text:
Catawba Island

Catawba Island is part of the Ottawa County peninsula. Catawba Island is one of 12 townships that make up Ottawa County, Ohio. It is commonly referred to as Catawba and Catawba Island, although it is no longer an island as the water separating it from the mainland has been diverted. Due to its sheltered bay and inlets, land elevation along the shore with fewer cliffs and easy access to Lake Erie, it has become one of the preferred areas for pleasure boat owners to dock and store their boats. Development was stagnant for years due to lack of sanitary sewer. Once this was improved, Catawba Island Peninsula started to bloom, with all sorts of improvements, condo's, expensive homes, marinas and businesses. It has become a preferred destination for those enjoying Lake Erie waters.

By car

 * From State Route 2, exit OH 53N and head north to the peninsula.
 * From downtown Port Clinton, follow OH 163 east from town, turning left onto Sand Road. Be careful, as the speed limit on this road is, and is closely monitored by police.

Get around
You can enter Catawba Island from SR 53 exit off of SR 163 or Sand Road off of SR 2. Both meet each other at Catawba Point, in a loop around the peninsula. On land, motorcycles, bicycles, cars, golf carts, walking and running are popular. On the water, about every form of transportation is available for rent.

There is a walking/biking paved trail on St Rt 53 North (AKA NE Catawba Rd.).

Do

 * Boat-Ski-Jet Ski Rentals
 * Fishing Charters & Head Boats
 * Scuba Diving
 * Fishing Charters & Head Boats
 * Scuba Diving

Eat
Catawba Island has an agricultural history as well as a marine history. A lot of land on Catawba Island was dedicated to farming, vineyards, orchards, truck farms and such. Today development is converting much of this land for other uses. In the warmer months, however, you will find no lack of local vegetables and fruits for sale at the road side.

Stay safe
Catawba Island is like a big playground for kids and adults, with a long shoreline. Things happen. If you are not familiar with small boats, keep in mind they move when you get in and/or least expect it. Make sure you wear or know where your life preserver is as soon as you get into a smaller boat. Lake Erie is a big and wonderful place, some areas like this have extreme traffic on the roads and water, both from commercial and pleasure craft. The Coast Guard is always looking for those who abuse the waterways and will not hesitate to arrest for drinking while operating a watercraft or other infringements. Play safely and no one will bother you.

Go next

 * Huron
 * Marblehead
 * Port Clinton
 * Sandusky
 * Toledo
 * Lake Erie Islands - Located west of Cleveland, a group of picturesque and festive islands in Lake Erie are accessible via ferry.

The islands listed below are either in Ottawa County or close to it. Some like Pelee, are in Canada, different fishing license required.
 * Hen Island - Property of the Quinnebog Club.
 * Green Island Lighthouse.
 * Kelleys Island. Tourist destination (Erie County)
 * Middle Bass Island. Tourist destination
 * North Bass Island. Tourist destination
 * Pelee Island. Tourist destination - Canada.
 * Rattlesnake Island. Private island owned by a club, membership required
 * South Bass Island. The most significant tourist destination containing the town of Put-in-Bay.
 * Sugar Island.
 * Turtle Island. Privately owned vacation homes
 * West Sister Island Wildlife Refuge.
 * Pelee Point Ontario, Canada mainland.

title: Catawba Island


text:
Cat Ba

Cat Ba is an island in the Cat Ba Archipelago of Vietnam's Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba is the largest island in the Bay and approximately half of its area is covered by a national park, which is home to the highly endangered Cat Ba langur.

Understand
The golden-headed Cat Ba langur is rarely seen, as fewer than 100 specimens are thought to survive in the wild, although it is the subject of a well-organized conservation program. The park covers both land and marine areas and has high biodiversity, although it is at risk from too rapid an increase in tourism. Other mammals in the park include civet cats and oriental giant squirrels.

Although there is much beauty to explore on the island, Cat Ba town itself is rather crummy: construction, massage parlours, blaring music, touts and drunk tourists. Cat Ba town is essentially a Vietnamese resort town (think Blackpool or Torremolinos) with large numbers of Vietnamese families coming to swim and relax on some of the nearest beaches to Hanoi as well as to take budget tour boats into Lan Ha Bay. The hotels and restaurants are largely geared to this domestic trade although there are some places that cater to the somewhat bewildered-looking foreign tourists who choose to embark on tours from here rather than from Hanoi.

