Our last day on the Central Coast is spent at Hearst Castle. As a first time visitor with limited mobility (Plantar fasciitis) my choice was the Grand Rooms Tour. I ordered tickets online, and arrived ready for an early morning tour.
Woke up to plenty of fog. It actually felt like a misty continuous rain.
Our group met at the Visitor Center where we hopped on a bus to take us from the coast up the winding road to Hearst Castle.
Our enthusiastic docent met us outside. Group of tourists seem rather reluctant.Neptune’s Pool under renovation. Use the imagination and wait for a sunnier day.I liked the way this image takes you along as a tourist.
Taking photographs during a walking tour I needed to up my ISO (lighting sensitivity).
Dark colors, dim lighting, and dreary day gives the room as sleepy feeling. Doors and windows are elegant.
The dining room. The docent explains that Hearst sat in the middle with his most important guest to the his right. The longer a guest stayed the further away he was seated.This is where you sat if you overstayed your welcome. The End.
After dinner activity before a movie. Can you guess what this is?
This pool is quite spectacular.
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Tennis anyone?
Once outside I had to keep my camera safe from the elements. I grabbed these quick shots. I would have loved to spend more time outside.
I just love walking around and seeing all the landscaping.The fog added so much to this image.Beautiful Entry Door
When cold even the marble statue has a drippy nose.
Well my foot has had a workout.
I am so impressed with the way the fog and light made these flowers pop.
Pink Fuchsia
Gardeners hard at workHurrying through the garden cause of the rainy mist
The Hearst still have a cattle ranch at San Simeon, and retain much of the land.
I say good bye to Hearst Castle. There is much to see, but I am not sure I will be back.
I enjoyed my stay in Cambria. Moonstone Beach may call my name again.
White Water Inn in Cambria
Now for the 6 hour drive home to Fair Oaks. Passing some lovely landscapes. I caught these images from the car window.
Camera Totin’ Tuesday folks are looking to get out of the Sacramento heat. Petaluma is located south west of Sacramento, and less than 2 hours away. The day we visited the weather did not disappoint.
Founded in 1858 Petaluma makes an effort to maintain a mid-19th century charm. Located on the Petaluma River and close to the Bay area, Petaluma provided locally grown food to San Francisco and Oakland starting during the Gold Rush. Today, it can serve as a jumping off spot in Sonoma County. Close to the coast of Point Reyes, 30 minutes outside of the Bay Area, and near Napa and there is plenty to photograph is this town.
The Petaluma River provided easy access to transport goods to the coast. Today, it serves as a focal point for the town’s center.
Bridge over the Petaluma River
Decaying pier no longer supports train tracks.
The Free Public Library building is filled with such classic details. This library built in 1904 with money donated by Andrew Carnegie is one of over 1600 library buildings constructed in the United States between 1886-1919. The town had to come up with money for books, salaries, and maintenance. Born poor, Carnegie was denied use of a public library because he couldn’t afford the $2.00 library card. He proclaimed “Free Public Library” on the front of this building to show that all could make use of the facility. Carnegie understood that access to information improves a person’s ability to better oneself.
Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie gave away 90% of his wealth.”The man who dies rich dies in disgrace,” Carnegie said. In bestowing charity the main consideration should be to help those who help themselves,” he wrote.
The buildings are impressive. I photographed this one in Eureka, California. Many serve another purpose now such as museums, and community centers. As a retired librarian, I hope that these buildings continue to serve the public need for information.
Brick wall with window capture my attentionTime out for a tune!Small town main street todayGreen Tower ClockDisplay Window of a music store
Lunch was enjoyed at The New Yorker Pizza & Restaurant. I’m always on the lookout for “New York Pizza”. Though this time I enjoyed the meatball hero. Afterward we wondered into the Shutterbug Camera Store. Money was safely tucked away. This time.
Faded sign on side of buildingSpider makes a homeOne of many Victorian Era housesArch and picket fence detail draws me inAlways looking for signs. So polite!Bee sure is enjoying a drinkBee has moved on. What is this flower called? Be Gone!Soft purple frilly flower. Do you know the name?Love the lighting on this pretty coral rose. I do know the general name.He loves me. He loves me not? He loves me!
There are many churches in Petaluma. Taking a walking tour we came across a church on nearly every block.
Stain Glass found in St. Vincent de Paul ChurchAbstract linesA friendly, portable tripod
We ended our walk around town. Taking in the architecture, nature, and friendly spirit of my photo buddies. Good bye Petaluma. May be back again.