A Third Honeymoon: Catalina Island
Catalina Island — a taste of old Los Angeles glamor. Its beautiful tiled fountains, infamous opera casino, and art deco attitude places one in a Hollywood mood. Spending two days there was sufficient to see all of the Avalon town, and while the island is large, it is majority wilderness for camping/hiking/fishing. We would love to get back there for a backpacking trip, where you can traverse the island and witness the wild bison roaming.
Bison came to Catalina Island for a movie production, and since then, the 20 bison have now turned into hundreds. This island has also been the location for The Cubs spring training, Wrigley having owned the island, and the birthplace of big game fishing.
Its calm, laid back atmosphere gives the island the feeling of remembrance, as if it sits back on its heels and watches what time brings it.
From the stone steps behind the opera casino we snorkeled with towering algae and bright orange and blue schools of fish. We kayaked along the coast and road bikes through its neighborhood. We had our Thanksgiving meal in town, with Jamie enjoying stuffed swordfish. Other nights she ordered lobsters that were caught that very morning by restaurant owners.
We look forward to going back, whether it is for backpacking or for a day excursion. Its simple beauty is the perfect spot for gratitude and reflection. It became our honeymoon from our honeymoon, and a much needed extension of our wedding festivities!
