Catalina Island: Six Degrees of Separation from Hollywood

Catalina Island, Hollywood's playground.

It stands to reason that Catalina Island would have seen a lot of Hollywood history.  Catalina Island is within easy traveling distance from Los Angeles after all.  It’s even part of Los Angeles County.  But before we toured the Catalina Island Museum I had no idea how much Hollywood history had touched Catalina Island.

The Transformation of Norma Jeane into Marilyn Monroe

Based on accounts from Marilyn Monroe’s first husband James Dougherty, Norma Jeane may have realized for the first time in Catalina Island how attractive she was to the opposite sex, beginning her transformation into Marilyn Monroe.  Norma Jeane married Dougherty, a neighbor, at the young age of sixteen to avoid being sent to more foster homes and orphanages.  She and Dougherty moved to Catalina Island in 1943, during World War II, after he entered the Merchant Marine.  Catalina Island was inhabited by multitudes of sailors and Marilyn Monroe loved the attention.  Dougherty stated, “I would marvel at how she’d ‘turn on’ when she was walking and knew men were looking at her.  She’d do ‘the walk’ seen later in millions of her films, but back then, she was just learning to do it, and she was very, very good at it!”  Just months after she left Catalina Island, Marilyn Monroe was discovered and became a Hollywood legend.

Charlie Chaplin’s Love Affair

Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard with Tandem Bicycle, Avalon, 1940
Photo displayed at the Catalina Island Museum and believed to have been taken by Duke Fishman.

Charlie Chaplin married Paulette Goddard in 1936, when he was 47 and she was 25.  Despite the age difference, she was strong and a good match for him.  Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Godard were always together and Charlie Chaplin purchased a yacht so they could visit Catalina Island every weekend.  Charlie Chaplin later described their days on Catalina Island as “halcyon days, holding our rods and dozing in the stern of the boat on those beautiful mornings with the mist of the ocean and the horizon merging into infinity.”

The Tragic End of Natalie Wood

Natalie Wood, probably best known for her role in West Side Story, traveled to Catalina Island in 1981 with her husband Robert Wagner and her recent co-star Christopher Walken.  It had been rumored that Natalie Wood was having an affair with Christopher Walken.  When the group arrived at Catalina Island they were in an argument and Natalie Wood chose to stay on the island the first night rather than on the boat.  The next day they spent the day drinking on the island before returning to their boat in the evening, where the arguing continued.  The evening of November 28, 1981, Natalie Wood went to her room.  She was later found a mile away from the boat.  Her death by drowning was ruled an accident.  The case was reopened in 2011 and her death certificate was amended to list undetermined factors.

The Curse of the Billy Goat

Chicago Cubs memorabilia on display at the Catalina Island Museum.

I’m not a sports fan, but even I know about the curse on the Chicago Cubs that supposedly keeps them from winning the World Series.  What I didn’t know was the curse of the Billy Goat has a link to Catalina Island.  William Wrigley, Jr., the chewing gum magnate, owned the Chicago Cubs and would bring them to Catalina Island during spring training.  In 1945  William Sianis brought his billy goat to a World Series game between the Chicago Cubs and the Detroit Tigers.  Philip K. Wrigley, who had taken over the family business, had Sianis and his billy goat removed from the stadium after fans complained of the smell.  Sianis sent a telegram to Wrigley which read, “You are going to lose this World Series and you are never going to win another World Series again.  You are never going to win another World Series because you insulted my goat.”  The Cubs lost the World Series and have never won the World Series since, which many blame on the curse of the billy goat.

From Radio Announcer to President

Speaking of the Chicago Cubs, a young radio announcer traveled with the Chicago Cubs to Catalina Island in 1936 and 1937 for spring training.  That radio announcer was Ronald Reagan.  Ronald Reagan left Catalina Island for a Hollywood screen test.  The screen test was successful and Ronald Reagan became a Hollywood star before later becoming the President of the United States of America.

Hollywood’s Playground

The Avalon Casino, current home of the Catalina Island Museum.

Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, Pauline Goddard, Natalie Wood, Robert Wagner, Christopher Walken, and Ronald Reagan aren’t the only Hollywood stars that made Catalina Island their playground.  Catalina Island was frequently visited by the likes of Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne, Lauren Bacall, Errol Flynn, and many more Hollywood stars.  Celebrities were attracted to Catalina Island by the sunning, swimming, fishing, hunting, golfing, drinking, and carousing, all in relative anonymity yet only 26 miles from Hollywood.

