Chapter 15 California

Catalina Island's physical geography is similar to the mainland of California where it sits off the coast from. Unlike much of the coast of California, the water surrounding the island is quite clear and clean being that it is located over 20 miles off the coast and enjoys well circulated water from the ocean currents (less so with Avalon, with its antiquated sewage treatment system and fecal coliform violations according to the Natural Resources Defense Council). Wildlife is abundant in both its kelp forests and protected open space lands across the island. After the fall and winter rains come, like on the mainland, the hills come to life with emerald green grasses and wild flowers. This is in great contrast to the highly developed nature of Southern California. It shares the mild coastal dry summer Mediterranean climate with the mainland. Catalina's big storms are Northeasters in the Fall and Winter primarily, and the northeast side of the island, which is normally quite calm, have to contend with large waves and strong winds. The Santa Ana winds which blow hot air and pollution in during the fall, sometimes create huge waves which require boats to leave the northeast side of Two Harbors at the isthmus to the other side on the now more protected southwest side.
     Catalina island's more pristine environs make it a very special place, where numerous Hollywood movies have been filmed, stars have had homes and vacation time spent on their yachts, and all of the outdoor activities shared with the mainland, and all of its attributes are accentuated for this reason. USC even has a marine research center on the island and a hypbaric chamber for scuba diver's decompression needs.
     Avalon has many amenities for visitors including 34 restraunts and bars, as opposed to only 1 in rustic Two Harbors, numerous various sleeping accomadations, over 1135 moorings around the island, a botanical garden, a hospital and clinic, a campground (and others throughout the island), over 1,200 golf carts used for primary transportation needs, a zip-line, and many other offerings for the more than 1,000,000 visitors the island receives each year.
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Avalon, Catalina Island