By tourist bus

 * There is a bus from Hanoi operated by CatBa Express Bus. Pickup (07:30, 10:45, 14:00) in Hanoi and (09:00, 12:00, 15:40) from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi. Travel time is about 3 hours 30 minutes, with an ECO Bus costing 320,000 dong or Limousine for US$20 one way, with discounts if you book round trip. Children under 5-year-old: 50% discount, children over 5-year-old: charged as an adult. Surcharge 20% on state holidays. Service on the Limousine bus: USB power outlet, water, tissues, etc. You can book tickets via email at info@catbaexpress.com or in person at 106 Tran Nhat Duat, Hanoi Old Quarter and depart from there. They also provide a very nice full day trip to explore Lan Ha Bay included kayak.
 * Buses from Luong Yen Bus Station are not available anymore, the bus station is closed and new buildings are standing there. But some buses might be leaving from Gia Lam station over the river from Old Quarter.

By bus/ferry from Hai Phong
Cheapest way to the island is with public buses from Hai phong with short ferry ride in between.

The bus number 16C from Hai phong goes regularly. You can find bus stops in Google map. You need to take this line to the last stop. 13k person /1.2024

Be aware that as everywhere in Vietnam the line start really early morning but also end early at the evening.

Ferry goes every 30 minutes, free toilet is on board and better quality than in the harbor. 10k person /1.2024

The only bus nmr. 14 is usually waiting for the ferry to arrive. Last one is at 18:00. Again google maps are working great. 13k person /1.2024

By boat
The vast majority of people take a pre-booked tour from Hanoi on a tourist boat, though this is probably the slowest, least flexible, and most expensive way to visit Cat Ba and should be avoided at all costs unless you specifically want to be locked on a tourist boat for five hours while being given the hard sell and overcharged for the most minimal of refreshments.

It's cheaper and more flexible to come either on a non-tourist boat at Halong City or via Haiphong. If coming from Hanoi, you can also take a direct, combined bus/boat trip from Nuoc Ngam Bus Station at 05:20, 07:20, 11:20 and 13:20 which takes 4½ hr (compare: 5 hr for a slow tourist boat just to get from Halong City to Cat Ba's northern port!) and costs 220,000-280,000 dong depending on the season. The route involves switching buses in Haiphong and is not optimal.

From Haiphong: there is a speedboat making the trip several times a day (the last one around 16:00) from Phà Binh harbor. It costs 150,000 dong (May 2012). The price is written on the ticket but some people sell false tickets printed with 180,000 dong and they say the price was 150,000 dong last year or last month! If the boat arrives in Phù Long, they can also say that 180,000 dong includes the bus from Phù Long to Cat Ba. In reality, it's included in the 150,000 dong ticket. Boat and bus can't be divided as it's the same company.

By ferry
Local ferries to Cat Ba island provide very cheap travel from different locations. These local ferries may be especially convenient if you travel through the country by motorbike (as you can easily take your motorbike along with you on the ferry). You can either choose to take a ferry from Halong or a ferry from Haiphong.

From Halong: If you depart from Halong, you need to take the ferry from Ben pha Tuan Chau. This ferry station is 12 km from the centre of the city and there are no city buses that go all the way to the terminal, the last part has to be done with a taxi or Grab. Ferry prices are 60,000 dong for a person without and 80,000 dong for a person with a motorbike (so bringing your motorbike with you to the island will only cost you 20,000 dong extra). The ferry takes around one hour and along the way you can enjoy the scenic view of the bay. You will arrive at the Ben pha Gia Luan ferry station at Cat Ba Island and there is a bus waiting for passengers that can bring you to Cat Ba town for 40,000 dong. In the high season (between 25 Apr and 5 Sep) there are five ferries a day at: 7.30, 9.00, 11.30, 13.30 and 15.00. In the low season there are only three ferries a day at: 8.00, 11.30 and 15.00. (updated Feb 2023)

From Haiphong: If you travel from Haiphong without your own transport, you will need to take a bus 16C from Haiphong city centre (all Haiphong city bus lines and connections are on Google Maps just like in any major western city). This bus will take you to Ben pha Got pier on Cat Hai island. If you travel with your motorbike you can arrive there by taking a new road and bridge to Cat Hai island. From Got ferry station there's a ferry that will cost you 12,000 dong for a person and 45,000 dong for a person with a motorbike. You will arrive at the Ben pha Cai Vieng pier on Cat Ba island. The ferry operates every 30 minutes between 05:30 and 18.30 and the journey takes around 40 minutes. From Cai Vieng there are buses to Cat Ba town. (updated Feb 2023)

Taking the Haiphong ferry is the cheaper option, but most parts of the journey are far from scenic in any kind of way: industrial areas and plenty of trucks bringing containers in and out.

