Coastal Awesomeness

 Gary and I had the opportunity and pleasure to spend time with my family last week in Catalina. Although Catalina had its own heatwave, it was much nicer and better than the 100° + weather we have been getting here (yes, even in Santa Clarita the temperatures have been over 100°-yuck).

   We both decided to take the entire week off (it was bliss). First of all, we spent the weekend before in Bakersfield for my nephew's baptism. I am still not believing that boy is 8 years old! Crazy. But it was so spiritual and sweet to see him make such a big decision and even bear his testimony in church the next day: "I knew I wanted to get baptized ever since I knew what immersion is". Everyone in my immediate family, my nephew, and my sister-in-law bore their testimony. I know, I was getting looks for not joining the club. But um, I was respecting the time for others in the ward to bear theirs. So there. The entire meeting definitely brought the spirit (and a few tears).

 Anyway, after that awesome weekend, Gary and I were picked up early Tuesday morning where we headed toward Newport Beach to catch the Catalina Flyer to the island. The boat was PACKED. Luckily Gary, Quinn and I all found a good seat on the very top of the boat- so we were able to get a nice breeze the entire trip.

Waiting at the terminal in the massive line

 We arrived on the island around 11am. I had called our hotel manager, who said our room should be ready shortly. However, shortly turned into almost 4 hours. Our luggage had been already stored in the hotel, but we didn't bring our sunblock and burned a little. I turned into a tan, but Gary- not so much. Luckily it wasn't all that bad.

Overlooking the ocean/casino

Us

And again

 Finally, close to 3pm, our room was ready. We noticed later that the owner is selling the place, so he was apologetic with all that was going on in getting things ready. 

Our bed

It was a cute room- good sized bed, fireplace, and even a Jacuzzi spa. We spent the rest of the day relaxing, enjoying a dinner with my family at Antonio's Pizzeria, taking an evening stroll around the island, and chilling on our rooftop patio where we met a nice couple and chatted away while watching the sunset.

On the roof

Roof view

 Early the next morning, around 6am, I got up and ready for a run- until I realized I left my running shoes behind. So, instead I went on a beautiful scenic walk on the 22-scenic route. It was up past the bell tower, up the top of the mountain where the zip line tour was, and around the mountain and down the other side- and boy was it gorgeous with the rising sun. The best part was seeing the non-Avalon side of the ocean. I swear the ocean looked absolutely endless. It was breathtaking and overwhelming since I had never been on that path before (pictures don't do it justice). 

Making my way up

On top on the other side

Avalon

And again

Bell tower

 After my walk, coming back to the hotel and getting ready for the day, Gary and I headed out where we enjoyed a yummy lunch, rented some peddle boats on the ocean, and hit Lover's Cove where we met with the family to go snorkeling. The water was 69°, so it was nice. We had a blast feeding all the fish- especially when my mom accidentally threw some food right near Jazmine's face just as she was going underwater. Yeah, she came up screaming, LOL. 

Gary having fun

Me

 After snorkeling, showering and resting back at the hotel, we all met at my parents' hotel where we had a nice BBQ. That evening,  I took Gary on the same scenic route I took that morning. On the way up and while crossing some gorgeous house property, we saw a deer on a front lawn. Thinking it was a lawn ornament, I walked closer to it suspiciously when it blinked and twitched its head, causing me to say in a loud whisper, "It's real!" It was dark, so my attempted pictures didn't work. But anyway, the walk was nice.

Good enough- night Avalon

 So, we checked out Thursday morning and did a heck-load of walking until we caught our boat that evening. Our hotel experience wasn't all that great this year. The maid threw away our snacks in the hotel ( I mean, who does that??), and the hot water was a hit and miss. Apparently the tank-less water heater (I know, right?) was busted. However, in apology when we checked out, the manager gave us $100 off our stay- so that was nice of him.

 It was definitely a nice getaway filled with ice cream, walks, relaxation and fun. Mmm, ice cream...