Catalina Avenue North Lake Avenue Adjacent; A Closer Look at Catalina Island

 Adjacent to North Lake Avenue to the West, we have Catalina Avenue running North and South. Named for, legend has it, that Catalina Island was visible from its upper reaches. I had an opportunity to travel to the Isthmus on Catalina Island and stay at the Banning Hunting Lodge which now operates as a Bed and Breakfast. Banning was, of course, the owner of Catalina Island before he sold it to Wrigley. There are many connections between Catalina and Pasadena and Altadena. Zane Grey had a home on Catalina overlooking Avalon Bay, which was for many years a beautiful hotel, but now a private residence once again, and Zane Grey had a home in Altadena which had operated in more recent times as a Bed and Breakfast but is once again also a private residence.

 The Banning Hunting Lodge is perched on a hill overlooking what was called the Isthmus, but is now called Two Harbors, being renamed after Natalie Wood was tragically drowned while on board Robert Wagner and her boat moored here. A fact I wasn't aware of before staying here. Banning back in the early days around the turn of the century would come and stay and hunt in this area with his cronies when not much was here beyond the Civil War era Army Barracks which still stand.

 The location is stunning and the Hunting Lodge has been beautifully restored with period looking rooms and furnishings and a common breakfast room, and a common lodge area with piano, books and puzzles. I much recommend this place, as much effort has been put into making it comfortable and restful, far away from our usual city lives.

 The lodge common area is full of nice touches and historical photos. A wonderful way to spend a relaxing day, far, far away.

Many rooms have windows with spectacular views. I highly recommend this place. A place not many will ever visit, but close to Pasadena and Altadena physically, but remote in atmosphere.

Dutch Oven Bakery

A bit of Solvang at the top of North Lake Avenue, Old Altadena

Since August 1990, David Davis has been the proud owner and Chief Baker of the Dutch Oven Bakery, located at 2281 North Lake Avenue, right next to the Altadena Post Office.

David is helped out by his sons, although David says he himself works 9 days a week, 16 hours a day. He certainly is cheerful and friendly, especially for working so hard at his age.  He is an Altadena treasure and it is fun to hear the history of Altadena and local gossip from him. 

 David started back in the late 1960's selling clothing at the old Paramount Swap Meet and went on to sell at the Roadium Swap Meet in Torrance and the Rose Bowl Swap Meet in Pasadena. He has always been an entrepreneur and has owned a number of businesses and bakeries in the past. This man knows business and hard work, also being a family man with seven children and many grandchildren. 

So if you need a cup of coffee and a pastry, this is the place to go up in Old Altadena, the long established Dutch Oven Bakery. Be sure to engage in conversation with David or his sons. They are carrying on a long tradition in Old Altadena, and we hope David and his family will carry on in the same way for years to come.