Avalon

Twenty- six miles across the sea
Santa Catalina is a-waitin' for me

My awesome sister and I spent a lovely Saturday visiting the tiny seaside town of Avalon on Catalina Island. It was drizzling in Newport Beach when we left and windy. We decided that the sea air was "brisk". (The first rule of traveling in our family is "no grumbling") The ride was only an hour so we arrived ready for adventure and a warm meal.

After a hot lunch of burritos and drawing in our sketchbooks we were much revived. The sun came out and we made our way to the Catalina Island Museum. There was a Chihuly glass exhibit on display. I had seen photos of his installations but was not prepared for the mesmerizing beauty of his work.

There were explosions of color around every corner. 

 There were also bits of Catalina tile everywhere.

We took a leisurely stroll down to the casino, an art deco landmark from the twenties, then wandered back in to town and in and out of shops. It was a completely pleasant day, over too soon. Grey clouds were rolling in as we left and the ride back was shorter and colder.

I'm looking forward to returning to Catalina again soon.

(Note to self, take a warm jacket for the boat ride)

Marilyn.

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"There is nothing--absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."
- Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows