Xposted at JS:
So we finally made it to Avalon, the village on Catalina Island, a day late. The sun came out an all was well.
Notice all the beautiful tilework- that's because Catalina has a wonderful red clay, and Catalina Ware was one of the early California Pottery brands (like Bauer pottery, fiesta ware, McCoy, etc.). Every commercial building on the island has these lovely tiles set into it.
On the boardwalk.
The harbor with the famous Avalon Ballroom Casino in the background. It isn't a "casino" like you think of with gambling, drinking, etc. The word means "meeting place"- it was a ballroom for dancing.