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June 18-19, 2025 Marti Eicholz The Odyssey has set anchor off the coast of Catalina Island. Eight Channel Islands lie off the California coast between Point Conception and the Mexican border. Six of the eight islands allow public visitation, offering campgrounds, miles of hiking trails, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, whale watching, and spectacular views. Catalina, on the southeastern leeward side, is the only island of the eight-island chain that has a permanent civilian population. Most of the four thousand residents live in Avalon, two hundred people make their homes in Two Harbors, a small village on the west end of the island, and a few live in tiny communities at Empire Landing and Middle Ranch. Inhabitants have been on the island for seven thousand years. This channel island, Catalina, has beautiful scenic views around every turn, reminiscent of a sojourn off the coast of Italy? Or is it reminiscent of a South Pacific paradise? It is expensive to visit, so it is nicknamed, “Cashalina Island.” Catalina Island is twenty miles from the coast of southern California, but still a part of the state of California and part of Los Angeles County. Avalon, incorporated in 1913, became the 30th city in the county. It feels like an ocean away from the bustling mainland or you could say, “A world away, but only an hour away.” While cars are restricted, the quaint, picturesque village of Avalon, with a charming seaside atmosphere, wrapping around Avalon Bay, colorful homes, palm-lined streets, is perfect for leisurely strolls, waterfront dining, and shopping, reminding me of a Mediterranean getaway. Catalina Island encompasses seventy-six-square miles with fifty miles of coastline. It is larger than it seems. Ninety percent of the island is a protected wilderness (natural resources and biodiversity), owned by the Catalina Island Conservancy with limited access to the island’s interior. Water is precious on the island. Like the rest of Southern California, Catalina Island is susceptible to drought, so everyone is encouraged to conserve water. William Wrigley Jr., a baseball fan, invested in the Chicago Cubs in 1917, purchased controlling interest in Catalina Island, a rocky island, twenty-two miles long and eight miles wide, off the coast of Los Angeles for $2 million in 1919 and brought the Chicago Cubs to the island for spring training from 1921-1951. Wrigley developed Avalon as a resort and built the iconic Catalina Casino in 1929. This famous casino wasn’t built for gambling, but a gathering place, with its stunning Art Deco architecture, for entertainment and social events with the world’s largest circular ballroom, a museum, and featuring a unique Avalon Theater designed for talking movies. The historic Atwater Hotel, built by Wrigley, is named after his son’s daughter who loved champagne before bed. The Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, in memory of William Wrigley Jr., highlights a monument with plants native to the Channel Islands, and both rare and endangered species. The Catalina Island Museum offers exhibits on the island’s natural history and Native American culture. Catalina Island, a charming gem off the coast of California, is a paradise of outdoor adventures, rich history and stunning unique blend of natural beauty, diverse ecosystems (landscapes), including coastal scrub, chaparral, oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal marine environments. With its picturesque landscapes, stunning seascapes, and serene ambiance, the island provides a delightful escape, a blend of relaxation and adventure amidst scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere from mainland bustle. Catalina Island is a premier destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Lover’s Cove and Casino Point Dive Park are where you can dive into the underwater world and swim alongside colorful fish, kelp forests and even sea lions. The calm waters of Catalina Island invite kayaking and paddleboarding along the scenic coastline for exploring coves and secluded beaches. If you want to stay dry while exploring the marine environment, take a glass-bottom boat tour, a window with a clear view into the vibrant underwater ecosystems, teeming with marine life. For an adrenaline rush, zip across the canyon and treetops, starting from Hog's Back gate, high in the hills near Avalon and descending through Descanso Canyon, ziplining is a thrilling way to experience the island’s natural beauty. Explore the rugged wilderness of Catalina Island’s interior with a guided tour, offering a chance to see the island’s diverse unique flora and fauna like the island fox and the two-striped garter snake, and including the famous Catalina Island bison herd, introduced here in the 1920s for a movie shoot and now a part of the landscape. Yes, one hundred fifty bison roam freely on the island, a result of fourteen bison brought here for that movie shoot in 1920. The island has served as a filming location for over five hundred Hollywood movies, including "The Hunt for Red October," "Suicide Kings," and "The Thin Red Line". Catalina Island was home to many celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Ronald Reagan, Katy Perry, George Harrison, Marilyn Monroe and Natalie Wood. Catalina Island boasts many unique and fun facts, making it a captivating destination. A Casino with no gambling A bird park with no birds A post office with no mail delivery A 3rd Street, but no 1st or 2nd streets A mausoleum with no body Barracks with no soldiers. Birds that swim. Fish that fly. No stop lights or streetlights A 20+ year waiting list to own a full-size vehicle. Primary mode of transport…golf carts A wandering herd of non-native bison roams the island. Buffalo milk is the cocktail of choice To summarize, Catalina Island is known for its stunning seascapes, rich history and plethora of outdoor activities. This beloved destination near Los Angeles offers relaxation and adventure amidst scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Whether you are diving into the crystal-clear waters, zipping through the canyons or exploring its cultural landmarks, Catalina Island remains a vibrant and inviting destination for travelers seeking both serenity and excitement. Tonight, June 19th as The Odyssey sets sail for San Francisco, three celestial bodies, the Moon, Saturn, and Neptune will align. Alignments can be dramatic, poetic or simply joyful like the one this evening. Look up at the sky and smile and the cosmic smiley face may return a smile which you will find very special. |
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