The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-09-08
CATALINA ISLAND JOYS,
A Trip to Little Harbor One of
the Popular PaStimeS
for Visitors.
Picturesque Scenery Viewed From
an Old-Time Slx-Horse Con-
cord Coach.

AVALON, CATALINA ISLAND, Sept. s.
Now that the season is waning at Catalina
Island and t. he summer crowds have de-
parted, those who linger on to enjoy the
lovely autumn quiet take lively interest
in the numerous side trips from Avalon
across and to the interior Of the island.
One of the most unique and delightful OF
these is that to the Isthmus and Little
Harbor, which is accomplished via water
twelve miles down the shoreward coast oil
the island, and. thence by stage, eight
miles diagonally across, over splendid
stage road which has been cut through the
mountains, and is as smooth and hard as
If macadamized.
The Isthmus, the point where the yacht
ride ends and the stage ride begins, is the
very narrowest part of the island, being
only half mile across. 1t is here that
Uncle Sam erected big barracks during
the late war and stationed troops of SOL
diers to guard the coast. The barracks are
still standing and are used now as @ COM
bination shell store and inn, where sight
seers may get lunch. Not far from the
barracks is the old Indian graveyard,
where yards and yards of wampum and
beads are unearthed every year by ambi-
tious relic seekers.
Explorations are interrupted by sum-
mons from the coaching horn, and one
mounts the big, six-horse Concord, with
its prancing steeds, with thrill of pleasure.
Ii fortunate enough to occupy the box
seat, and if Captain Banning himself
handles the ribbons, he can count it a
special providence, for nowhere in all Cali
fornia is there better driver, so tradition
saith, than this son of the pioneer, old
Captain Banning, whose name and fame
are known throughout the State.
The first part of the way leads up the
mountains, closely following the coast and
disclosing magnificent marine views as the
coach mounts higher up the cliffs. Lion
Point iuts boldly out into the sea Just
below the Isthmus, the cliffs exactly de-
scribing lions head couched between
two enormous paws. Looking across the
stretch of shining waters to the mainland
one can plainly descry, if it be clear day,
Santa Monica, San Pedro, Terminal Island,
Long Beach, Oceanside and San Juan and,
were it not for Point Firmin, Redondo
would complete the circle of summer re-
sorts to be seen from Catalina's heights.
With an abrupt turn the smooth, hard
mountain road bends away from the coast
and, plunging down steep descent, the
tourist is in the interior of the island, the
sea completely shut away from view and
the mountains rising around with the SUBJ
Unity of the Sierras. The quail dart away
in focks at the approach of the laundering
wheels. The Hottest two peaks of this ISL
and mountain range-Orizaba and Black
jack-loom up against the blue sky, and
one would not dream he was within 100
miles of the sea, SO completely is he sur
rounded by the bold mountain scenery,
with not hint of the ocean, which lies
just beyond and 1000 feet below. BY and
by Little Harbor comes into view, and a
glimpse OF the.surf dashing on the rocks is
caught. A halt is made, and the signal
flag that announces to the proprietor of
the Little Harbor Inn that he will have
company for dinner is duly hoisted.
Then the driver chirrups cheerfully to