Just off the coast of southern California lies a series of 8 small islands, five of which form the Channel Islands National Park. Santa Catalina Island is that often misty, but always present land mass framed so beautifully by the arching pines of Rancho Palos Verdes. On the 4th day of our Lindblad/NatGeo Channel Island cruise, we hiked past a bison and kayaked in a crystal clear cove in the Two Harbors area. After lunch, we visited Avalon, a town nestled in a bowl-shaped depression tipped towards the harbor, with ever higher tiers of houses. At the Catalina Museum, we were surprised to discover connections of island history with both of our childhoods. We walked the shops and enjoyed ice cream cones before exploring the steps of Avalon for amazing views.
Click here for Los Angeles Area Eats and Hikes.
 |
| Sunrise near misty Catalina - we are headed for Two Harbors in the dip between hills. |
 |
| Looking down on Isthmus Cove (Banning Harbor), beach and kayak area. |
 |
| Crystal clear waters in Isthmus Bay |
 |
| Ships in bottle at the Catalina Museum |
 |
| Avalon's South Beach looking towards Lovers Cove |
 |
| Avalon Harbor bounded by red roofed buildings: Catalina Casino and Holly House |
 |
| One of many staircases in Avalon, Hermosa Hotel on Metropole Ave. |