A visit to the Catalina Island Museum will introduce you to all of these stories and more, illustrated with old photographs and memorabilia.  In addition to Hollywood history, visitors can peruse exhibits about the history of Catalina Island and the Wrigley family, The Tuna Club of Avalon (the birthplace of modern big game sport fishing), the pottery of Catalina Clay Products, and the “archaeology” of Dr. Ralph Glidden.  The Catalina Island Museum is currently located in the Avalon Casino, but in early 2015 the museum will move to its new home, the Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building, which will provide a much larger space for the museum to display more of its exhibits at one time.  Be sure to include a visit to the Catalina Island Museum in your Catalina Island itinerary.

Thank you to the Santa Catalina Island Company and Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau for hosting our trip to Santa Catalina Island and making this post possible.  As always, all opinions are my own.

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Set a Course for Kauai Lagoons Golf Club

A common question asked during a round of golf is, “How long you been playin’?”  I like to say my game is of legal drinking age.  So, as a seasoned golfer, I have mastered the art of the excuse after a mediocre round on a fantastic course.  My handicaps for this particular round of golf at Kauai Lagoons Golf Club were as follows:

1. It was windy and it rained a little.  It’s a golf course in Hawaii; there’s always a little rain and wind.
2. As do most golfers, I have a certain setup of clubs I am used to and which has its particularities.  For example I carry a stock pitching wedge, a 54, and a 60 (not a 50 and a 56), I am accustomed to long irons (I don’t know anything about a 4 hybrid), and as of late,  I play a counterbalanced 37” two ball putter and am no longer used to the standard 34” job.  All that said, what a nice set of rental clubs Joe in the clubhouse set me up with at the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club.  Just tell them your flex and leave your bag at home.
3. I was a bit tired from the flight the night before, blah, blah, blah.
4. And lastly, most importantly, I was distracted.  Distracted by the crazy beautiful course around me, the calm seas, and the mountain backdrop (really not sure if Jack had that installed or if they were already there, either way, distracting).
   

I have been to the Hawaiian Islands many times in the past, and nine years ago while in Kauai I was fortunate enough to play the Prince Course at Princeville.   I have played both Ko’olau and Kapolei in Oahu, Mauna Lani on the Big Island (that’s the one with all that dramatic black lava rock everywhere), and Kaanapali, Makena, and Kapalua on Maui.  So this was not my first Hawaiian golf rodeo, nor in fact even my first trip around the course of Kauai Lagoons Golf Club.  Actually, the wife said we were going back to Kauai and my first thought (after oh sweet, shaved ice) was cool, I can figure out that golf course I loved with all the statue markers.   She located it, and we even stayed at the Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons, which is on the same property, as the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club is managed by the Marriott.  I was very excited to find out they had changed some stuff and wondered if it would be even better. 

In my opinion, it is even better.  Kauai Lagoons Golf Club was a larger facility before.  There was in fact an additional 18 holes many moons ago.  Then that was reduced to a total of 27 a bit back, then refined to the 18-hole Kiele Course which remains.  Jack (yes, that Jack) stopped by a while back to check on things and gave his seal of approval.  Mr. Nicklaus created the original design back in the 80s, so who are we to second guess?  The big brag of the Kiele Course is that it is the longest stretch of holes along the coast in all of the Hawaiian Isles.  That’s a half mile of glorious oceanfront golf.  It’s pretty much breathtaking, and I know because I try to pay close attention to my breathing on each swing.  So there’s handicap number five, hard to breath. 

If the Kiele Course’s longest stretch of oceanfront holes is not impressive enough:

• 2013 Golfweek: #84 in America's Best Resort Courses
• 2012 Golf.com: #7 Best Public Golf Courses in Hawaii
• 2012 MSN Travel: World's Most Beautiful Golf Courses
• 2010 GolfWeek: America's "Top 100 Resort Courses"
• 2010 GOLF Magazine: #4 in Hawaii's Best Public Golf Courses; named a 2010 Silver Medal Winner for Premier Resorts
• 2010 Golf World: Named to America's Top 50 Golf Resorts
• 2010/2011 Conde Nast Traveler: "Top Golf Resorts" Readers' Poll

The Kauai Lagoons Golf Club’s practice putting green, chipping area, and range are nestled right off the starter booth and surrounded by the front nine so you get a good feel for what is about to occur.  I’m not sure what they call the actual “Signature Hole” of this course.  If I had to vote, there would be problems.  It could be the second on Kiele Mauka with its red sand bunkers guarding its reachable-in-two green.  Or the par three fifth hole with a carry over the ocean to a cliff-side green bordered by more red sand bunkers.  Or hole seven two pins later on the Kiele Moana nine with a green jutting out over the water with an edge like one of those infinity pools approached from above from what feels like a 45-degree down slope (terrifying).  Or maybe the water guarded ninth right in front of the clubhouse where passersby can watch you chunk your approach shot right into the lagoon short of the green, which I wish I could say is not from personal experience.  Here again is where I refer you to my excuse of not being used to a 50 degree wedge.   

