Philanthropy – A Photo's Worth

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.

1805_30_SoCalTrip_0767 — Our enthusiastic docent met us outside. Group of tourists seem rather reluctant.

1805_30_SoCalTrip_2119 — Neptune’s Pool under renovation. Use the imagination and wait for a sunnier day.

1805_30_SoCalTrip_0769 — 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).

1805_30_SoCalTrip_0780 — Dark colors, dim lighting, and dreary day gives the room as sleepy feeling. Doors and windows are elegant.

1805_30_SoCalTrip_0776 — 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.

1805_30_SoCalTrip_2123 — This is where you sat if you overstayed your welcome. The End.

1805_30_SoCalTrip_2129 — After dinner activity before a movie. Can you guess what this is?

This pool is quite spectacular.

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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.

1805_30_SoCalTrip_2150 — I just love walking around and seeing all the landscaping.

1805_30_SoCalTrip_2151 — The fog added so much to this image.

1805_30_SoCalTrip_2153 — Beautiful Entry Door

1805_30_SoCalTrip_2140 — When cold even the marble statue has a drippy nose.

1805_30_SoCalTrip_2144 — Well my foot has had a workout.

I am so impressed with the way the fog and light made these flowers pop.

1805_30_SoCalTrip_2155 — Gardeners hard at work

1805_30_SoCalTrip_2149 — Hurrying through the garden cause of the rainy mist

1805_30_SoCalTrip_2173 — 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.

1805_30_SoCalTrip_0800 — 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.

Home and time to settle in for the hot summer.

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.

1606_24_Petaluma_073 — Bridge over the Petaluma River

1606_14_Petaluma_2770 — 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.

1606_14_Petaluma_2739 — Petaluma Historical Library & Museum

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.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Eureka Springs Carnegie Library

1606_14_Petaluma_2749 — The McNears were part of Petaluma history

1606_14_Petaluma_2756 — Brick wall with window capture my attention

1606_14_Petaluma_2747 — Time out for a tune!

1606_14_Petaluma_2767 — Small town main street today

1606_14_Petaluma_1000321 — Green Tower Clock

1606_14_Petaluma_2762 — Display 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.