May 18, 2015

Tanya's Daily Scoop
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My Weekend in Review

Well Howdy Everyone!

I'm back on the mainland of California after a Fantabulous weekend on Santa Catalina Island. 

I finally have some time to tell you all about it, and since I don't have all that much to tell you about today that's what I'm gonna mainly focus on.

On Friday, Dave and I (being that the Gran Fondo would be a bit too much climbing for Dominic and Cosette at this point; Dominic could probably be fine and plenty exhausted, and Cosette would've just said "NO WAY JOSE") headed out to the Long Beach Terminal on Friday, loaded our bikes on the boat, made sure that we had all of our equipment and vegan staples and then off we went on the Catalina Express.

1 hour and 22 miles later we were arriving at Avalon, the "capital" of Catalina Island. 
It's a really super cute and pictureque little town on the rocky island off the coast of California. 

The island is 22 miles long and 8 miles across (at its greatest width). 

Back in 1919, good 'ol William Wrigley jr. bought out and owned controlling interest in the Santa Catalina Island Company. 
Wrigley invested millions in needed infrastructure and attractions to the island, including the construction of the Famous Catalina Casino which opened on May 29, 1929. 

The large building contains a movie theatre, ballroom, and island art and history museum.

Then

Now

Beautiful exterior original Catalina Tile work and Tiffany chandeliers, lamps, gold and silver throughout.

On tour of the Casino!

*Note that the word Casino in Italian means "place of gathering or place of entertainment" the Avalon Casino Building is not a gambling casino.

A view of Descanso Beach from the Casino

Beautiful clear and sparkling waters

Wrigley sought to bring publicity to the island through events and spectacles. 

And being the BIG baseball fan that I am, I was TOTALLY excited and stoked about this tidbit of information:

Starting in 1921, the Chicago Cubs, also owned by Wrigley, used the island for the team's spring training. The Cubs continued to use the island for spring training until 1951, except during the war years of 1942–45.

*Following the death of Wrigley, Jr. in 1932, control of the Santa Catalina Island Company passed down to his son, Philip K. Wrigley, who continued his father's work improving the infrastructure of the island.

On February 15, 1975, Philip Wrigley deeded 42,135 acres of the island from the Santa Catalina Island Company to the Catalina Island Conservancy that he had helped to establish in 1972. This gave the Conservancy control of nearly 90 percent of the island.

And it is with the approval of the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy that the permits are granted to the US Cup. 
Being given special access to the TCT (Trans Catalina Trail) for this Gran Fondo event that we were riding in. 

One of my goals on our Gran Fondo ride was to see the non-native American Bison! 
Which although at a great distance, I succeeded!!

More on the ride being posted in the THINGS TO DO section later TODAY! 
Or Click HERE

Wondering how or why the Bison now call Catalina Island their home???
In 1924, fourteen bison were brought to the island for the filming of the silent film version of Zane Grey's Western tale 'The Vanishing American'. 
And guess what...the scenes with the bison in them did not make it into the final cut! 
Due to cost overruns, the film company decided to leave the bison on the island instead of bringing them back to the mainland. 
Over the decades, the bison herd grew to as many as 600 individuals. Today the size of the Catalina Island bison herd is maintained at population of about 150 animals.

So we pedaled our butts off on Saturday, then we toured and did some sightseeing on Sunday. 
To our surprise when we woke up yesterday there was the Royal Caribbean Cruise ship Jewel of the Seas docked for the day. They embarked out of San Diego on Saturday and have 4 ports on their itinerary en route to Vancouver. 
Ahhh the joys of taking a cruise! 
(Our next cruise embarks in August!)

The little town was quite bustling yesterday, and it's almost unbelievable that (we were explained on tour) the same number of visitors had come to this island back in the 20's as does today! WOW.
We had even run into a little girl (who represents Poland) from the International Peace Choir, who's father was in the same bike race! Small little world.

Speaking of the choir, today we have our annual elections. (Insert dramatic music here!) 
I'm lending an extra hand this year by running for secretary, and even Dave is running for the 2015-2016 Board of Directors, Cosette is running for Choir rep (she's finally old enough!)

And lastly I owe you a huge apology for forgetting to hit publish on my FOODIE FRIDAY feature! UGH
Well, these things do happen and I hope that you forgive me! 
I also hope that you enjoy reading it and drooling over the pictures now. Click HERE

I'm gonna say addios for now, although ciao 4 now (my go to) sounds and works so much better!

Meet ya back here tomorrow for lots more fun and for a brand new edition of TRAVELIN' TUESDAY - I've been working on some new trip ideas and I can't wait to share them with YOU!!!

Bye,
-T

Elisa's Daily Scoop

New week - thank goodness

Good Day Everyone!

Here we are - Monday again.

I cannot believe it's been a week since my fur baby left me.  I'm becoming more accepting with each day that passes.  She will forever be in my heart.

I wouldn't be lying if I told you that I'm so happy it's the start of a new week.  I really was not about "travel" last week. So, what am I thinking?
Eastern Europe!   

Tanya and my trip is sneaking up on us!!

Last time I was in Prague and Vienna, it was relatively chilly  It will be a completely different experience to be there in the summer weather.

I've gotten mixed opinions about the Overnight Trains in Eastern Europe.  I'm crossing my fingers that Tanya and I will be safe and sound in our "locked" sleeper car as we traverse between Prague  and Krakow AND Krakow to Budapest.  

The balance of our rail travel will be during the day, and that causes me no worries whatsoever.  The overnights will be a new experience.

I'm always up for an adventure but I'm also very keen on being safe.  

Our train tickets are all arranged! 

We will be starting our journey in Prague and traveling east to Krakow, then southwest to Budapest, than northwest to Bratslava; then to Vienna and then returning to Prague to leave for home.

The map above shows our itinerary will look like for the 16 days we will be traveling throughout this intriguing part of the world!

Tomorrow I'll get into more detail about some of the specifics!

Well, hope you have a great day!!

-E
xoxo