When you want to discover the best of both worlds, take one out of two options on your way to Cat Ba and the other option on your way back.

By motorbike
You can easily rent a motorbike from any hotel for US$5 (standard) per day or less if you look around or visit in the low season.

Don't pay more than 50,000 dong for a 1.5 L bottle of petrol, which can be bought in some of the small towns as well as near the port area near the end of the town.

Anyone you hire a bike from should give you a photocopied map of the island which will help you with planning.

By bus
Local buses across the island leave from the western edge of Cat Ba town, on the water near the market intersection.

By taxi
Getting around Cat Ba takes some organising. There are electric vehicles which will take you to the beach for 10,000 dong and occasionally elsewhere for a hefty fare. Grab works intermittently and keeps offering destinations in Haiphong. When it does work it is excellent value. Meter taxis all have their meters covered with a towel or piece of cardboard (including companies such as Mai Linh that elsewhere are reputable). Expect to pay 50,000 dong from town to Cai Beo Traveler Dock, but some drivers will ask for 200,000 dong.

See

 * Monkeys on Monkey Island, Cat Ba.jpg
 * Monkeys on Monkey Island, Cat Ba.jpg
 * Monkeys on Monkey Island, Cat Ba.jpg
 * Monkeys on Monkey Island, Cat Ba.jpg

Do

 * Massage. Enjoy a half hour foot massage. There are several places that offer this service along Cat Ba town waterfront. Alternatively several men offer shoulder and arm massage along the strip of an evening, while you are having dinner. Well worth it, very relaxing, very good. Usually approx 100,000 dong.
 * Take a walk around the market at the northwestern edge of town. The seafood section should give you a reasonable idea of the less exotic, locally consumed varieties of seafood caught locally.
 * Rock climbing if seeing the beautiful limestone karsts isn't enough for you, try scaling them. Slo Pony/Asia outdoors on the 2nd floor of Noble House are the organisation responsible for all of the climbing development on Cat Ba (and the bulk of it out in Lan Ha Bay as well) so are best placed to provide advice for experienced climbers, and run guided climbing trips for beginners.

Boat tours

 * Boat tour with Jim at the Le Pont hotel. He does boat tours through the islands and some kayaking through neat coves. US$25 per person if 4 or more.
 * Go kayaking from Ben Beo wharf, a short walk from Cat Ba town. US$12 for a day. A good way to explore the floating village and go further afield if you're game.

Buy
The market is the best place to buy most things. Tourist trinkets such as shell sculptures are sold at stalls on the eastern edge of the waterfront.

Drink
There are a number of sea view bars. Notice that much of the nightlife dies down during low season.

Sleep
There are loads of hotels along the waterfront with little to distinguish them, though a couple have elevators if you are less mobile or are travelling with elders. A few hotels have more recently sprung up down side streets away from the water. These should be cheaper. When looking at rooms, you may pay more for a water view. Free Wi-Fi is standard. Avoid anywhere that tries to "include" breakfast, which costs almost nothing and is probably of questionable quality anyway. Similarly, avoid anywhere that prices in dollars; ask for the price in dong. In off season, everywhere is empty so will compete heavily on price; a huge room for two cost 125,000 dong) on the water (Feb 2012).

