Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1896-10-21

place, also of spending ten days on the
/ lovely island.
AT San Pedro, CAL, we boarded the
Hermosa, steamer that makes daily
trips to and from Catalina and San
Pedro. The scenery of the great Pacific
is far beyond our description.
Hermosa, the steamer in which we
crossed, is an elegant structure. 1t is
large enough to accommodate 300 per.
sons. 1t is very elegantly furnished.
The parlor has the appearance of a
lovely parlor on land, it being furnish
ed with sofas, chairs, tables, nicely
carpeted, and AN elegant piano which
anyone is allowed to play.
We would not leave out that the wri.
ter had the very unpleasant experience
of being seasick.
We arrived in Avalon just as the sun
was going down behind the western
horizon. Avalon is little town situ-
ated in the mouth of the canon of
Santa Catalina Island. AS we entered
the harbor the boat glided slowly and
smoothly up to the wharf and then
when 1t was steadfastly anchored we
were permitted to land on this much
admired part of God 3 wonderful crea.
ton. While we were watching the
boatmen fasten the strong chains and
ropes to the wharf, we were impressed
with the fact of how much more i'm
portant is it that we anchor our souls
to the cross of Calvary so that the great
tidal waves may not drive us from the
shores of peace and happiness out on
the deep stormy ocean of sinfulness.
Catalina is on island twenty two
miles long and from one half to eight
miles wide. 1t was discovered by Ca.
brilla, Spanish navigator, in 1542. 1t
is an island of mountains and the
most beautiful scenery we have ever
visited. Here towering toward the
bright blue Heavens are the mountains
and at their base are the mighty waters
of the deep blue ocean.
Thousands of the lovers of nature
visit this island annually. The morn
ings are spent in fishing. We saw
Jew fish six feet and ten inches long
and weighing 400 lbs. We caught our
first fish in the waters of the Pacific.
Mrs. Miller had the pleasure of catch
ing one forty one inches long. The
moons are spent in bathing, swimming
and diving; the evenings in walking
along the beach, strolling on the noun
tains, or sitting along the shore watch
ing the foaming tide dash the beach.
1t affords one quite degree of pleas
ure to watch the tide come in, making
music on the beautiful pebbles.
The lovely island is owned by Ban
nlng Bros. and contains an area of co.
600 acres 1t is said that not a single
squawl, storm or shower comes to dis
turb the perfection Of Catalina, but it
is one perpetual summer.
One of the most impressive scenes
during our visit at Catalina was the
landing of the Hermosa on Saturday
nights. About fifteen minutes before
the steamer is due at Avalon, the hotel
porches are lighted with Japanese LAM
terms, fires are built along the beach,
and Sugar Loaf, high cliff, has upon
its summit a fire kindled and q little
boat beautifully lighted is sent out to
greet the Hermosa. AS the boat glides
into the peaceful bay, skyrockets are
seen flying high up IN the air and these
are answered by beautiful rockets sent
| from the coming steamer
Another impressive scene is to be out
in the evening and see the moon as it
rises, presenting a magnificent moon
light reflection on the waters of the
Pacific.
No one but would gaze with untold
pleasure at the boat as she takes her
departure from the Island. When the
boats anchor is unfastened and the
boat begins to move slowly from the
wharf, everyone has Il friend to leave
on the island. 1t may be father.
mother, wife, husband, or perhaps a
new acquaintance formed during the
stay at Catalina. Handerchiefs are
seen waving in the air, sweet good byes
are waited over the deep blue waters.
Good bye, papa, is heard from some
little darling baby; the welcome words
Come again" is heard from many lips.
We have never visited place so much
admired as Catalina Island.
After visiting ten days, we got on
board the steamer to return to Lords
burg. We had feeling of seasickness,
but not 80 sick as gentleman who said
he would give someone fifty cents to
roll him overheard.
We saw our first whale on our way
home.
We are now in Lordsburg and have
not seen it rain enough to lay the dust
since we came to California.
MAMIE j. MCINTYRE,
Lordsburg, Cal.