world traveler, Linda will journey to her 7th continent in 2019!  Having hiked and trekked in a number of amazing and beautiful places, it is the rugged beauty of Catalina Island that speaks to her soul. With a long family history of visiting the Island, Linda moved to Avalon full time in 1992 where she is a community wide volunteer, serves on a number of nonprofit Boards and can often be found enjoying the many trails that cover the Island’s interior. Always ready for the next adventure! 

Mike Cassidy

THE Barbecue Pitmaster 

As part of the family, Mike joins the team for group events and handles the BBQ. He is also an expert at large group "eggs to order" and is the easy going guy who can fix anything, keeps the fleet running well, and keeps the family laughing. He is an expert marshmallow connoisseur and all around gourmet foodie. When he's not running around working you will find Mike off the coastal waters somewhere fishing for fresh tuna, seabass or swordfish. 

Mary Schickling

Enthusiastic Tour Guide & Comic Relief

Mary also hails from the majestic Pacific Northwest but, instead of braving rugged terrain, she braved rugged crowds as a stand up comedian.

She moved to the Island in 1994 after performing for a week at the Catalina Comedy Club. The Island cast its spell & Mary stayed. She got married, raised a daughter & developed a love of the trails. She joined Catalina Backcountry in 2014 and can't seem to keep the humor at bay while leading a group of explorers experiencing the beauty of our little island.