more up north

morro bay, ca

the unbelievable hearst castle, san simeon, ca

above and below is the neptune pool. easily my favoritest part of the entire tour...
can you imagine? living here? coming out onto the patio--to this view-- to meet Cary Grant?
that's exactly what the Hearsts did, like, 70 years ago.

In addition to the main castle itself, there are three other separate houses just off the main plaza, adjacent to the castle. Above is a view from Casa del Sol. the horizon is actually the pacific ocean, and the darker silhouette is the shoreline in the distance. camera shots were strictly to be taken without flash. so all of my indoor pictures don't do justice to the place. But here's an example: Mr Hearst's sitting room, part of his private quarters. (I actually think my favorite room may have been the kitchen. baker's paradise.)

Ali and I were so flabbergasted that someone could live so extravagantly DURING THE DEPRESSION.
This is the second--indoor-- pool. covered with gold inlays. really...made. me... want. to swim....