Travel

The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce reports that there was no damage done to the city of Avalon in last month’s near-disastrous wildfires. They also report that things are mostly back to normal and encourage a resumption of tourism to the island. In a tribute area on their website, the Chamber posted a photographic tribute to the Firefighters that beat back the flames in mid-May.

As a family that enjoys our Catalina visits (we were married in Avalon and go back often), we thank the firefighters also.

We had to do a few personal chores today, not the least of which was to get Damsel’s sutures removed. After that, I took my wheels to the shop for maintenance, so while we were waiting for the work to be finished, we jumped in Damsel’s convertible and went over the Palos Verdes Peninsula to look at the waves and feel the gusting winds blowing at near gale force. She got this nice shot of the Point Vicente Lighthouse with Santa Catalina Island in the distance. Whitecaps and choppy seas can be seen in the Catalina Channel.

Yesterday, we played tourist around Avalon and visited several of the Catalina Island attractions. One ride we’ve never taken before is the cruise to Seal Rocks on the east end of the island. It was very interesting and fun when we got to the rocks, this female sea lion swam out to check us out and show off a little.

Seal Rocks Cruise

Along this tour you’ll sail to Seal Rocks aboard the 64-foot Blanche W., an open-deck passenger boat made specifically for Catalina’s coastline. California Sea Lions are one of the Pacific Oceans most entertaining residents. Adult males grow up to an imposing 1,000 pounds, and their cute little pups love to frolic and play.