Santa Catalina Island

"I found my love in Avalon

Beside the bay

I left my love in Avalon

And sail'd away

I dream of her and Avalon

From dusk 'til dawn

And so I think I'll travel on

To Avalon"

In 24 hours I'll be heading to one of my favorite places, the town of Avalon, located on Santa Catalina Island, 26 miles west of the southern California shore.

This place is amazing, I've been making the quick boat trip over for several years, and have many fond memories that will never leave me.

This island is unique in many ways, and has a wide array of flora and fauna you may not expect to see.

Buffalo and/or bison were brought to the island for a movie shoot in the 30's and a few escaped, bred, and now populate the interior of the island.

This is a subspecies of the island grey fox that is only found on Catalina Island.

And of course, the infamous Garibaldi, the California State (marine) fish. This fish is protected, I've caught them on accident before and a release is mandatory to avoiding a fine.

Flying fish are also a unique animal that you can see around the island. Nighttime boat tours are available to witness them take flight.

Catalina is also where the rare 18 foot long oar fish washed up, I really wish I could have been there for that!

There are many activities to participate in while on the island, however simply relaxing on the beach is never frowned upon!

Here at lover's cove, you can take a tour in a submarine, or a glass bottom boat and view some of the fish while keeping dry. I personally will be braving the 68 degree water to get up close and personal with some of the full time residents.

I highly recommend that you visit this special place. I have met people from southern California who have never been to Catalina, and I personally think they are crazy. Stay tuned, i'll be posting pictures from my umpteenth trip 26 miles across the sea, and I still could not be more excited!