Travels with Liz (Last Part)

We arose early on Monday, planning the drive across the coastal hills to Cambria, then up to San Simeon. As we left, a doe and two fawns obligingly stayed in the pedestrtan crossing as they wandered through the Pinnacles campground. Deer, turkeys, and wild pigs are plentiful in the area, but apparently not bear, as the garbage containers were not bear proof and no bear food lockers were provided. The garbage disposal cans were raccoon proof, however. Mountain lions frequent the area as warning signs were posted.

The drive across the hills was easy, and we noticed the abundance of vineyards both in the valley as well as the upland areas. Wineries were common and clearly wine tasting is a large tourist draw in the Paso Robles area now. Once on the coast, we were able to camp at San Simeon State Park (no hookups), which is right on the ocean. It is a short walk on nice trails to the beach. Our campsite, number 38, is a prime location and screened with trees. At night, it is quiet, and you can hear the ocean from the campsite.

That afternoon we explored The Hearst Castle Visitor Center, picking up our tickets for the three tours we had planned for Tuesday. The gift shop beckoned us both and I helped the State out with some purchases.

Back at the camp, we relaxed with a walk on the beach. After dinner, we explored another trail around the campground which ultimately also lead to the beach. Did I mention that I have no trouble reaching my daily goal of 10000 steps when Liz is around?

Squrrels are plentiful and the crows and jays are very aggressive. In contrast to Pinnacles, the flies were few and were not the small biting type.

On Tuesday, we headed up to Hearst Castle for our first tour--which was a general tour explaining its history and including the exterior and some of the large rooms on the ground floor of Casa Grande. The second tour, which was after lunch at the visitor center, was of the Casa Grande second floor and upper floors, as well as the large kitchen. The kitchen work areas included some of the utensils and a storage bin like the ones in our Old House. These tours were very informative and the buses that transported us to the Castle from the Center were full both times.

After the second tour we returned to camp and had an early dinner, then went back for our last tour of the day at 6:30. The Center was practically empty, Liz and I were the only ones on our bus, and there were only a few others already at the Castle when we arrived. We were well outnumbered by the tour guides on this self-guided tour around the entire exterior and all of the gardens. It was by far the best tour of the day, as each tour guide we encountered was eager to impart information or provide a map, and we were free to pause as long as we wanted at any point. Too soon it was 8 o'clock and time for us to find our bus driver. Once again, we were the only ones on the bus heading down the hill, with three others still wandering around at the top (according to the intercom comments). It had a been a busy day, but full of information and the tours were all excellent. I would like to go back when they have the fall evening tour where people dress in garb from the 1930s. W. R. Hearst was quite a person, and I purchased "The Chief," a comprehensive biography of Hearst to read.

Whether you are looking at the indoor pool with its gilded tiles, the art pieces, including this gilded statue, or the vast outdoor pool (re-built three times), the place is wondrous.

The next day we proceeded up the coast after a leisurely breakfast out. We stopped at the overlook for the sealions, seeing many of the animals sleeping on the beach. One was making its way back to the ocean, and only could move 5 to 8 feet before stopping and resting. Once it hit the water, it was able to move much better with the bouyancy, but on land these giant creatures are very slow moving. Their deep bass barks are quite impressive.

Further up the road we encountered more traffic, full campgrounds, or state parks which were not friendly to trailers, so Liz and I headed home.