May 2008 Archives

Avalon's famed flying fish are back at Catalina Island. Every summer the flying fish migrate to the kelp-rich waters surrounding the island, where they spawn and play through the season. Catalina opened the season this year with its First Annual Flying Fish Festival.

Friday night my daughter and I took the Catalina Express out of Long Beach for the one hour cruise to Avalon. We gathered on the Green Pier along with dozens of other festivators to watch Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner, the granddaughter of William Wrigley, Jr., rechristen the flying fish tour boat named in her honor.

The Blanche W was put to sea by her grandfather when Blanche was three years old. The 98-passenger, open-air boat has been used for flying fish tours around Avalon since 1924. Blanche, or Blanny as she is affectionately known, was on hand to slap the champagne against the hull to rechristen the vessel after a complete refurbishing and certification by the US Coast Guard.

All set to launch, we boarded and motored north out of Avalon Harbor. A spotter uses WWI-era search lights to scan the water, luring the fish into the high beams. We'd just gotten past the harbor when we saw the first amazing flight. These streamlined, turquoise blue beauties really fly. They leap out of the water, their side fins fluttering like butterfly wings as they shoot across the surface of the water. Some fly for upwards of 100 yards.

Alas, those darn flying fish are hard to photograph in the dark, despite the bright search lights. I didn't get a single good shot. Here is a terrific shot taken by a NOAA reseacher in 2005.

Catalina Island is an easy and affordable getaway for Southern Californians. Be sure to check the Catalina Chamber website for specials that include Catalina Express and hotel packages.

Photo above: Blanche Wrigley Schreiner with Avalon's mascot, Gil the Flying Fish.

Some people actually go away for Memorial Day weekend. Traditionally, my family has stayed home to attend picnics and the annual Memorial Day commemorative service held at Bellevue Cemetary in Ontario. Several of my family members are buried at that lovely old cemetary and my stepfather plays in the Chaffey Community Show Band during the services.

But if you're aching for a getaway on the first three-day-weekend of the warm season, why not consider San Diego? The Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego is offering a fabulous Memorial Day week special: book two nights and get the third free, or stay longer and receive every third night free. This offer is good for a stay between May 23-May 29 and get this: No extra charge for pets (usually $30 per day).

The Manchester Grand Hyatt is on the Gaslamp Quarter's waterfront, right next to Seaport Village. It offers family activities such as ping-pong, foosball, tennis, basketball, and a huge waterfront pool desk. (The VIPs from the Red Bull Air races watched last week's race through San Diego Bay from the Manchester Grand pool deck.)

Another perfect Memorial Day getaway is Catalina Island. You can go from port to port on the Catalina Express in just about an hour. Check out the Catalina Island visitor's website for specials on passage and accommodation packages.

The weekend after Memorial Day I'll be attending Catalina's Catalina Flying Fish Festival. This is a first time event, celebrating the legendary flying fish that migrate to the waters around Catalina through the summer months. These long, slender fish put on shows for viewers--particularly at night when a light is flashed on the water.

The festival opens on Thursday night with A Taste of Avalon and continues with all kinds of fun and family friendly activities throughout the weekend. You can go for just a day on the speedy Catalina Express or stay for the weekend. Check out the website for a complete schedule of activities and accommodation options.

Maybe you want to head up to the mountains? Summer season kicks off in North Lake Tahoe Memorial Day Weekend with the 2nd Annual Opening Day at the Lake. This four-day special event begins Friday, May 23 and is comprised of festivities along the West Shore. Travelers attending Opening Day at the Lake can get an event passport stamped to qualify for numerous prizes and gift certificates. A complete list of Opening Day activities is here, while lodging and travel tips can be found on the North Lake Tahoe visitor's site.

Do you have ideas or traditions for celebrating Memorial Day? Share them with us in the comment section below.

I am at a magical place. A place called Sanctuary.

After a week of deadlines I decided to take a few days away from home to work on my book and spend some time with my husby who was taking refresher training in Mesa, Ariz. I've heard about the Sanctuary in Paradise Valley, a small suburb of Phoenix, so I decided to visit while BassMan was doing his training on the other side of the valley.

The Sanctuary on Cameback Mountain could not be more appropriately named. Set at northside base of Camelback Mountain, the resort blends into the hillsiden so completely, you can't even see it from the base. Guarding over the Sanctuary is the rock formation called The Praying Monk. This is one of the most beautifully situated, spiritually named and soulfully inspiring places I've ever been.

I'll be writing more about The Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain in an upcoming edition of the Press-Enterprise travel section. Watch for it. Until then, you may view more photos of The Sanctuary in my Facebook album. You don't need to join Facebook to view them, simply click here.

Where is the most inspiring place you've ever stayed? What made it so special to you? Click the COMMENTS button below and share it.

Read this week's feature about Bakersfield here.