Summer Interlude, Part 2: Catalina Island

With the end of summer camping plans burned away like so much forest, but the need to escape the local smokey air still a high priority, the scramble was on to find an alternate.

Catalina Island.

It had been at least twenty years sine last I made the one-hour boat ride across the channel to Avalon, and once the idea popped into my head, the decision was an easy one to make. To simplify the journey, bikes were left at home but, honestly, I am now obsessed with bikepacking the length of the island in the near future.

For those of you unfamiliar with Catalina (especially the town of Avalon), think small-scale. The streets are narrow and, once you get away from the downtown area, they go uphill rather quickly. Golf carts are the most common form of transportation, and though e-bike and pedal-assist bikes have made inroads into the ranks of their muscle-powered kin, there is still plenty of opportunity to use your own legs. From the level beach front to the hilly side streets leading to big views, we walked everywhere without problem.

Accommodations: there is no lack - from the campground, to rental houses, to houses turned into hotels (like the Zane Gray Pueblo), to full-on hotels, just pick your needs, price range, and go. Food: I mean, it is an island, after all, and if you don't go with fish, well, what the heck!? The swordfish at the Bluewater, and the swordfish at NDMK Fish House were both worth writing home (or here) about. The local brewery only has room for four tables outside, so it is hit-and-miss; we were lucky and got a table when we showed up after a warm walk around the hills, but I felt kind of guilty relaxing through two pints (sandwich and fresh baked soft pretzels) while a continuous stream thirsty people were turned away because there were no available outdoor seats. The pandemic, of course, has the Catalina Island Museum closed but, so that people could see the current exhibition (Frida Kahlo) they project the images against the side of a local building each night - there is no dialogue, or interpretive opportunity, but still, you do get to see the images. Beside that, there is always the swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, para-sailing, hiking, fishing, riding, and all the other usual. outdoor activities.

For one night, or more, bike or no, Catalina is still a great, close-by escape.

comfortable room at the Seacrest Inn (why yes, the Tour was on)

most of Avalon's downtown beachfront is pedestrian only

night view across the harbor

looks like she's ready for some scuba - maybe next time (i'd like to try as well)

California. Garibaldi - the opposite of blending in

chimes of the Chimes Tower

the Casino from Chimes Tower

i don't think she knew how close she was to being lunch

come on now; that's just rude 😁

little bungalows on a steep hillside

scuba divers and snorkelers

Catalina Island Yacht Club

already planning for the next time