After a hotel breakfast yesterday morning, I shopped a little in Cambria. There were fun things to look at, but I didn’t buy anything.
Yesterday’s main attraction was Hearst Castle. It was so interesting to hear the story of its conception and construction. It’s a little ways from the ocean up on a hill:
It was built on the twenties and thirties, and is beautiful and lavish. Here is a guest house.
Since it is up on a hill, it has spectacular views:
Its pool is famous. It was ahead of its time.
Mr. Hearst was an art collector. Here’s an ancient Roman sarcophagus:
And here is Sekhmet from Egypt. I mean, like actually from Egypt.
The main house was big and breathtaking.
The rooms were grand and filled with art and antiques.
Many of the walls were paneled with pieces from European churches. The churches had been damaged in World War 1, and Hearst bought the panels at auctions.
Besides the outdoor pool, there was an indoor pool. It was beautiful.
I loved the mosaic floors and walls.
By the time the tour was over, the day was moving on, and the night’s goal was Monterey, which was two and a half hours away.
It was mostly a straight shot there, but on the way, there was an elephant seal spot, so I had to stop and see them.
I got to Monterey in time for dinner. I checked into the hotel, then walked to the wharf.
I had some delicious clam chowder for dinner. Mmm…
Today I go back home. I’ll be on the Pacific Coast Highway for most of the trip, so it will be beautiful.
Wow!! Such splendor and beauty! That shot of the indoor pool is amazing – it’s like an optical illusion. The presentation of the clam chowder is hilarious and spot-on. Thank you so much for documenting it and sharing it with the rest of us!
*sigh* What a fabulous way to spend some time…….
Thank you for this travelogue – now I feel as if I had a mini break myself. So glad you have the time and resources to do things like this on your break.
[Instead, so far I’ve invested my month in a colonoscopy and dental surgery. Not even comparable…]
You’re visiting some of my favorite spots and drives in CA. Thanks for documenting…I’m enjoying getting lost in memories. Enjoy the beautiful drive!