March 2012 Catalina Island & The Getty Museum
All fifteen of us met at the ferry in Long Beach to begin our hour-long sailing to Catalina Island. After a smooth crossing and a little free time, we had a private architectural tour of the downtown area that began with an exterior view of the “casino”, the island’s iconic gathering place. This was followed by generous tastings of rose wines at one of the island’s fine wine bars.
The next morning we tried to get ahead of the rain, but it started just as we began our ocean rafting adventure. Thanks also to the swells and despite our protective clothing, we learned what “soaked to the skin” meant. Yet we had a close-up view of a number of dolphins, cormorants and other sea life. The group was so good-natured, agreeing it was an experience never to be forgotten!
The clouds parted the next day and we took a jeep tour to the island’s outback, seeing flora and fauna as well as stunning ocean views. The day after that, we ferried back to the mainland and shuttled to our hotel in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles, right near the Getty Museum. At the Getty we enjoyed an architectural overview tour and then spent time on our own viewing the various collections. Most of us agreed the architecture eclipsed the museum’s collections. We learned many people visit just the grounds, enjoying the sculpture and gardens and the various areas to sit, relax and enjoy the views.
We went to a couple of nice dinner restaurants in Los Angeles, chauffeured back-and-forth by the hotel’s courtesy van. Before winging our way home the final day, we took a tour of movie stars’ homes, driving through Hollywood and Beverly Hills and surrounding areas—in our open-topped vehicle! It was a fun way to wrap up this varied trip.
All fifteen of us met at the ferry in Long Beach to begin our hour-long sailing to Catalina Island. After a smooth crossing and a little free time, we had a private architectural tour of the downtown area that began with an exterior view of the “casino”, the island’s iconic gathering place. This was followed by generous tastings of rose wines at one of the island’s fine wine bars.
The next morning we tried to get ahead of the rain, but it started just as we began our ocean rafting adventure. Thanks also to the swells and despite our protective clothing, we learned what “soaked to the skin” meant. Yet we had a close-up view of a number of dolphins, cormorants and other sea life. The group was so good-natured, agreeing it was an experience never to be forgotten!
The clouds parted the next day and we took a jeep tour to the island’s outback, seeing flora and fauna as well as stunning ocean views. The day after that, we ferried back to the mainland and shuttled to our hotel in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles, right near the Getty Museum. At the Getty we enjoyed an architectural overview tour and then spent time on our own viewing the various collections. Most of us agreed the architecture eclipsed the museum’s collections. We learned many people visit just the grounds, enjoying the sculpture and gardens and the various areas to sit, relax and enjoy the views.
We went to a couple of nice dinner restaurants in Los Angeles, chauffeured back-and-forth by the hotel’s courtesy van. Before winging our way home the final day, we took a tour of movie stars’ homes, driving through Hollywood and Beverly Hills and surrounding areas—in our open-topped vehicle! It was a fun way to wrap up this varied trip.