This was our view from the ship when we woke up on the third day of our vacation--Catalina! The skies were a bit overcast and the air was misty, we were all mesmerized by the sight of it. It was enchanting!
After a yummy buffet breakfast, we boarded a little ferryboat that transported us to the dock.
Our first onshore excursion was an hour tour of the island in a rickety old bus. We rode along the coastline, up a steep mountain, and through a canyon. Everything was lush and exotic, the views were incredible! We had an entertaining tour guide, he had lived most of his life on the island and was full of interesting facts and insights of life on Catalina.
Here are a few points that caught my attention:
*Catalina is only 21 miles long and 8 miles wide at its widest point.
*The temperature on the island is generally between 60 to 80 degrees year round.
*There is a limit on vehicles allowed on the island. Anyone desiring a personal vehicle must get on a waiting list until someone moves, dies, or decides to get rid of their car. Our tour guide had been on the waiting list for nearly ten years! Everyone without a car gets around on foot, bicycles or in golf carts.
*There is one public school, for kindergarten through 12th grade. I told Kent we both should apply, because I was willing to drop everything and move there immediately. What a life that would be!
After the tour we visited a museum, wandered around, and did a little souvenir shopping.
We took one more excursion in a "glass bottom boat" where we went out into the harbor and were able to see fish and different species of marine life. It was a little like scuba diving without getting wet!
An unforgettable day on the island of Catalina! This was our final view as we sailed away.
