This morning we had breakfast at the motel before heading off to San Simeon. The GPS got us a bit confused and we had to do a couple of loops before we were on the right road but eventually got there. We decided to fill up with petrol and it was a bit weird because if you are paying cash you have to go and pay before you fill up! Of course we had no idea how much it would take so we paid $50 but it only ended up being $29 so then you have to go back and get a refund.
As we drove along there were heaps of people on the side of the road for miles and miles in camp chairs with camera waiting for the cars going to the concourse in Carmel to go by. Thankfully they were going the other way and we got to see lots of them.
We followed the coast road again and the views were amazing. We stopped at Big Sur for a coffee and it was a lovely spot with a shop that sold crafts made by local artisans. We drove on and as we got closer to San Simeon the fog was rolling in to the point that we couldn't see the ocean anymore. We checked in to the motel and we would have lovely ocean views except for the pea souper! The receptionist said that yesterday was a lovely clear day.
We had lunch in the Bar and Grill and because we were here earlier than we expected we decided to change our tour of Hearst Castle to today so we would then have all day tomorrow to get to Los Angeles.
Hearst Castle is not far from the motel and there were spots on the next tour so we changed our tickets. You had to go out a door to get on a bus and you guessed it, an AFP. I am getting good at saying no to the photo ops!
The bus takes you on a very long winding road up to the castle. On the way half a dozen deer jumped out in front of us. The castle was amazing. There were three bungalows and the castle. Individual pieces were wonderful but I found it too over the top with the mix of art and furniture of all different styles. It was incredible the amount of money that was spent building and furnishing it. After the tour you can wander around the grounds and when you are ready you walk past the tennis courts and amazing mosaic indoor roman pool. It was huge. The bus then takes a different road down to the visitor centre and you can then watch a movie about William Randolph Hearst and the building of the castle in the theatre.
We then came back to the motel after buying something for tea. I have been fighting off a sore throat for a week but I think it is getting the better of me. Here's hoping I can hold it off for another week.
Tomorrow is our biggest challenge as we will be driving to Los Angeles.
Cheers Roz
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