The weekend before our anniversary we started celebrating with a day at the beach. We went to Oceanside Beach, and we got there fairly early. We weren't sure how the weather was going to hold up; the temperature was only supposed to reach the upper 60's at the beach, but it turned out to be a nice enough day to enjoy ourselves. We brought our corn-hole/beanbags to play, and it really was a great time! On our way back, we had lunch, and picked up a nice bouquet of anniversary flowers for us to enjoy through the week!
Our actual anniversary was on Tuesday, May 8th, and I called it out Golden Anniversary being this marked our 8th year of marriage on May 8th! I really can't believe it's been so long, especially when I look back on our wedding day with such fond and loving memories. It seems like a shorter time ago! That day started off with a literal jolt, as we both were woken up by a 4.6 magnitude earthquake at around 4:50 am. Unfortunately, I was unable to get back to sleep, but I was excited for the day ahead! When I went down to the kitchen, I saw that an army of ants also wanted to extend their anniversary greetings to us as well! Great! The day wasn't getting off to the best start, but we weren't going to let that bring down our happiness for each other. That evening, Robbie was going to make a special dinner, but because of the ants, we didn't really want to cook in that night, so we went out to a nice steakhouse in Temecula. It turned out to be an excellent end to our day of love!
The following Saturday, May 12th, we had plans to go to Catalina Island for the day! Robbie was able to get all the details in place, and we were set! It seems like we have made it a point to go to Catalina Island when it centers around our relationship and marriage. The first time we ever went was for our honeymoon, the second time we went was to celebrate the anniversary of the first time we met, and this time, for our wedding anniversary. Catalina Island is the perfect place to go, too, because it is so romantic!
We had 11:00 am ferry tickets out of Long Beach, so we were on our way to the terminal by 8:00 am. It usually takes about an hour and 20 minutes to get to Long Beach, however, there was an accident along the way, so that set us back about 20 minutes. We arrived about an hour before our ferry took off, which was just enough time to get a light breakfast in the terminal.
The boat rides are always so much fun, and it is one of Robbie's favorite parts of the Catalina Island experience. The whole way to Catalina (about an hour and 15 minutes), we stood at the back of the boat letting the breeze through our hair, without a care in the world.
On our way out of the Long Beach Port, we saw a Carnival Cruise Ship that was docked, and later that day when we were on the island, we saw it setting sail! Totally cool! It was a wonderful ferry ride.
When we arrived on Catalina Island, the clouds that were in the sky in the morning were no more, and the views of the Island were stunning, as usual. We had planned to rent a gold cart this time so we could explore the mountains surrounding the harbor more easily. We were able to rent a golf cart for 2 hours, which was plenty of time to see the whole island on the map they had layed out for us!
We could drive only on the yellow marked path (this map has another side to it, too)!
It was so exciting just exploring the island on our own! We were going to do an Urban Adventure Quest, like we had done in Denver, but we were getting spotty internet service, so we decided against the Quest. It was a blessing in disguise, because now we could just take in the beauty of the island! We grabbed a few sandwiches at a deli, and made out way up to the first lookout point in the hills, and man were those views beautiful! All we could see for miles was just the ocean, clear blue skies, and boats traveling in and out of the harbor. I could've stayed there all day had it not been for the other lookout points we had in store for us!
The next lookout point offered the best views of Avalon (the main harbor) that I could have ever imagined! We could see hills in the foreground, the harbor, more hills, and ocean! I don't even have words! I took some pictures to try and capture the beauty from this spot, but I don't even think the pictures do it justice! This was my favorite lookout point of the day!
We then made our way down the southern part of the mountain, through the town, and started up the north side of the mountain. This was a really cool drive because we got to see where the residents of the town actually lived. There were several apartment complexes tucked back in the corners of Avalon, and also homes for rent. It would be interesting to see what the residents pay for rent to live on Catalina Island. Some people even had real cars. Golf carts are the most preferred way of getting around on the island, but some people do actually have cars. It is very rare, and the waitlist to get your vehicle registered on the island is nearly 20 years! All the cars we saw were at least that old, for obvious reasons. Also, gas prices we noticed were topping out at $6.45 per gallon. I'm assuming most people who live here do not want their vehicle!
We then started our ascent up the northern portion of the mountain. This part of our excursion was very mountainous and lush, and we even saw some wildlife! The hills were dotted with cacti, and it was truly a sight to see. Further up was the Catalina Zip Line, which I really want to do one day! I was under the impression that the Zip Line happened over the ocean, but this was actually tucked into the hills with no ocean in sight, except for a little peek from the top. We saw someone actually do the Zip Line, and it looks super fun! Maybe next time!
Zipline!
Sadly it was time to return our golf cart, but we had such a great time tootling around the island in it, and it was a great way to see most of what the island had to offer! Soon after, we were on our way to a couples massage that Robbie scheduled earlier in the week! The massages were a great way to relax and unwind! My masseuse uncovered a bunch of tight muscles that I never knew I had, but they felt so much better after the massage was done!
After our massage, we had reservations at a steakhouse right on the harbor, and as a plus, it was located on the 2nd story of a building so we were better able to see out! We were seated right next to the open-air windows, so the term "dinner with a view" definitely applied to us! We even saw a wedding party! How fitting! Both of us ate way too much, but we didn't care because we were celebrating. We take our love very seriously!
Our time on Catalina Island was sadly over, so we made our way over to the ferry landings to wait for our boat back to the mainland. We were able to watch the sun set over Avalon, and it was just gorgeous; the perfect ending to the perfect day!
Total candids, but total GQ!
The ferry ride back was a little chilly (we had a 7:30 pm departure from Catalina Island), but we were both prepared. We still sat on the top deck of the boat, though, but we got front row seats just in front of the windshield, so most of the wind blew right over us!
We always try and do something new both for our anniversary, and each time we go to Catalina Island. I think we were able to accomplish that this time around. After 8 years of marriage, sometimes it still feels like we are newly dating. Life is so exciting beside Robbie and our journey is so much fun together! I'm very excited to see what this next year has in store for us! Bon Voyage!
"Where you go, Robbie, I will go..." - Part of my wedding vow to Robbie on our wedding day