Hotels

 * Phuong Phuong hotel, 237 1/4 street phuongphuongcoltd@Gmail.com, many rooms with a view to the sea, the room is cheaper in the low season with US$7 included breakfast.
 * Phuong Phuong hotel, 237 1/4 street phuongphuongcoltd@Gmail.com, many rooms with a view to the sea, the room is cheaper in the low season with US$7 included breakfast.
 * Phuong Phuong hotel, 237 1/4 street phuongphuongcoltd@Gmail.com, many rooms with a view to the sea, the room is cheaper in the low season with US$7 included breakfast.
 * Phuong Phuong hotel, 237 1/4 street phuongphuongcoltd@Gmail.com, many rooms with a view to the sea, the room is cheaper in the low season with US$7 included breakfast.
 * Phuong Phuong hotel, 237 1/4 street phuongphuongcoltd@Gmail.com, many rooms with a view to the sea, the room is cheaper in the low season with US$7 included breakfast.
 * Phuong Phuong hotel, 237 1/4 street phuongphuongcoltd@Gmail.com, many rooms with a view to the sea, the room is cheaper in the low season with US$7 included breakfast.
 * Phuong Phuong hotel, 237 1/4 street phuongphuongcoltd@Gmail.com, many rooms with a view to the sea, the room is cheaper in the low season with US$7 included breakfast.

Go next
To Hanoi, the easiest way to leave Cat Ba is through a booked Bus + Boat + Bus ticket. You can find these on the main beach road by the docks. Hoang Long sells combined tickets daily for 220,000 dong, while some other companies are slightly cheaper. Takes about 6 hr.

Leaving town, boats and buses to Haiphong (150,000 dong; almost hourly from 06:00) and Halong City are available from the square on the waterfront near the boat pier. Hotels can book tickets for you at a slight premium.

In order to get to Halong city you can take a bus from Cat Ba town from the main square near the pier (Mot Thang Tu street) that goes to Gia Luan ferry terminal (the destination is written on the bus, 40,000 dong). Then take a ferry to Tuan Chau which costs 60,000 for foot passenger and 80,000 with a motorbike. The ferry leaves at 9.00, 11.30, 13.00, 15.00, 16.00 in high season which is between 25 Apr and 5 Sep. In the low season there are three ferries a day at: 9.00, 13.00 and 16.00. The bus from Cat Ba town leaves one hour before the ferry departure. Unfortunately there are no city buses from Tuan Chau to Halong city, if you don't have much luggage you can order Grab bike. (updated Feb 2023)

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Cat Ba


text:
Catbalogan

Catbalogan City is the provincial capital city of Samar Province, in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. It is also the commercial, trading, educational, political and financial center of Samar. It lies along the Pan-Philippine (Maharlika) Highway and is the gateway to the region's three Samar provinces. It has been long known as the "Gateway to Samar Region."

Understand

The Waray-Waray language is the primarily spoken language in the city. Catbaloganons also recognize Filipino (Tagalog) and English languages as a medium of instruction in schools and offices.

The word Catbalogan is said to be derived from the shrub balaug that thrived along the banks of the Antiao River.

The citizens of Catbalogan, called Catbaloganons, are peace-loving, friendly and hospitable people, and innately jolly and easy to get along with. Immersing with the people will likewise give one an idea how Catbaloganons make up their daily grinds.

The city has long been known as a center for fishery and aquatic resources and prides itself on being a fishing community. Thus, the city's Patron Saint is Saint Bartholomew, the Patron Saint of Fishermen, from whom the concept of Manaragat Festival came from. Manaragat Festival is celebrated every year, during the whole month of August. Catbaloganons are religious people, and always make sure that they dedicate a day for their Patron Saint as a form of giving thanks.

For longer stays, especially during the month of May, expect to go village hopping since it's a party every day. It is considered a mortal sin to decline an invitation during Fiesta celebrations.

By plane

Another option is taking a flight to Tacloban City from Manila or Cebu. Upon arrival at the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, one can take a jeep to Abucay Terminal if you intend to get a bus to Catbalogan City or to different shuttle van terminals (Grandtours, Duptours and Van-Van). From Tacloban City, it is a 2-hour land trip to Catbalogan City.

By boat

From Cebu City two times a week, a overnight passenger ferry run by Roble Shipping lines departs directly to Catbalogan City, every 7PM. Another alternative is to take any of the ferries to Ormoc, then take a UV Express to Catbalogan, but there will be a major stopover at Tacloban.

By bus or van

 * there are buses or minivans which go from Catbalogan to/from Catarman, Borongan, Calbayog, Legazpi City, Allen port
 * to/From Tacloban for trips via van, go to downtown (possible options: Grand Tours, Duptours, Vanvan's); for trips via bus, go to the Public Terminal in Abucay.

