Catalina Island

Time: April 16^th 2013

Place: Catalina Island (City of Avalon)

Company: Wife and daughter

Highlights:

Since Catalina Express was celebrating its 30^th birthday, a free ticket was being gifted to all those who took the cruise on their birthdays throughout 2012 until April 30^th 2013. Since both me and my wife share the same birthday, the free cruise became extra special! So this trip was planned about 6 months ago when we first came across this discount flier!

Since I couldn’t take the day off (as I had to conserve my leaves for the upcoming India trip), we planned to take the 2 pm cruise from Long Beach to Avalon and return on the 7.30 pm cruise. Left home at 1, reached Long Beach bay at 1.40, boarded the cruise at 2. Got the pamphlet and was surprised to see many freebies for birthday folks - ice cream, golf, shopping discounts, bowling, etc.

Unfortunately though, the cruise was extremely disturbing. Thanks to high winds and waves, there was a lot of seasickness. A very unpleasant experience. First time experience in life, though – although I had heard about it a lot and seen it on movies too. Thankfully it was a short 1 hr ride.

Kinda chilly but gradually became warmer. Enjoyed some of the freebies, but otherwise relaxed on the sand dunes, and let Paavani enjoy herself. Return journey was better but still traumatic.

All in all, a memorable trip, with all the freebies making the birthday that much more special for both me and my wife. But to be fair to the island, it definitely is worth a visit for more than a weekend to enjoy all that it has to offer.