The herald., 1894-06-24
Catalina Island.

at this time but the fact that the leland
is yearly pr ssenting greater attractions
and is being frequentsd by larger num-
beers each .curring eeason ia bringing it
into such prominence that brief de-
scription, as it now appears, at the
opening OF the season, will not be unin-
tereeting.
Up to the present time the steamer
Falcon has been making tri weekly trips
across from San Pedro. but beginning
with today the handsome steamer Her
mosa will begin plying between the
mainland and the island. The increased
travel has msia this step necessary.
Already there are over 600 people on the
island and from now on thia number
will be increased to very considerable
proportions.
Upon the arrival of the trains at San
Pedro from this city. emberkGtion ie at
once made upon the steamer. and e trihe
less than three bours thereafter land
ing is made at the wharf in Avalon bay,
in front of the pretty little town OF
Avalon. This bay 10 situated we'll
toward the eouthern end OF the island,
and while, perhaps, ia not prettier than
numerous other bays which are formed
by jutting points in and about the
island, 10 very pretty spot. 1t is go
completely shut off from the wind as to
make it perfectly smooth at all times,
and forms an ideal place for boating,
bathing and the like. gravel beach
skirts it from a bold landmark at one
extremity to Sugar Loaf rock at the
upper end, distance OF half mile or
30. The water is go clear along this bay
that the bottom can be seen even when
the water is 80 feet deep, and it is one of
the pleasures OF boating and fishing par
ties to observe the antics of the fnny
tribe as they sport about in their ma
tive element They are not only
charmed in simply viewing SO en-
chanting scene, but the way the big
yeliowtails OF q pounds' weight, the
festive barracuda of herculesn demeanor
and even greater avoirdupois are pulled
In lends zeEt which whets desire
even among tho most sluggish to get
Eunburned and go a-boating. But the
little bay itself is but part of this
island, and if one feels so disposed he
can find diversity of amusemsnts of
purely unconventional character. In
fact. it affords feeling that one is in a
little world all by itaeli.
The little town of Avalon has been
built upon O slight rise and alec upon
the level portion at the foot of the little
valley which opens to the sea. All along
the front is a broad, level street, toward
which most of the hotels and business
houses face, although streets open into
thisat right angles at regular distances,
the town being regularly laid out in
blocks and streets. The rear portion,
which has been given up to residences,
has been set out to shade trees and the
streets have all been graded. To those
who like higher elevation, gently
rising hills to the right afford plenty Of
accommodation. In fact goodly num-
Der OF cottages and boarding houses
have been built along this part. During
the height OF the season tho little town
10 about evenly divided between canvas
tents and houses, many preferring the
latter 10 the former. But to those who
preie. to secure eccomm odations al
ready provided, there are an abund ance
OF good hotels ct extremel.' libaral rates,
30 that the vieitor Gun secure Just about
what he may desire.
A fine large pavilion atfo de- chance
for dances and indoor melry-making
generally, while a wcll-elgppei bath
house allows all to ta1e advantage of
the waters. Then thero arc the trips
over the island. Some 20 on foot, while
others take brrros and climo up over
the hills where it iake5 oas'e breath
away to look down In some places a.
climb is taken whe IA sneer fall OF l0D0
feet can be eeen into the sea below. 1t
is truly combination of mountain and
s.aeide, with just enough variety to give
spice to lie. Little naphths launches
end Yachts make trips in all directians
and 10 all points of interest. The 18TH
mus. some IA miles up the island, is
Pleasant trip, and affords much fine
scenery, while in another direction is
Seal rocE, upon which are seals more
numerous than any other spot along the
coast
There are many interesting features
about the little town itself which afford
pastime and amusement. The old
abandoned mine, discovered few days
sgo, 10 worth Visiting. 1t is but q few
handred feet from the Hotel Metropolis,