Catbalogan Bus Terminal
The Catbalogan Bus Terminal offers several regular bus trips from nearby towns and cities in the region. Jeepney transport is also a common mode of land transportation in the city. The Catbalogan City Bus Terminal is situated between Piers I and II, Barangay 6, Downtown area of Catbalogan City.

Bus companies that ply the 24-hour Manila-Catbalogan City route, including the 2-hour ferry from Matnog, Sorsogon to Allen, Northern Samar, are the following:
 * CUL Transport
 * Eaglestar Transit Corp.
 * Goldline Tours
 * Inland Trailways
 * Philtranco
 * Silver Star
 * Ultra Bus
 * Villegas Transit
 * VS Pintados Inc.

Catbalogan Port
Catbalogan City is the arrival point from the following nearby towns and island municipalities:
 * Daram
 * Zumarraga
 * Villareal
 * Tarangnan

Get around
Motored tricycles and pedicabs are the preferred modes of transportation within the downtown area at per ride each. At the city's Public Terminal, located at Allen Avenue Extension, one will find multicabs for trips to the northern and southern barangays of the city. This is where jeepneys bound for neighboring municipalities of Jiabong, Motiong, Paranas and Calbiga can be found. For trips to the island barangays and other nearby island municipalities, one may go to the City Port for the boats plying these routes.

See

 * Church of St. Bartholomew the Apostle - It was built in 1616, but did not assume its present form until 1814, when Father Felix Carreon, OFM, set out to repair the church after it was burned in 1760. Father Martin de Yepes constructed the altars and also had a colonnade of wooden posts raised, thus dividing the nave into three sections. The facade used Ionic columns for its articulation. In 1835, the church burnt a second time but was rebuilt by the Franciscans. The old meter-high image of the patron saint, St. Bartholomew, is kept in the rectory. Behind the church are remains of the quadrilateral fort traced to Jesuit times.
 * Rizal Monument - in front of the Catbalogan City Hall, there’s a small park with a unique bust of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, with his two novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo serving as the base. Holding up the books with the bust are three muscular men who are all naked except for a leaf that covers their genital areas. The three naked men, representing the Philippine archipelago's three major group of islands - Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, carry the books and the bust. The sculpture means to convey that "ours is a continuing burden to reform the social system, to pave the way for a better life for Filipinos." The naked men are interpreted as "naked in the sense that we are all equal." This one-of-a-kind Rizal monument in Catbalogan City is a tourist attraction and has been featured on TV and in news articles. The sculptor is Miguel Alcazar, a native of Catbalogan City. He studied at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, and he made the Rizal monument in 1959, before his family migrated to the United States. He died in New York in October 1980.
 * Samar Provincial Capitol - built in 1930 during the American occupation.
 * The Obelisk - in the heart of Catbalogan City's Samar Provincial Capitol Park, it depicts four major events in Samar's history - the 1901 Balangiga Encounter in which local revolutionaries inflicted the "worst single defeat" of the Americans during the Philippine-American War (1899–1902); the 1649 Agustin Sumoroy Rebellion in Palapag against the Spaniards; the October 15, 1596 arrival of the first Jesuit missionaries to Samar; and Queen Isabella II of Spain carrying a Royal Decree of August 11, 1841 declaring Samar as an independent province.
 * Imelda Park - across from the Samar Provincial Capitol. It is a great place to unwind and relax in the city. Many food stalls are located in the park that serve local delicacies and street foods that can satisfy your palate.
 * Pieta Park - adjacent to St. Bartholomew Church and St. Mary's College of Catbalogan, it has a memorial honoring Catbaloganons and four thousand-plus others who perished in the tragic collision of the passenger ship MV Doña Paz and the oil tanker MT Vector on December 20, 1987. With an estimated death toll of 4,386 people, historians describe the Doña Paz tragedy not only as the world's deadliest ferry disaster but also the worst peace-time maritime disaster in history.
 * Samar National School - formerly Samar High School, it was established by the Americans in 1912. t is the oldest school on Samar Island. It is also known to hold the biggest and grandest annual alumni gathering in the whole island of Samar.

