Atascadero, CA 2015

September 14, 2015


My favorite bird

Bobby with the Pelican

Woke up to sprinkles on the windshield, nice to see but make everything so dirty!!!

Last day in this area so we decided to head to Pismo Beach to look around and have lunch.   Drove to the pier and walked out to watch the surfers.   There's not much to this beach, at least to the areas we already seen on this trip.

Walked into town to walk thru the stores, looked but did not purchase anything but one Christmas gift.  We did however watch this gentleman make taffy.   Then I decided I wanted to see the Butterfly Grove, we are to early in the year but was hoping we'd see some Monarch Butterfly's....only saw one!   It started raining, so cut out looking short.

Making taffy

Decided to head back into town for lunch, ate at Splash's, it was recommended by Nancy & Darrell.   We order a bowl of chowder plus shrimp & chips.   It was excellent.  We talked to a couple next to us, they told us that we should have ordered the bread bowl, that way you can ask for more chowder if you like.  One scoop is $1 and two scoops are $2.   Great deal, only if we'd know before we ordered.  They also told us to park in the dirt lot next to the pier, it's free vs. $1 an hour at the meters.

Monarch Butterfly

We then drove over to the Outlet Mall.   We should have stayed at the beach, it would have been cheaper...lol.   They have one of the last 3 Izod stores.   We each bought two shirts and shorts/skirts.

Got back around 3, going to the Elks for ribs tonight.   Tomorrow we head to Bakersfield.   Getting close to home!!!


September 13, 2015

Zebra's grazing on the ground

wine cellar

Just before we got to the entrance to the castle, we saw people pulled over so I stopped.  In the field was a herd of zebras, they are descendants of the heard that Mr. Hearst used to have at the castle.

Like everywhere in California, Hearst Castle is also subject to the water rationing and we had to use porta potties.   All the water to the lavatories has been shut off.   Sad but necessary!!!

The trip from the visitors center to the castle takes 15 min, along the way we saw a herd of big horn sheep.   Also they have a large herd of cattle that roam the grounds.

Bedroom in Casa del Monte

3 Graces Statue....we bought a replica of this one

Decided to take the kitchen & cottage tour, this is our third time taking a tour and they all show a side of the castle that's different.   This one is only 40 min. long but you tour the wine cellar, two of the three cottages, kitchen (located in the main building) and the gardens.   Our first stop was the wine cellar, is not as big as I anticipated but for being in the 1930/40's, I suppose it's big.   It certainly had enough wine, some of which are still in production today.

Kitchen

Entrance to the Casa Grande (castle)

The smallest of the cottages :Casa del Monte, was the last cottage to be built of the three, it was our second stop.   Casa del Mar, was the first (we didn't tour this one) and while the Castle was being built, Hearst lived here until Casa del Sol was finished, then moved in,  our third stop.  I must admit, if I could stay here, I'd choose Casa del Sol, it has inspiring views of the ocean.  When you see it, you understand why Mr. Hearst loved staying here vs. the castle.   Casa del Sol is where he spent his later years.  

view from the garden

Casa del Monte

Next we saw various portions of the garden, as you can imagine, it's filled with magnificent statues.  His collection is so impressive and the landscapers to an astounding  job of maintaining it.   It is just beautiful and awe-inspiring.

The kitchen was our last stop, it's located in the Casa Grande (Castle).   You cannot envision the size of this kitchen and to think this was built back in the 1920's, it's remarkable.   The foresight of Julia Morgan (the architecture) and Mr. Hearst is just unimaginable.    Any one of us would love to have this but hate to clean it!!!

After the tour finished, we tour the gardens to get a close and personal view of the grounds and statues.   It is just stunning.

Elephant Seals

Got back to the visitors center around 1, watched the movie, it gives a great over view of Mr. Hearst Dreams and how he envisioned the castle.
Then we headed to Elephant Seal Beach to see the elephant seals.   They are so massive in size!

On our way back, we stopped at various points to take in the views.  At our last stop, they're were two guy hang gliding and low and behold, there were whales out there.   Watched they blow and roll but never say a tail.   They are so incredible.   Love to have stayed longer, but things to do.

Got home around 4, another great day touring the country side!!!

September 12, 2015

Left Monterey around 9 and got to Atascadero around 11:30.  Got settled in and then went to find a Big 5 store, Bobby needed to return some shoes.

Got back around 1:30, had lunch and watched a little TV.  Around 4, went to the Elks to have a drink and ran into Darrell & Nancy LaMoureaux.  We knew they were here so it was great to finally see them.   Spent about 1 1/2 hrs catching up and meeting their friends they are traveling with (6 others).

Had dinner at the coach and then around 8, went over to Darrell & Nancy to have an after dinner drink and watch Oregon vs. Michigan St. game.   Too bad Oregon lost!!