1- Warm Welcome
Ahoy Matey!Welcome to Catalina Island!My name is Captain Dane and along with the creators of Catalina Compass,We thank you for joining us today!Before we dive in, make sure the app is fully downloaded and your phone is charged.Ear phones are definitely helpful, Avalon can be a noisy little town!Our app uses your phone's location to play the tour automatically, just follow my voice to each stop. Our adventure will last about an hour. **We’re here for a good time, not a long time!**Now, let me set the scene for you… Catalina Island stretches 21 miles long and 8 miles at its widest point. Avalon, the quaint little town before you, is just 1 square mile and home to about 4,000 year around residents.I do have to say, this place is quirky! We have a casino with no gambling, a 3rd street but no 1st or 2nd street, a bird park with no birds, and fish that fly!Today we’ll begin our tour at Old Ben Park. Check out the beautiful bronze statue of Ben,the famed sea lion who called Avalon Bay his home in the late 1800’s.He welcomed visitors, delighted locals, and playfully pestered fishermen for a bite of fish over the course of many years. Today, just like Old Ben, we welcome you to Avalon.Alrighty then, Anchors Away!Let’s stroll along the bay towards the Green Pier.As you walk, look ahead, to the right and you’ll notice the cream colored wall with the spiraled ends, this is the serpentine wall.Let’s follow it as it snakes its way along Crescent Avenue.Our first stop is the colorful tiled building at the corner on the left. Once there, we’ll uncover the fascinating stories behind the vibrant tiles that add so much character to our charming town.
