Day Four – Catalina

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Chronicles of a Blogaholic

“The worst part about a trip to Catalina, is leaving.”
J R

April on Avalon from the top of Wrigley Road.

Mountains above Avalon

Avalon Homes on Hill Section

Private Beach at Hamilton Cove

Hamilton Cove Gazebo across from Avalon

Hamilton Cove Rocky Shoreline

Sail Boat at Hamilton Cove

Catalina Express parked at Hamilton Cove

Catalina Express parked at Avalon

Today, I went driving around the island on my little golf cart. Never knew driving a golf cart could be such fun. Catalina is an adult Disneyland. Full of friendly wonderful people, delicious food, fresh air and spectacular sites to behold.

It was a wonderful trip. Everyday the weather was perfect, the sky and water clear and blue. I didn’t want to bore you with tons of photos, so I’m just posting a few. These photos don’t do Catalina justice. I took lots of HD Video, but unfortunately this blog can’t accommodate video.

I have been rejuvenated by Catalina’s beauty and will return to the mainland a more refreshed and grateful person.

Farewell sweet Avalon. I shall return.

Shine On

Day Three – Catalina

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Chronicles of a Blogaholic

“If you want to relax, watch the clouds pass by if you’re laying on the grass,
or sit in front of the creek; just doing nothing and having those
still moments is what really rejuvenates the body.”
Miranda Kerr

Hilltop view of the Casino and Catalina Island Museum from condo.

Today I woke up so refreshed, I decided to do nothing. Just hanging out, reading, writing, playing my banjo and enjoying the views.

Around 3:00 in the afternoon I wanted some Chinese food to go from the only Chinese restaurant on Catalina. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the restaurant they are closed on Wednesdays. So, I drove up the main street and found a small cafe that looked like they would have good food.

The Cafe Metropole serves a small variety of healthy food, from salads to sandwiches. The lady behind the counter took my order and also made my food. I ordered a half a tuna sandwich and a large shrimp, mango & avocado salad.

The cafe was very busy for 3:00 in the afternoon, and it took her over 20 minutes to begin preparing my order. I was getting a little impatient and asked her how much longer. She replied rather annoyed, that she was just making the salad. I watched her take fresh lettuce from the refrigerator and chop it up. I left for a short time to pick up some other goodies around the corner. When I returned, she apologized for how long it took and handed me my order.

When I got the food home, I just ate the sandwich and wanted to save the salad for dinner. I must say that the sandwich was delicious. It wasn’t just a thrown together tuna salad. It had lots of ingredients added to the tuna. The salad was spectacular! Everything was fresh, from the large cooked shrimp, to the fresh mangos and avocados. The homemade dressing was an orange citrus cumin combination, which was just the right blend for the ingredients in the salad.

Tomorrow I plan to stop by Cafe Metropole and thank this hard-working woman when I see her. I also plan to try out her other entrees and pass up on the Chinese food.

Shine On

Day Two – Catalina

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Chronicles of a Blogaholic

“Catalina Island is the playground for all, rich or poor, youth or aged.
All classes mix with democratic spirit.”
William Wrigley, Jr.

Casino and Catalina Island Museum.

It feels so great to be here on Catalina. No television, no telephones, even my cell phone doesn’t work in the Condo. It’s nice not to hear cars, trucks and construction noise.

The chirping of birds and cooing of pigeons woke me around 6:30 am. I haven’t gotten out of bed that early in months, mostly because I also went to bed around 10:00 pm.

Today I visited the Catalina Island Museum. It’s not a large exhibit, but the scenery around the museum building is spectacular. Also, no crowds which I prefer. Here’s just a few highlights:

Walkway to Museum Catalina Yacht Club

Avalon shoreline Avalon Boats

Shine On

First Day on Catalina

Posted on April 13, 2015 by Chronicles of a Blogaholic

Condo View

Catalina Condo

The boat ride to Catalina was great. When we landed, I got a taxi to the condo. The view is spectacular and the condo is perfect.

Just plan to relax and go exploring tomorrow.

Shine On

Catalina Here I Come

Posted on April 11, 2015 by Chronicles of a Blogaholic

“A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in.”
Robert Orben

My ride to Catalina will be on the sexy Catalina Express.

Well it is final, tomorrow I leave for Santa Catalina. Not only am I excited about taking a vacation, which I haven’t had in over 15 years, but I’m finally visiting Catalina. A land that I’ve dreamed of once in lullaby.

Since I was a a child I have wanted to go to Catalina and Avalon. Through the years I have had numerous opportunities to visit Catalina, but never went because the only two options to reach Catalina are by helicopter or by boat: I’m scared to death of helicopters and I get seasickness on boats. But, last year I discovered I no longer get sick when I ride in a boat. You might say, I found my sea legs.

So, I’ve packed all my good reads, my laptop, camera, iPad, my banjo and my hiking boots. Six days of reading, writing, photography, playing my banjo, and exploring beautiful Catalina.

Catalina here I come!

Shine On