It’s a fine test for golfers at any level.  Just know where you stand with your game.  I don’t think this is the place to force bravery on yourself.  As Clint Eastwood says in Magnum Force, “A man’s got to know his limitations.”  If you really enjoy trying to carry 219 yards to a sideways landing strip, then, by all means, have at it; it’s certainly available for you here.  I personally choked up a tee from the back and had more than enough course to challenge myself without grinding my teeth too much.  The forward tees would give you a nice break but not be an indication of any lack of intestinal fortitude.  In a nutshell, fun for golfers of all levels.

The pace of play was exactly as it should be.  On the day I played, there were folks in front of me as well as behind, but I never felt rushed or spent too much time waiting on the tee.  This is a factor that is often overlooked in an effort to get as many patrons out as possible, and when this happens the experience suffers.  Golf is stressful enough without looking over your shoulder or waiting and losing your tempo.  This was not the case at the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club on either of the occasions I've played there.  Bravo and mahalo for that!

In addition, no pun intended, I love birds and there are birds everywhere.  It’s not just the handsome roosters and hens which inhabit all of Kauai that are plentiful; stilt, duck, coot, gallinule and nene can also be seen.  In fact, Kauai Lagoons is the world’s largest nene sanctuary.   Keep a watchful eye out and you’ll be sure to see many of these beautiful fowl about the grounds, ponds, streams and flats at the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club. 

Thank you to the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club for hosting my round and making this post possible.  All opinions are my own.

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Luxury Accommodations with a Unique Spin

Throughout our travels Romeo and I have stayed in quite a mix of accommodations.  We have rested our heads in little bed and breakfasts, historical hotels, dog friendly motels, thatched-roof cabanas and luxury resorts.  During our recent stay at Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons we were spoiled with island luxury and it got me thinking about experiencing other luxury accommodations with a unique spin.  Here are a couple unique luxury resorts I’ve found that I’d love to visit.

The Ranch at Rock Creek

When you think of Montana you probably think of wide open ranges, snow-capped mountains, and cowboys roping cattle.  The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg Montana was originally a mining claim and then became a working cattle ranch.  Now The Ranch at Rock Creek is a luxury guest ranch bringing together wide open spaces and upscale amenities, perfect for a city-slicker wanting to find a little bit of country.

Guests of The Ranch at Rock Creek can stay in one of the rooms in the lodge, or in luxurious private cabins.  Cabins range from one to five bedrooms, perfect for any group from honeymooning couples to large extended families.  There are even canvas cabins for those wishing to try out glamping.  Outdoor activities and adventures include horseback riding, clay shooting, fly fishing, hiking, and archery.  The all-inclusive ranch offers world-class dining where guests can feast on Montana-raised beef and local, organically grown produce.  In true luxury style, there is also a spa for soothing sore muscles after participating in so many physical activities.

The Ranch at Rock Creek received the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award, was one of the first glamping luxury accommodations, and was even the site of Kate Bosworth’s celebrity wedding.  Visitors to The Ranch at Rock Creek will have the unique ability to combine luxury with the Montana ranch experience.

Playa Cativo Eco Lodge

Costa Rica is the land of rainforests, beaches, and eco-friendly accommodations.  The newest of these is Playa Cativo, a beachfront rainforest lodge.  The Playa Cativo Eco Lodge is only accessible by boat and is located on the coast of Golfo Dulce in southern Costa Rica, surrounded by the Piedras Biancas National Park.  Playa Cativo offers seven luxury beachfront guestrooms, a gourmet farm-to-table restaurant, and a tropical bar.  Guests of Playa Cativo are immersed in nature and can participate in activities including bird watching, whale and dolphin watching, hiking, swimming, fishing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and sea kayaking.

The eco-friendly Playa Cativo operates on 100% clean electric energy, using hydroelectric and solar power.  Playa Cativo has developed a free waste-management collection center for the community.  Organic waste is treated at their compost center and then used in the resort’s gardens and on-site organic farm.  The goal of Playa Cativo Eco Lodge is to be 100% sustainable.

Guests of Playa Cativo Eco Lodge enjoy unique luxury accommodations and are immersed in nature within 1,000 acres of private rainforest while feeling good about supporting an eco-friendly resort that cares about our fragile environment.

Everyone needs a little luxury in their lives.  But how much better it is if that luxury comes with a unique spin, like experiencing ranch life in Montana or eco-friendly tourism in Costa Rica.

Sponsored by The Ranch at Rock Creek

Photos courtesy The Ranch at Rock Creek and Playa Cativo

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The Three H Towns of Denmark’s Nordsjælland

Nordsjælland, or North Zealand, is the area of Denmark just north of Copenhagen and Roskilde.  This area is popular with day trippers from Copenhagen as there are a number of famous and important attractions.  We visited Nordsjælland’s three H towns, Hillerød, Helsingør, and Humlebæk for castles, history, and art. 