Do

 * Witness the nationally-acclaimed Manaragat Festival Showdown highlighted by Tribu Katbalaugan and Samar Day festivities celebrated every month of August.
 * See the stunning sunset in Maqueda Bay, specifically at the Catbalogan Port.
 * Savor the unique tamalos and other delectable cuisines and fresh seafoods.
 * Bike around the Capitol Grounds and downtown area.
 * Join the daily Zumba at the City Plaza.
 * Party all night at Pier One Disco Bar.
 * Bask in the sun, swim in clear waters, and bond with family and friends in different pristine beaches and picturesque resorts found only in Catbalogan City, such as
 * Buri Baras Beach Resort
 * Cal-apog Beach Resort
 * Igot Cove
 * M Grand Royale Resort
 * Rosario Hills Mountain View Park Resort
 * Jardin de Elena
 * Juvies Beach Resort

Buy

 * Centro Department Store, adjacent to the Public Market, is where many ready-to-wear fashionable items, appliances, kitchenware are available.
 * There are major pharmacies such as Mercury Drugs, Rose Pharmacy, South Star.
 * For "pasalubong", visit Charito's Delights along San Roque Street and one will feast from an array of food delicacies from simple snacks and sweets to choices of side dishes.

Eat

 * Ernie's Pizza
 * Pizza Factory
 * JC Foodspot
 * Green Hub Diner
 * Koko's Coffee
 * Christian's Burger Planet

National fastfood chains have also branched out in the city. Among these are:
 * Jollibee
 * Dunkin Donuts
 * Mister Donut
 * Julie's Bakeshop
 * Chooks to Go
 * Tina's Garden

Drink
Several bars and KTVs are located in Catbalogan City, offering different liquors and other beverages to quench your thirst.

Along Del Rosario Street (the city's main street), Maria's Restobar and City Grill are located, and both offer soothing acoustic music for night goers coupled with assorted choices of cold beer and beverages, wines and other spirits are available, just approach the front counter.

At the port area (Pier 1), Twin Restobar and Pier One Disco are located, both are fastly becoming good hang-outs for a night of visit.

Sleep
A large number of hotels, lodging houses and pension houses can be found in Catbalogan City, including:

Go next
Nearby towns such as Paranas, Calbiga and Basey offer beautiful tourist destinations, such as old houses, falls, caves and swimming sites. They also offer many different and unique Waray cuisines and local delicacies.
 * Tacloban
 * Borongan
 * Calbayog
 * Catarman
 * Metro Cebu

title: Catbalogan


text:
Catemaco

Catemaco is a county and city in Veracruz State, Mexico. The ecotourism is really big in the region around here. Lakes, rivers, waterfalls, Gulf of Mexico, mangroves, birdwatching, all abound and are ready for you to enjoy. Take a boat trip on Lake Catemaco or the Laguna de Sontecomapan. Check out the beaches of the gulf with coves and small bays awaiting your discovery.

Get in
Catemaco is located on Highway 180, also known as The Gulf Coast Highway, about 3-3½ hours south of Veracruz city by car.

Get around

 * Taxis are numerous and cheap, starting at around M$15 (pesos).
 * Local buses run in the town during the day and connect with San Andres Tuxla and other small towns.
 * Bike rental: You can rent a bike for some hours and ride around a little. The streets are not too bad for that.
 * rural taxis (or 'mixtos') are pickup trucks which operate like collective taxis and can be flagged down at any point. These are good for getting to places not serviced by bus. They are not the most comfortable option but are good value at M$10.

Eat
There are numerous restaurants along the Malecon (lakefront), but be aware that most of them close at 19:00 and your options will be somewhat more limited after that.

Try one of the Memelas which are famous in Catemaco. Those really big tortillas are made like a Quesadita. Only that they are bigger and filled with ham and beans or anything the cook has to offer. And they are really big.

Sleep
Since Catemaco is not that big you can find many of those hotels located at the zocalo. Both bus stations are in walking distance.

Connect
You can find small internet cafes located near the Zocalo.

Go next
There are two bus stations which connect Catemaco to bigger Mexican cities. The ADO terminal, which services buses to the city of Veracruz, is located at the Eastern end of the Malecon, and is about 10 minutes' walk from the Zocalo.

 * San Andrés Tuxtla - A nice, real Mexican city with less tourism. It can be reached by bus.

