hearst castle and that divine california coast

 

on our way back from southern california, we took the (super) scenic route, via hearst castle and big sur.

i just can’t and won’t get over that divine california coast. we talked on the drive about how we are so excited to go to many exotic and amazing places on our upcoming around-the-world trip, but one of the most spectacular spots is right here in the area where we live!

i went to hearst castle a few years ago, but have been wanting to go back with the boy and to see some other rooms. it was just as dizzingly magnificent and beautiful as last time (even though the neptune pool was drained and there was scaffolding on the facade)!

the grand rooms were sure grand. i especially loved all the intricate ceilings and watching home videos of the castle builder william hearst and his distinguished guests in the luxe theater:
  
and the grounds and gardens – just magnificent!! i especially loved the flowering vines growing up tall palm tree trunks, the tiled staircases, the blossoms sprouting everywhere, and of course the sweeping views down to the ocean:
      
and then there’s the indoor roman pool, which seems like the crown jewel of the place, right by the spot where you get  on the bus for the ride back down the “enchanted hill”:
 

we stopped by the elephant seal beach for a peek and got quite a show… it was pretty amazing.

 

and we couldn’t help but stop at a few viewpoints off the pacific coast highway on our way to our aweeeesome campsite.

we took the trail from the campground down to the shore, through so much lush vegetation and wildflowers and caught a serene and lovely sunset.

 

seriously. california wins.