Hearst Castle
The town of Cambria was foggy in the morning, making it difficult to find breakfast without a GPS. We wandered around town but it seemed like nothing opened until 8 a.m. The little café took pity on us when Jaz pressed her nose up against the plate-glass window; they invited us in 20 minutes early.
Today we headed over to the Hearst bungalow, it is something interesting to see if you are in this neck of the woods.
Hearst bungalow
William Randolph Hearst (WR) hired a female architect to create this structure and then micromanaged it for 25+ years, not quite finishing it before his death.
Julia was definitely a skilled project manager – molding around a doorway.
The architect, Julia Morgan, designed a simple house for Hearst that is pretty amazing. Also amazing was Julia – 1st female engineer to graduate from Berkeley, first female to graduate from the European architectural institute she attended, and had a female-owned firm in 1906 with male employees.
Julia in the middle. I forgot to get the photo credit for this gem, but it was in the exhibit at the Hearst Castle.
Outdoor pool
Hearst’s bungalow was amazing, the art within is equally amazing, the view was spectacular. And the pools! You must see them.
We wandered around and discussed how the place was so big that you would have to have an army of people living with you to not feel lonely.
Indoor pool
Elephant Seal Beach
Further up the coast we visited the Seal Beach. Too late to see the males, we took pictures of hundreds of females basking in the sun. One particular female found shiny wrap and I watched her play with it – as much as a round slow fat creature with short arms can play. She wore herself out in no time and fell back asleep. Jaz and I decided they were like short-legged cows. Sat around and did not much of anything…
Short legged cows, no-grazing
Tired seal with foil toy
Lighthouses
There are two lighthouses in this area, and you need appointments to visit either one of them – neither of which we did. Take the time, they look wonderful. We shot one from a distance.
Lighthouse and beach
Me and ocean
Tree Bones – Big Sur
We meandered north enjoying the drive to Monterey Bay. Coastal flowers, scenic ocean vistas and occasional stops all afternoon.
Cannery Row
Once in Monterey, we walked around and looked in cheesy gift shops, enjoyed interpretive displays about Steinbeck, and watched the sunset near Cannery Row.
If Marilyn was young today what would she look like? She would have tattoos and piercings! This metal sketch was in a gift shop in Cannery Row.
Sunset and wine
This morning we head out to catch the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Jaz and Steinbeck
About Maya
Leave a Reply