THIS IS LOOKOUT COT
by travelgourmet
Getting to Santa Catalina Island is most often done by boat or cruise ship. Once there, you usually dock at Avalon, the only town on the Island. Looking around and you see the quaint homes on the hillsides. Looking up to the south hills and you spot this pointed roof house, Queen Anne style of classic Victorian architecture, that stands out sitting on a rock promontory.
This is the "Lookout Cot" built in 1890 by a retired engineer from Pasadena, Peter Gano, as a private residence. The name is rumored to be a shorten version of "Lookout Cottage" that the piece of wood used had carved on it but was too big for the home. It later became known as the Holly Hill House. You can still see the name "Lookout Cot" over the front entrance. It is still a private residence and the present owner replaced the pointed top over the third floor lookout turret after a fire.
. There are many homes that are either famous or unique or just plain different or avant garde. Walk the back streets, take a trolley ride, or go for broke with the $$$ golf carts and tour around to see these very unusual homes. They are still "home sweet home" to the residents.
This picture was taken on a...
by Gypsy_King
This picture was taken on a glass bottom boat. I seen tons of these fish, which know they are going to get fed by tourists. I was amazed at how clear the water was under the surface because it looks dark above the water line. I was just as amazed at the seaweed growth, which is said to grow up to two feet a day.
SIT AND STAY AWHILE
by travelgourmet
One of the many small pleasures about Avalon is that the town has placed many cement benches along the harbor. Time slips away as you sit and enjoy the scenic harbor with the many boats and ships coming and going. The locals seem to enjoy facing the street side to watch the tourists walking by. Either way, you feel refreshed and ready to walk on after an enjoyable few moments sitting on the parkway.
SCUBA Diving - shore diving
by squidly2
The underwater park is a beautiful shore dive. You can easily walk there from anywhere in Avalon - but bring a bag with rollers if you are taking your own gear. If it's a weekend or the summer, they will probably have tanks and weights down at the Casino (where the dive park is) for $20 + air fills after your first . For gear rental, I recommend Scubaluv.
THE BELLS OF ADA WRIGLEY
by travelgourmet
When you are walking the beachfront Crescent Avenue heading toward the Casino and you look up into the hills because the sound of bells draws your eyes upward. Sitting on the hill is the Chimes Tower, alone and singing its song. Something quite tranquil and charming about the bells.
In 1925, Ada Wrigley, wife of William Wrigley, Jr. the owner of the Island at the time, offered the colorful tile-roof tower to the town of Avalon. Ada, without realizing it, left a lasting memorial to herself with this gracious donation. The chimes bells toll for thee every quarter hour from 8 am to 8 pm and give the bell count for the hour. To get up to the Chimes Tower turn off Crescent Avenue at Chimes Tower Road and start climbing. The view alone is worth it.
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BE AWARE OF ELEPHANT KELP
BUFFALO ART
INSIDE THE LANDING
ART EAGLES OUTSIDE THE BAY OF THE SEVEN MOONS
