Anniversary Trip to Avalon on Santa Catalina Island

I can't believe that in less than a month my husband and I will have been married for 40 Years!  It only seems like yesterday.

Our children wanted to have party for us or send us on a trip.  We are a bit "tripped" out since we have a big trip planned for later.  My daughter came up with the perfect solution; a trip to Avalon. We had visited Avalon before via a cruise and only had a few hours on this beautiful island.  We were excited to spend an extended time and explore theses lovely surroundings.

We boarded the Catalina Express from Dana Point, CA in the morning for the one hour and twenty minute ride to Avalon.

Upon disembarking we stored our luggage at a facility since our check in wasn't until later in the afternoon.

It was lunch time so we headed to one of the first restaurants we saw.  The fish and chips were delicious.

Here's the view from the restaurant.

Avalon is such a pretty little place but the hills are so dry due to the drought.

Our children booked this accommodation for us on Airbnb.  It was very easy to find as the name "Grisham" was prominently displayed.  We stayed on the top floor of this 100 year old home.

My husband loves the water! So, he soon found his place on the deck with his shoes kicked off and his iPad in hand ready for his "work".

The following afternoon we walked along the waterfront to the Casino.  It's not a casino in the gambling sense but a historic building from the 1920's that houses a large ballroom and movie theatre.

Another historic building with the Casino behind.

A plaque outside the Tuna Club.

We took the Avalon Trolley up to the Wrigley Memorial Garden.

 

William Wrigley, Jr  from Chicago (yes, the same Wrigley who makes the chewing gum) came to Avalon in the 1920's.  He was responsible for the conservation of the island.  Mrs.Wrigley started this botanical garden of native plants.

This is the Wrigley Memorial where Mr.Wrigley was originally buried.

Here is a plaque commemorating Mr.Wrigley' s effort in conservation.

There are a large number of steps leading up to the memorial.  These bronze doors were specially cast for this memorial.

A plaque about the bronze doors.

Here's a close up of the art deco frieze of Catalina ravens inside the memorial.

Look at the view from the memorial.  Can you see the ocean out there?

Walking back down from the memorial, I walked through the gardens.  Here's a prickly pear flower.

I love this huge cactus...

Here's a pine tree.  I loved walking though this area as the scent of the pines and surrounding greenery was heavenly.

I thought you might enjoy a bit more information; here are five facts about Catalina Island:

1.   William Wrigley, Jr. (1861-1932) purchased a controlling share in the island back in 1919 for $3 million dollars.

2.  Wrigley's Chicago Cubs used to hold spring training on Catalina Island until 1952.

3.  The population of the island in the census of 2010 was just over 4,000 people.

4.  Bison roam the hills of this island.  They were originally brought over in 1924 by a Hollywood film studio for the purpose of use in a film.  They are still there today.

5.  Close to one million people visit this island each year.  Cruise ships bring in many of these tourists.

I hope you have enjoyed this little look into this amazing island.  Next time I'm going to share with you some more facts and photos about the Casino (pictured above).

I wish you a wonderful weekend and a wonderful Memorial Day holiday.  Be safe.

My best to you,

Pat

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