Firstly, if you missed the last couple of posts you can check them out here:
For Cycling Geeks Only and Sequoia Ski-Venture
In February, we decided to explore the central coast, north of Santa Barbara and very south of San Francisco. We stayed at Moonstone beach in Cambria, very quaint and quiet. I love the low coastal development and minimal city noises. Open space with views that inspire. Cool wind with a meditative rumble of ocean water. There is a certain kind of magic that surrounds and separates you from a fast paced work week. Ahhhh... Exhale. Close your eyes. Face the sun. Ponder.
Moonstone Beach & boardwalk.
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The life of a squirrel with feathered friend doesn't seem so bad.
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The greenest coastal foothills we've ever seen. Those black dots are the happiest cows anywhere.
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The most famous attraction in the area is the Hearst Castle, which isn't really a castle, but more like a huge mansion. We took a few tours to check it out since we've never been. It certainly was interesting to visit, but I found the whole thing to be too opulent and overdone. And jeeze-louise, for the huge amount of square footage, so many of the hallways and rooms are surprisingly tight and somewhat claustrophobic.
The massive mountainous ridge where the mansion is built was far more interesting to me. A more beautiful spot along the central coast would be difficult to find.
If you're interested, you can get everything there is to know about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearst_Castle
Is that Disneyland? No. It's StinkinRichland.
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The front door. Many celebrities of the day have passed through on invitation from Hearst.
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Happy to be here for the weekend
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The dining room. I wonder if they ever slid the salt all way down.
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French's and Heinz. You'd at least expect Grey Poupon.
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One of several pools. This indoor one looks a little nicer than the one we use at the local YMCA.
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Construction never stopped. Lots of it were left undone when the property was deeded to the state. On left, unfinished surface that is supposed to have the white brick layer as seen in the middle and right.
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A typical bedroom. Furnishings (including ceilings, fireplaces & floors) were purchased on huge buying sprees in Europe then transported/installed here. Craftsmen copied the originals to make matching copies to ensure there was enough decorative materials for each room.
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William's private study. Ceiling from France. Other decorative items are priceless museum pieces.
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The official meeting room. What a dump.
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If you inhale you can get through some of these ridiculously narrow passage ways.
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One of several bedroom hallways. Windows on the left, 5 bedrooms on the right.
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Meanwhile down at a special section of beach, Sea Lions bask, nurse their young and have wicked fights. The sound of these guys pounding each other was sort of disturbing.
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Hey, that's us!
Have you ever been to this area? What do you think? Leave a comment below!
The comment password is - - Life is good