Bakersfield to San Simeon

The Hearst Castle

The "Guest House"

The Outdoor Pool at the Castle


The Living Room at the Hearst Castle


The indoor pool at the Hearst Castle

Sunset at Moonstone Beach from our Hotel
Report from Moonstone Beach, Cambria, Califor-n-i-a!!!!

We made it to the coast of California today. The drive from Bakersfield took about 3.5 hours. The first 2.5 were pretty boring, just pistachio and almond farms. The last hour was beautiful as we entered Southern California Wine Country. It struck us how much the rolling hills looked like the Sun-Maid Raisin commercial on TV. The ocean was a lovely site to see after 20 days of traveling across never-ending land. We headed straight to the Hearst Castle. What a remarkable site to see. William Randolph Hearst was only the 47th wealthiest man in the US during the 1920's but he erected a home the likes we have never seen. Not only is there the "Castle" but several "Guest Houses". The Vanderbilt and Rockefeller families were wealthier, but after having seen their homes, this "Castle" was far in excess of their famous homes. Tonight's hotel, the "Little Sur Inn" is a real treat because we pulled into town without a reservation and found one with with a up-close and personal view of the California coast. We managed to settle in before nightfall so we were able to enjoy the sunset over the ocean from our room.

Stats:
Location Today: San Simeon, CA
Traveled 4350 Miles since we left Maryland
Approx. 2900 miles from Md
Visited the following states: Md, Va, Wv., Tn, Ky, Ar., Ok., Tx., Nm, Az, Nv., Ca.
Next Destination: Drive up Route 1 on the California Coast

Highlights:
Rolling vineyards of Southern California
Hearst Castle
Little Sur Inn
Beautiful Sunset
Fabulous Dinner of fresh seafood at the "Sea Chest"
SUN and WARMTH


Not so great stuff:
Can't think of a thing..….