Catalina 2016

We took the Catalina Express from Long Beach. The ride through the Long Beach Harbor is spectacular.

The view from inside the ferry.

We passed by the Queen Mary which is permanently docked at Long Beach.

Lou and Joe traditionally rent a house in Catalina for a family outing. This year it was the Big Blue House.

Outside Big Blue.

We ate pizza on the waterfront with the 'Casino' in the background.

Rena, Lou, and Joe.

The following day, we took a guided tour of the Casino, completed in 1929. During the 19th century, the Italian name "casino" came to include public buildings where pleasurable activities took place. It was never used for gambling.

The grand entrance.

Lou and Joe with our guide, who sang for us with her showwoman's voice.

Downstairs is a theater that has been beautifully restored. The capacity is 1000. It was the first theatre where talkies were played.

The walls are spectacular in art deco including actual gold and silver insets.

Walls of theater.

The lobby outside the theater.

Famous song sung by guide.

Upstairs is the huge ballroom with a 270 degree view of the bay.

This old photograph shows a gathering of 4,000 people.

The central light above the ballroom done by Tiffany.

Side panels.

Side panel detail.

A walkway surrounds the ballroom.

View toward Avalon and all the July 4th boats from the walkway.