Getting away for the weekend

Photos by Robert Buhrow

Whether you have visited many times prior or you are a first timer, Catalina Island still has the “magic” to slow you down and make you want to return for a longer vacation.

Situated merely a one hour express ferry ride away from a Long Beach dock, it is easily accessible. The ride is quick, with minimal opportunity for seasickness, so even the most landlocked landlubber can enjoy. 

Avalon Harbor, Casino, and Visitor...What to expect? Picture a little seaport stacked amongst surrounding hills and small mountains, trees (yes, Los Angelinos, trees with birds and squirrels…you know, those little grey critters with bushy tails, no, not the grey critters with skinny, scaly tails seen in the city), mixed with ocean smells. I always saw the island as our little Caribbean Island of the West Coast, but maybe you will see it as a Greek islet.  Avalon is the only substantial town on the whole island.

I have been running scuba trips to the island since the 1980’s but had not been to Catalina in over 10 years. To return was to see an island that has changed little over the years -- a good thing. My worry was that the arrival of weekly cruise ships would ruin the quaintness of the island, but that was unfounded. However, that being said, I would not recommend visiting Avalon when the cruise line is in town, as the little town becomes saturated with tourists, and begins to lose the joy of a relaxed atmosphere.

What to do? A friend and I had the opportunity to experience a number of adventures. First was to scuba the underwater park at the Casino. You can walk right down the steps into the water and then exit and carry your tank over to a truck that will fill your tank right there. Keep in mind during the winter months the portable fill station typically is not there on the weekdays. What stood out for my dive partner, Antonia (who was a first time visitor), was the shark seen on the night dive, along with the bioluminescence. Oh, the shark was the virtually harmless Horn Shark type. On the day dive she enjoyed the seal that quickly shot by to see who had intruded upon its realm. The water is clear but cold, so those of the tropics should be forewarned.

On land there are many possibilities. You can rent bikes (beware of the hills outside of town, which can be true cardio challenges) or golf carts (drinking and driving

laws apply, folks). The problem with the rentals is that none of them take credit cards! (The last time I experienced a business not taking a credit card was in Arkansas; there I expect some backwardness, but Catalina?)

The town is really small so you can totally walk it, but with dive gear…well, taxis are available at a rate of $22 from the Casino to the ferry dock, about 1.5 miles. You can also travel on the Inland Adventure tours (credit cards are accepted) and see a great expanse of the inland regions of the island, and the west coast of the island as well. I had the pleasure of traveling with Fred Kilbrite, AKA “Cowboy Fred,” who had more quips than a farmer watching his corn grown. He has worked the tours over 30 years, and it tells, as he seems to know every crack and crevice, and its own personal name.

For those with a little “country” and sense of adventure, take a horseback ride into them there hills, city slicker. You all be sure to come back now and not get lost in that there nature. Not to worry, each ride is provided with a guide that provides narration along the way. Relaxing, great views, nature, the sweat and smell of a 1000+ pound animal between your legs, and the slow role of a horse’s walk to lull you to a sense of peace; what more could you ask for? Rusty Connelly, the manager and our guide was another great personality that was “cowboy friendly” and full of information. The staff at the Catalina Island stables was friendly and helpful. Heck, you didn’t even have to pull a hamstring to get your foot into the stirrups because they provided a platform to mount the saddle. 

Regarding the hotels, most require a two-night stay on the weekends. Weekdays are more flexible, but again, things change per the season. You will not find a “Hotel 6” type hotel or anything close in the price range. Off-season and weekdays, you can find $80 deals, so do some looking if money is an issue.

I had an excellent stay at the Hotel Catalina on Whittley Ave. Built during the “heyday” of Catalina Island casino life, it charms with the feeling of yesteryear but with modern updates. A hot tub is present, outdoor lockers and a shower for scuba guests are available without additional cost. What is great, although you check out in the morning, you can leave your scuba gear in the lockers until you catch your homebound ferry, even the 7 p.m. one! The bummer is that there is no ramp for the wheeled dive bags, so you have to lug your gear up and down the stairs. Ivan Leyva, the hotel’s manager, was extremely pleasant and overly helpful; he has a cute little kid too.

So, whether you take just one day or decide to stay overnight, Catalina Island still has the “magic.” But as I experienced: plan the expenses, have cash available, and don’t overdo it on the activities. One day, one activity. Two days, two, maybe three activities. Doing too much will cause you to miss the real joy of the island, and that is relaxing and getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Play a little and then sit back with your cigar and glass of wine, or a cup of java and watch the world melt by. Greet people as you walk along the streets and enjoy looking them in the eye (no fear of negative consequences like in the city). But what makes any island special, are the locals. Talk and laugh with Kilbrite, Connelly and Leyva, and let your city blues hit the road.

For more information: Hotel Catalina, call 310/510-0027 or log onto www.hotelcatalina.com or 310-510-0027; Catalina Stables, call 310/510-0478 or log onto catalinastables@catalinaisp.com; Inland Adventure Motor Tour call 310-510-8687; or Chamber of Commerce call 310/510-1520 or log onto www.CatalinaChamber.com