CATALINA ISLAND

Took a rest before going to Catalina Island, just off the southern coast of California. Esther, Eunice and I got there via Long Beach on the Catalina Express, a "fast ferry", about an hour or so trip. I was on the "Jet Cat" which offered the Commodore Lounge with plush seating, tables, pre-boarding privileges, a snack and one drink for an extra $15. There is an area for baggage as well. That's great because I had to bring my luggage to include my short stay at Catalina Island and the rest of the week.

Leaving the dock we passed the Queen Mary, which I hope to visit on an soon future trip. The trek, which they said was usually calm, was certainly NOT!

I arrived in the town of Avalon with the Casino Tour was the first destination. The Casino, which does not house anything to do with gambling, was built by the same Wrigley guy associated with the gum and the baseball field. The term "casino" referred to a building of entertainment with ballrooms and a movie theatre.

Lunch was at the Catalina Beach House where I learned that the first Sea Trek will be taking place. Yes, it's the kind that you're donned in a wet suit with an air hose attached to your glass helmet. I have a photo of my doing this some years ago which you can view on the home page of my website.

With a few of adventure or relaxation, I opted to tour Avalon on a golf cart. It's more common for residents to own a golf cart than a car. In fact, there is a waiting list of more than five years to own a car.

I was able to get some great photos of the area including the entrance to the botanical gardens and some animals (deer and quail).

We checked into Villa Portofino Hotel, situated on the waterfront. The Portofino Suite had sliding french doors that opened to the panorama of Avalon Bay and Casino. It featured an living area with a gas fireplace, double sofa bed and a "sumptuous" bath with a large soaking tub, glass enclosed shower finished with Spanish marble.

An Italian restaurant with an outdoor cafe is underneath my room. I can see the outdoor cafe from the french doors as well as hearing the romantic Italian music. It was totally reminiscent of my experience of the Amalfi Coast.

There was also a refrigerator (which I didn't need to use), cable tv and internet access as well. In fact, I did my radio show later that night.

Dinner was at a restaurant called "M", part of the Metropole Hotel company. The Executive chef Michael Stewart chose to do a wine pairing tasting. The five course dinner was fine, but did not reflect their usual menu.

The next morning got us on a boat tour of Avalon's coast and loads of dolphins. Every once in a while a sea lion would be jumping up from the group as if to say, "I'm a dolphin, too. Look at me. Forget that I don't have a fin."

The Catalina Express back to Long Beach didn't have as much rough waters. After two boats, it took me quite awhile to recover from "sea legs". As for Catalina Island, I hope to go back for more of the sight seeing adventures.