Adventure #34 - Hearst Castle

We woke up to rain. We weren't surprised but expected it later in the day.

Over breakfast, our waitress tells us she heard the 1 north was closing before Big Sur due to potential mudslides, and there is no detour up that way. Which means if we go ahead for the misty views and head that way, we would have to backtrack to get to the 101. An hour and a half each way in normal conditions, could add up to a 3-4 hour detour, not quite what we had time for.

We decided we would go as far a the Hearst Castle since we had reservations and turn around there. It would only mean a twenty-minute backtrack to Cambria where the 46 will take us over to the 101.

Since this trip had a wash-out, we plan to return at another time. 

We arrived at our destination and just past the entrance was a big Cal-Trans sign of the closure ahead. It's official, we will turn back after our adventure of the castle. 

From here, I will share photos only. 

No way could I write like the curator of a tour...you should really take a tour if ever in the area. We did the Grand Room Tour with accessibility. We got to go in through the kitchen which is not part of the tour and met up with the regular tour group inside the Grand Room. Next time we hope for better weather and will do a different tour and hang out longer.

The Side Courtyard: The Architects Office was off the kitchen.

 The Kitchen:

The Dining Room:

The Grand Room: For someone who loves Christmas, this was the perfect first visit! There were two towering Christmas trees on each end of the Grand Room. One tree is for the girls, the other for boys. The children were instructed to pick one toy, any toy form under the tree. If plans develop as we hope for next Christmas, we hope to do the Twightlight Tour.

The Billards Room:

Outside:

We went across the street to the Hearst Ranch Winery at Sebastian's. Picked up a bottle of wine and a few other souvenirs. On the property was this church or maybe a schoolhouse? There is also the Adobe Ranch House that can be rented for a more lavish experience.

The little town of Cambria requires another visit as well.

Heading over the 46 was a bit foggy.

Traveling up the 101, parts cleared up, while ahead we could see more storm clouds to come.

Arriving in the bay area at commute time is not the best idea, but it moved along and made our way to Fairfield, our next stop on this adventure.