In the west you can find a station for the rural taxis or Mixtos. Alternatively you can flag these down at any point along their route. Some of the many destinations are:

 * Sontecomapan - This is a village next to a beautiful lagoon about 20 km northeast of Catemaco. It will cost M$10 to get there by rural taxi. Once there you can take a boat (or 'lancha') out to the cost ('la barra') for M$40 each way.
 * Montepio - Montepio lies directly at the beach of the Gulf of Mexico. There is no supermarket, Internet or ATM available.

title: Catemaco


text:
Cathedral City

Cathedral City is a city in Riverside County in the Desert region of California.

See

 * Museum of Ancient Wonders, 69028-B E Palm Canyon Dr, in the Cathedral Gateway Plaza across from the Agua Caliente Casino. Good place to see sarcophagi and stuff. +1 442-268-5004

Do

 * - located in Cathedral City

title: Cathedral City


text:
Cathedral Provincial Park

Cathedral Provincial Park is in the Similkameen region of British Columbia, Canada. Its 33,272 hectares of backcountry mountains contain a wealth of hiking trails and scenery.

Flora and fauna
The park is home to grazing animals like mule deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and marmots. Bears are rare.

The growing season is short but there is a mixture of flowers and trees. Douglas Fir is the dominant tree at lower elevations, mixed with aspens and cottonwoods. As the ground gets higher, Lodgepole pines and Engelmann spruce trees become more plentiful. These trees eventually give way to sub-alpine species. The highest parts of the park do not have tree cover. Forests in the park are less dense than forests found in coastal British Columbia and have much less undergrowth.

Flowers tend to be found in open areas and alpine meadows. The main blooming period is July–August.

Get in
Access is via the Ashnola Forest Service Road that intersects with the Crowsnest Highway 3 three km west of Keremeos. The first 10 km is paved, after which it becomes gravel. The road can be rough in spots, but it is suitable for two-wheel drive cars. The park entrance is about 20 km from the main highway.

Fees and permits
Entry to the park is free, but backcountry camping fees apply (see the Sleep section for more details).

Get around
The Ashnola Forest Service Road from the highway only skirts the northern and western edges of the park. Access to the core area of the park, where most of the hiking and scenery is, can only be done on foot or by private shuttle.

The shuttle service, operated by the Cathedral Lakes Lodge, is the fastest way to the core area of the park. The trip, in four-wheel drive vehicles, starts at their base camp about 22 km down the Ashnola Road. It is easily identified by the sign and gate across the entrance. The trip takes about an hour each way and costs $90–100 per person (low season-high season). Space is limited though, so you must book transport at least a day in advance by calling the lodge (see contact details in the Sleep section below). You don't need to stay at the lodge to use the shuttle service — it is available for campers and day-trips.

Hiking is the cheaper but more strenuous option to access the core area. Three trails connect the Ashnola Road to the core area. The Lakeview Trail, at 15 km and over 1000 m of elevation gain, is the most direct route. The turn-off for the trailhead is between the 13 and 14 km markers, about 2 km beyond the base camp for the Cathedral Lake Lodge shuttle service.

See
There's plenty of natural beauty to take in — mountains, glaciers, lakes, alpine meadows, wildlife — but it all requires some effort (hiking) to get to. Some of the highlights are below.

 * There are some alpine meadows in the park. The largest display is around the 5 km mark of the Lakeview Trail. There is another meadow with much smaller plants along the Ladyslipper Lake Trail. Flowering times depend on how the weather has been, it can be anywhere between mid-July to early August.

Do

The main activity in the park is hiking. Trails are mostly well marked and signposted, particularly in the core area. Difficulty levels vary, with short easy trails to longer, steep trails that require route-finding skills.

Quiniscoe Lake, with the main campground and lodge, serves as the hub of the trail network. All times and distances listed below are round trip from the lake unless noted otherwise.

Fishing is allowed in the park. Four lakes are stocked with trout. Ladyslipper Lake is considered the best lake for fishing.

Eat
The only restaurant in the park is at Cathedral Lakes Lodge (+1-888-255-4453 ), which is available to campers and guests of the lodge. Prices are $25 for breakfast, $25 for lunch and $50 for dinner (2018). Otherwise, you must bring your own food and cook it yourself.

Drink
A small selection of drinks is sold at the Cathedral Lakes Lodge.

Camping
There are a number of campgrounds in the park. Three are along the Ashnola Road so they have drive-in access. The remainder are up on the mountains and will require some hiking. Pit toilets are available on-site. Campers looking for a bit more luxury can use the flush toilets and showers at Cathedral Lakes Lodge.