Hillerød

The main attraction of Hillerød is Frederiksborg Castle.  There are a number of castles in Denmark, but Frederiksborg Castle is the most ornate of them all.  Frederiksborg Castle was built in the early 17th century by the builder king Christian IV and has rightly been called the Danish Versailles.

A self-guided tour of the castle begins in the grand Royal Chapel.  As soon as you walk into the chapel you know Frederiksborg Castle is going to be something special.  The Great Hall is another beautiful room that sneaks up on you.  While walking through a castle room you’ll look to the left, up a few stairs, and through a doorway, and see one of the most impressive and expansive halls, with wood-carved panels and ceiling, tapestries, portraits, and sculptures.  There are countless rooms in the castle open to visitors that are filled with furnishings, and it is easy to get lost and miss something.  The top floor has modern art and special collections.

Set aside at least three hours to thoroughly explore Frederiksborg Castle and the grounds.

Helsingør

Helsingør’s Maritime Museum of Denmark is housed in a new underground boat-shaped museum, designed by starchitect Bjarke Ingels, which won the international architecture award.  The museum houses a plethora of maritime history in a unique and modern fashion that keeps visitors entertained.  Even if you’re not terribly interested in maritime history, the setup of the displays makes for interesting perusal, plus there are some fun interactive exhibits.

An inaccuracy in my guidebook almost caused us to miss the unmissable experience of visiting the Museet Skibsklarerergaarden.  Museet Skibsklarerergaarden is a well-preserved shipping agent’s house with a shop that remains roughly the same as it was in the 1820s.  The guidebook states that the 50-minute tours of the house are only given in Danish, but that beer brewed in the backyard can be purchased in the shop.  Neither statement is true.  Luckily, we went to Museet Skibsklarerergaarden looking for locally brewed beer but ended up taking the most informative tour of our time in Denmark, in perfect English.  Peter Andreas Kjærgaard Amtoft leads the tour through the house in any language that he can speak, including English, Swedish, German, Norwegian, and of course Danish.

A tour of the shipping agent’s house and shop not only provides a peek into what life was like, but also a history lesson thanks to Peter’s historical knowledge.  Helsingør used to be one of the most powerful and richest cities in Denmark.  Helsingør’s position on the narrow straight allowed the king to impose a toll on all ships passing through in the early 1400s, providing Denmark with most of its wealth for centuries.  To learn more you’ll have to join one of the tours, which start on the hour every hour.

Helsingør is also the location of Kronborg Slot, or Hamlet’s castle.  Kronborg Slot was actually a toll house and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Helsingør’s churches are also worth a visit, and since Helsingør has so many well-preserved houses from the Renaissance period, it’s fun to just walk around town looking at the old buildings and taking a break to eat a Danish hotdog from one of the stands in the square.

Helsingør can easily take an entire day to explore.  Also, starting this year on August 23, Helsingør will hold Sundtoldsmarked where more than 150 actors in period costumes, including Peter who is an organizer of the event and playing a quack (his words, not mine), will recreate 18th century Havnepladsen in Helsingør.  The plan is to continue these customs market reenactments yearly.

Peter also does tours of the town, including Segway tours.  If you are interested in booking a tour with him, you can contact him directly via email.  Peter Andreas Kjærgaard Amtoft at paamtoft@gmail.com. 

Humlebæk

East of Hillerød and south of Helsingør is the town of Humlebæk, the location of the acclaimed Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.  The Louisiana is one of Denmark’s most important museums filled with modern art.  I love museums.  I don’t like modern art.  Except for installation art.  I do like installation art.  So to be perfectly honest I wanted to get through the museum as quickly as possible.  Rome isn’t much into modern art, but he found more to enjoy than I did.  Luckily there were a few exhibits that appealed to me.  One is Gleaming Lights of the Souls by Yayoi Kusama, a permanently installed work of a space where the walls and ceiling are mirrors, the floor is covered in water except for a platform, and hundreds of changing color lamps hang from the ceiling.

Another exhibit that caught my fancy was the abstract art of Swedish artist Hilma af Klint.  Klint was trained at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts in landscapes and portrait paintings.  But on the side she created abstract art in pastel watercolors.  While her abstract art wasn’t necessarily to my taste, the surprise was that what looked like paintings perhaps from the 60s were actually created from 1906-1915.  Klint painted to seek insight into a higher coherence, a spiritual dimension.  Knowing her pieces were far ahead of her time, her will dictated that these pieces not be shown to the public until at least twenty years after her death.

Thoroughly exploring the three H towns of Nordsjælland, Hillerød, Helsingør, and Humlebæk, takes more than one day, so try to plan at least two days for day trips from Copenhagen or Roskilde.   

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