Reading this is reminding me of my trip to Long Beach last November. It was mainly a mountain flying course. I did a trip from Long Beach to Palm Springs, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Big Bear and back to Long Beach. Did it in 12 hours in an R22, taught me a heck of allot.
Grand Canyon was a running landing at night and it was great to fly into Las Vegas airport with the controller talking me in. This would never happen at Heathrow.
Big Bear was high altitude training so more running landings and takeoffs.
Catalina is great fun, just make sure you do it 50 foot above the waves. Did it also in a 44 and have some great video footage.
If you get a chance to fly with a Robinson safety pilot, get him to show you some engine failures on takeoff. This was something never taught to me.
By the way, have you got use to flying over Long Beach at 500ft, still scares the hell out of me.
Have fun