Stay safe

Always keep and eye on the weather when hiking and be prepared for sudden changes. It can snow any month in the park and the weather can change from sun to rain or clouds quickly.

Unlike much of British Columbia, bears are not common in the upper regions of the park (not enough food for them). They are sometimes found in the lower parts of the park.

Go next

 * Manning Provincial Park, an hour west along Highway 3, has more mountains, lakes and alpine meadows.
 * The Okanagan Valley is about an hour northeast along Highways 3 and 97.

title: Cathedral Provincial Park


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Catia La Mar

Catia La Mar is a city in the state of La Guaira in Central Venezuela. The beaches west of the Caracas airport beginning with Catia La Mar have never been as popular or well maintained as those to the east. While they were relatively unharmed by the mudslides, the area is plagued by pollution and insecurity. Still this is the beach area closest to international airport and it is not without its attractions including airport pickup and cheap hotel rates.

Do
There are beaches everywhere. These are just a couple of representative ones.

title: Catia La Mar


text:
Catlettsburg

Catlettsburg is a city in the Kentucky Appalachians.

title: Catlettsburg


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Catoctin Mountain Park

Catoctin Mountain Park is a unit of the United States national park system, in the state of Maryland. It is a popular weekend destination and home of the Presidential retreat, Camp David.

Climate
The park area generally experiences a mild, four-season climate. Temperatures average about 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer but the weather occasionally can be more extreme. The park is a popular destination in the fall months when tree foliage is at its best.

Visitor information

 * Park website

Get in
The park is about north of Washington D.C. and can be easily reached by car. From Washington D.C., take I-270 north to Frederick, Maryland. Take Route 15 north to Thurmont, Maryland and take Route 77 west. Travel west on Route 77 and turn right onto Park Central Road. Park Visitor Center is located on the right.

Fees and permits
Catoctin Mountain Park is open year-round during daylight hours. Seasonal road closures happen occasionally during winter. There are no entrance fees, but those staying overnight have to pay a camping fee.

Do

 * Fishing. Big Hunting Creek is popular among the fly fishermen. Maryland fishing license and trout stamp are required.
 * Hiking. Catoctin Mountain Park offers about 25 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to strenuous hikes. The trails are not marked with blazes but are well maintained and easy to follow. Popular destinations include Chimney Rock, Wolf Rock and Hog Rock.

Lodging
Camp Misty Mount offers individual cabin rentals. Each cabin sleeps 3-6 people and can be rented for $35 per night ($55 per night on weekends).

Camping
Individual camping is available at Owens Creek Campground from early spring to late fall. There are no reservations as the sites are available on a "first-come, first-served" basis. The camping fee is $20 per night.

Go next
Visitors to Catoctin Mountain Park often visit waterfalls at the neighboring Cunningham Falls State Park.

You may also enjoy the atmosphere of nearby Thurmont.

title: Catoctin Mountain Park


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Catoosa

Catoosa is a city in Green Country, Oklahoma, on historic Route 66. It had a population of about 7,000 in 2018. It is home to a large statue of a blue whale, Oklahoma's largest casino, and a huge Native American art market.

Understand
It is home to the Port of Catoosa, part of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas Navigation System (MCKARNS) which connects Northeast Oklahoma to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico.

History
The Cherokee Nation controlled the region during the 19th century. After the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad laid tracks in the early 1880s, the community became a cow town, with the establishment of William Halsell's Bird Creek Ranch.

The name of the city is derived from the Cherokee language, phonetically pronounced "Ga-du-si" or "Ga-tu-si". Various interpretations of this word exist, including: "between two hills", "on the hill", "into the hills", and possibly signifying a prominent hill or place thereon.

Catoosa was home to Bluford "Blue" Duck, the infamous outlaw depicted in Lonesome Dove. He is buried in Dick Duck Cemetery at the intersection of 193rd and Pine street.

Sleep

 * Hard Rock Casino
 * Hard Rock Casino

Go next

 * Coal mining history and more at the Historical Society in Broken Arrow.
 * Tulsa for its oil barons, history and the architecture they left behind.
 * Claremore is the historic hometown of Will Rogers and home to numerous museums.

title: Catoosa


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Catron County

Catron County is a rural county in Southwest New Mexico.

title: Catron County