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| History provides so much opportunity for enlightenment, appreciation, and intrigue. Why, without history, we wouldn't have nostalgia or tradition. What do you want to learn from history? |
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The Queen Mary is ported in Long Beach and is a great way to Katch the Day, even for a few hours. The ship was completed in 1936 and made 1001 crossings of the Atlantic Ocean. She served as a military personnel vessel from 1940-1946 and resumed cruise ship status in 1947. She was retired on September 19, 1967 and Long Beach took ownership of the Queen on December 11, 1967. It’s hard to believe this beauty has been in our local port for over 40 years. However, looking at Long Beach history you can’t really separate the two. |
The ship is called The First Lady of Long Beach. She is substantially larger than the Titanic and you can find all kinds of facts related to this on the website.
What we like about her is that she is not the tourist trap you might think she would be. She’s a hotel that is a ship that is a landmark of her own. There really is nothing like her in her class (pun intended). And you can find the strangest things in the stores of this ship. There is a Scotch-Irish store that sells bagpipe oil and Irish ties like you’ve never seen. Our favorite was a coffee mug in the shape of one of the ship’s smokestacks—slanted. Very original!
Most amusing, and quite simple is walking along the decks of this historical vessel, imagining the people, places, and things she has seen. And looking out at her current view: the Long Beach Harbor. There are self guided audio tours, and for more money, tour guides covering various areas of the ship. Just an FYI: We did not find the ghost tours of any interest.
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| KATCH THE QUEEN MARY DAY AND LEAVE THE BUSINESS-KEEPING TO US! |
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The year 1881 marked the beginning of one of the largest silver strikes in California and the birth of the mining town of Calico. In its heyday, Calico produced $85 million in silver, $45 million in borax and had a population of 1200. Over 500 mines drove Calico’s great wealth until 1907 when silver dropped from $1.31 an ounce to $0.63 and as a result, Calico became a ghost town. Calico is one of the few remaining mining towns and is open for tourism. |
Tucked away in the Mojave desert, about 15 miles northeast of Barstow, this town offers up a variety of local amusements. You can browse the mercantile stores, enjoy the authentic food, and pan for gold. If you plan your trip at the right time, you can get drawn into a special event such as the upcoming Re-enactment of the Civil War on Presidents Day Weekend, February 16,17, and 18th. This event is held every year and includes Drills, music, Living History displays, and Confederate and Union Camps set throughout the town. You can even catch a glimpse of significant history as Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address.
Calico makes a great day trip, or plan ahead and camp in the town. For events like the Civil War weekend, you can book up to three months in advance; which is recommended since they do sell out of sites for this spectacular weekend.
Normal admission is $6 for adults, and $10 for event weekends. The town is open from 8am to dusk, with campgrounds, cabins, and bunkhouses open 24 hours for overnighters.
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| KATCH THE CALICO DAY AND LEAVE THE BUSINESS-KEEPING TO US! |
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Summer is a great time for a drive and Hearst Castle is a wonderful Katch the Day trip. Recently we headed up the coast to spend the weekend exploring the Castle and the surrounding areas.
William Randolph Hearst had a mansion built for him on his property on a hilltop in San Simeon overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The construction started in 1919 when he was 56 years old. |
The castle was then called “Enchanted House,” and was designed by collaboration between Julia Morgan (architecture and structural engineer). During the 28 years of building, Mr. Hearst collected art, furniture, and fixtures to include in the Enchanted House; his collection is considered one of its kind. His wish, upon his death, was for the house to be turned into a museum for the world to enjoy. His family honored this request, however, they still have access to the house after hours. Recently one of his granddaughters had a birthday party at the Neptune pool after the tourists were gone.
The house and its surrounding land were deeded to the California State Park system who runs tours year around. The cost of the tours is worth it and reservations are required. Visit www.hearstcastle.org for more details.
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| KATCH THE CASTLE EXPERIENCE AND LEAVE THE BUSINESS-KEEPING TO US! |
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We wanted to Katch the Day in this country's history, so we took a little trip to the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. What a treat to see first hand some of President Reagan's personal as well as historical memorabilia.
After you walk through the main entry way, go through the back doors into the Courtyard. There you will find an original piece of the Berlin Wall, the exact replica of the rose garden (of the White House lawn), and the memorial where Reagan is actually buried. Take in a nice lunch at the museum's café where you can sit outside or in and take in the glorious view of the valley's hill country.
Back inside, you can walk through the museum at your own pace. There you will find a replica of the“Situation Room”,much highlighted film footage of Reagan's famous speeches, and the most exciting thing for us: an exact replica of the Oval Office when Reagan was in office, (right down to the oval rug on the floor). |
Keep an eye on our new website, KatchtheDay.com for more information about this exciting Library and Museum. The Library and Museum hours are 10am to 5pm, every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission: $2.00 to $7.00. Directions: Take the 405 north, to the 101 north, to the 23 north and follow the signs. Call 800-410-8354 www.reaganlibrary.com
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KATCH THE PRESIDENTIAL DAY
AND LEAVE YOUR BUSINESS-KEEPING TO US. |
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