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forests of the waters around Avalon. See- in the island interior, jeep tours to view that
ing the orange Garibaldi fish — California’s interior along with the bison that call
state saltwater fish — was my favorite Catalina home, snorkeling, scuba diving, bi-
thrill. I first saw these orange beauties on cycle rentals, parasailing, kayaking, paddle
my first trip to Catalina in 1958 — aboard boarding and fishing, we chose a more
my family’s 46-foot sloop that we moored leisurely experience. We drove the golf cart
off Cherry Cove for two weeks every sum- around, walked everywhere, shopped along
mer for years. Crescent Avenue, and had lots of dining
I even attended Catalina Island Girls choices.
Camp for two summers in 1961 and 1962, Dining at the Bluewater Avalon on the
which remain highlights of my youth. My waterfront one night and Steve’s Steak-
old camp merged with Catalina Island Boys house and Seafood the other, we could
Camp in the 1970s, so camping is still avail- walk to each of these restaurants from our
able for lucky kids (www.catalinaisland- hotel. We stayed at the Hotel Atwater,
camps.com). which was an original Wrigley building that
These boating and camping adventures was completely restored a few years ago;
took place near the Isthmus, also known as it’s a very nice hotel right in the center of
Two Harbors, which lies on the leeward side town. But it’s that whole town that deserves
of the island several miles north of Avalon. admiration. We found it remarkably clean
Very little seems to have changed there and well-kept. We didn’t see any homeless
too: Just one hotel — the historic Banning people in distress anywhere. It really is very
Lodge — and a couple of vacation house much like it was way back in 1958.
rentals are on offer, along with just a few What a delightful time warp.
restaurants and a general store. Lots of
boaters still moor off the coves near here, To help you plan a visit, check out the
and camping is the most popular pastime. cruise ship schedules posted by Love
Visitors to Avalon can take a 45-minute Catalina:
boat ride to Two Harbors. https://www.lovecatalina.com/community-
While there are lots of activities for the information/cruise-ship-schedule/.
adventurous on Catalina: Hiking and camp-
ing along the 38-mile Trans-Catalina Trail
Right: A couple imagines the Big Band
dances of yore in Avalon’s historic Art Deco
Casino.
Opposite: Sailboats at anchor in Avalon
Bay and massive palms lined the basyside
walkway to the Avalon Casino.
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