Catalina Island
Well, we finally did it. We took a trip to Catalina Island. It was only a day trip (and that could be where I made the mistake), but it was a trip, all the same.
We started out from the house super early but, once we got on the 405, AJ was concerned that we wouldn't make our port time and miss the boat. Our tickets were non-refundable so it was quite a concern at the time. Thankfully, once we got past Sunset Blvd (which is where everyone back-routes to downtown), we were good to go. We got there on time and with a little to spare. The only unfortunate part (which became a MUCH bigger problem for the rest of the day) was that we didn't have time to stop and get Dramamine an hour before we boarded. As SOON as we arrived to the pier we purchased some however, our boat was leaving in only about 15 minutes. Not enough time for the meds to work properly. And unfortunate for me, it caused me to be sick most of the day.
It was cold on the boat. Not just chilly, but coat and scarf cold. The marine layer had dug deep and was as far as the island when we arrived. Which made for a cold ride, but thankfully, after a near 2 hour ride, once we arrived, the overcast disappeared and left us with a breezy, sunny afternoon. Aside from my stomach problems everything was awesome! The first thing I noticed when we pulled into the town of Avalon was the European feel (almost Dutch or Swiss-like). All of the houses and cottages were built on the side of the sweeping mountain and the cove was filled with boats of all sizes including big yachts. It was a wondrous and exciting feeling. And to think this island is still a part of Los Angeles county! Crazy!
The most interesting public building is one they called "the casino" and although it was no longer, and apparently hadn't been for some time, a casino, the shape was a beautiful almost carousel shape. You could take a tour of it for $20 a person or you could just enjoy the outside architecture for free. We brought our lunch (which ended up being breakfast) and along the pathway toward the casino, we stopped and ate. It lessened the weight of our tote bag and helped my stomach feel a bit better. We checked out the divers on the edgeway of the casino - there were quite a few taking lessons. We were only scheduled to be on the island for a few hours so we began our scouting for things to do on our next trip, which is planned to be at least a nights stay. There are tons of tours both on the land and in the sea, none of which we had time to do at the moment. Which was kind of a bummer, I'm looking forward to the submersible tour next time!
We walked all over the little village and on the pier, checking out the sunbathers, the shops and all of the restaurants. We stopped at the tour booth and picked up info on pricing, scheduling and the like and within just a few short hours it was near time for us to leave. We did stop in a little breakfast cafe and grabbed a few nibbles before our boat arrived, just to make sure I had food and sprite on my stomach. AND I took my meds in ample time for our boat ride home, which was much more enjoyable, so much so I ended up conking out and taking a nap. I had no idea how much seasickness can wear a person out!
If you're a friend on facebook, you can check out the photos in my album http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=243088&id=736210990&l=6144588e9d
We started out from the house super early but, once we got on the 405, AJ was concerned that we wouldn't make our port time and miss the boat. Our tickets were non-refundable so it was quite a concern at the time. Thankfully, once we got past Sunset Blvd (which is where everyone back-routes to downtown), we were good to go. We got there on time and with a little to spare. The only unfortunate part (which became a MUCH bigger problem for the rest of the day) was that we didn't have time to stop and get Dramamine an hour before we boarded. As SOON as we arrived to the pier we purchased some however, our boat was leaving in only about 15 minutes. Not enough time for the meds to work properly. And unfortunate for me, it caused me to be sick most of the day.
It was cold on the boat. Not just chilly, but coat and scarf cold. The marine layer had dug deep and was as far as the island when we arrived. Which made for a cold ride, but thankfully, after a near 2 hour ride, once we arrived, the overcast disappeared and left us with a breezy, sunny afternoon. Aside from my stomach problems everything was awesome! The first thing I noticed when we pulled into the town of Avalon was the European feel (almost Dutch or Swiss-like). All of the houses and cottages were built on the side of the sweeping mountain and the cove was filled with boats of all sizes including big yachts. It was a wondrous and exciting feeling. And to think this island is still a part of Los Angeles county! Crazy!
The most interesting public building is one they called "the casino" and although it was no longer, and apparently hadn't been for some time, a casino, the shape was a beautiful almost carousel shape. You could take a tour of it for $20 a person or you could just enjoy the outside architecture for free. We brought our lunch (which ended up being breakfast) and along the pathway toward the casino, we stopped and ate. It lessened the weight of our tote bag and helped my stomach feel a bit better. We checked out the divers on the edgeway of the casino - there were quite a few taking lessons. We were only scheduled to be on the island for a few hours so we began our scouting for things to do on our next trip, which is planned to be at least a nights stay. There are tons of tours both on the land and in the sea, none of which we had time to do at the moment. Which was kind of a bummer, I'm looking forward to the submersible tour next time!
We walked all over the little village and on the pier, checking out the sunbathers, the shops and all of the restaurants. We stopped at the tour booth and picked up info on pricing, scheduling and the like and within just a few short hours it was near time for us to leave. We did stop in a little breakfast cafe and grabbed a few nibbles before our boat arrived, just to make sure I had food and sprite on my stomach. AND I took my meds in ample time for our boat ride home, which was much more enjoyable, so much so I ended up conking out and taking a nap. I had no idea how much seasickness can wear a person out!
If you're a friend on facebook, you can check out the photos in my album http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=243088&id=736210990&l=6144588e9d