Avalon By the Bay

To Avalon! To Avalon! Twenty-six miles from door to door. The Catalina Channel Isle: my destination off the shore. We sail a wide and glassy sea, arriving Friday evening, late. The Grand is seen from far away, guards the harbor, silent waits. To stroll the boardwalk, drool as salted taffy’s pulled, tour Zane Gray’s pueblo house, protect your lunch from diving gulls. Catch a movie at the Grand’s mesmerizing, giant screen: magical, this castle fort, not believed unless it’s seen. Sleeping on the boat at night, rocked to sleep by gentle wakes, row the dinghy in the morn, skindive for abalone steaks. Journey back home Sunday night, late arrival into port. Monday morning, foggy dreamland: school simply does not comport! ————— (memories of childhood trips to Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island off the coast of California)