Catalina is a family tradition that goes back many (many) years. Having grown up in Southern California, it has been a place not only to take visitors but to stay for weeks at a time to enjoy the slower pace it it represents.
Let me share my view of Catalina through pictures.
This is my mom in front of the Big White Steamship. Not the best picture but I do want to acknowledge that she was there. She was our picture taker and not often in the pictures herself. Below is my dad and brother with me in front of the steamship. Pictures were taken in July 1962.
This is a picture of a slightly older me with my ex-husband, who shall not be named. However, my kids were 2 and 4 years old when they made their first trip to Catalina. They would make many more because for years, we spent a week or two there where they roamed the Island without a care in the world. They couldn't do that now, times have changed but it's still a great place for kids.
Slightly older children coming into Avalon Harbor. Christopher hates this pictures and now wonders "what in the heck was he wearing". The photo was taken in 1987.
New trip in 2012. Christopher is much older and we made the trip with my sister-in-law and grandson. We had a great day. It was the first time Frances had been to Catalina. This was taken inside the Catalina Flyer, one of the (to me) newer, faster ships.
The house on the hill is the Wrigley Mansion. At one time, you could take one of the golf carts and ride to the Mansion where they were really good tours of the house. Today, the road is closed and the tours are long gone. Still, it's an impressive sight on the hill.
Frances in front of the Casino. The tour is wonderful and interesting. The ballroom in the upper level is spectacular and has amazing views. Downstairs in a museum and the theater that is still in use. The decor in the theater was created by the same man who did the decor for Grumman's Chinese Theater.
Photo was taken while we were waiting for the Glass Bottom Boat tour. This is fun and educational for the kids. They just don't know that they are learning.
We love Catalina. It doesn't matter if we are just there for the day or spending a week. It is a place out of time and full of wonderful memories that have lasted a lifetime.
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Never been to Catalina.
ReplyDeleteIt's so great that you can include so many memories and personal photos in your A - Z Challenge. You're sharing some treasured places in California, Ann!
ReplyDeleteI was born in Whittier, raised in Orange County, lived there for 35 years and NEVER went to Catalina. How pathetic is that???!
ReplyDeleteI remember going to Catalina Island when I was in the Girl Scouts. I think I went on the Catalina Flyer. I remember it was a "cruise ship," though the flyer isn't that big from the pictures. But I was sooo seasick on the trip over.
ReplyDeleteHi Ann,
ReplyDeleteI found you through M.J. I would love a vacation right about not to Catalina Island. I can picture myself sitting on some deck looking out over the water and disappearing in my story. What a perfect place to write. Thanks so much for sharing.
Linda, The Big White Steamship stopped running in 1975. If you were old enough, you would have been on a ship that might have appeared to be a cruise ship.
ReplyDeleteNot sure exactly when, but it might have been before 1976.
DeleteI haven't been to Catalina, but perhaps I've flown over it one of the many times I've flown into LA? :)
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you have these family photos. I particularly like the older B & W ones.
ReplyDeleteHi Ann, I have managed to get on your California Blog finally! I can't access it through the IPAD for some reason so im on the laptop know. This is really useful for me seeing as I just moved to California. We definitly want to visit Catalina. I love the old family photos.
ReplyDeleteHi Ann,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jane and I'm with Dwellable.
I was looking for blogs about Avalon to share on our site and I came across your post...If you're open to it, shoot me an email at jane(at)dwellable(dot)com.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Jane