Tag: california

La Cuesta Encantada || The Enchanted Hill of San Simeon

The Humble Fabulist3 Comments

Following his mother’s death in 1919, media magnate William Randolph Hearst inherited thousands of acres around San Simeon and later on purchased even more, until the land he owned extended further than the eye could see. Captivated by the beauty of the landscape, and probably tired of lodging in platform tents whenever he visited his ranch, Hearst hired architect Julia Morgan and asked her to build ”something that would be more comfortable” than the tents.  

Throughout his life, Hearst dreamed of building a castle similar to those he had seen on his European  tour as a boy. 28 years, 68,500 square feet, 38 bedrooms, 30 fireplaces, 42 bathrooms and 14 sitting rooms later (and that is only Casa Grande, the main building of the complex), his dream came true. He called his castle La Cuesta Encantada—Spanish for “Enchanted Hill” and, after a two-hour tour of the Grand Rooms, guest suites, gardens and the spectacular Roman Pool, I can affirm that this mythical structure of epic proportions is definitely ”something more comfortable” than Mr. Hearst’s tents.

During construction, Hearst used the Castle as his residence and it was there he exhibited his extraordinary art collection and entertained his friends. The elite of Hollywood, politics and sports – everyone who was anyone, has stayed in these rooms. Construction was still ongoing in 1947, when Hearst had to leave the castle because of his fragile health which required continuous medical care. Parts of the castle still remain unfinished.

If you enjoyed this virtual walk of the gardens, wait till we go indoors; coming up, views from the Grand Rooms and guest suites.

Hearst Castle, San Simeon

July 12th, 2017

Mapping Pacific Grove & Monterey

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Mapping the 17-mile Drive, making sure I won’t get lost (I get lost anyway, my navigator has to recalculate regularly, I don’t know what I would have done without it, most likely wouldn’t go on a road trip in the first place). 

Other vehicles one should expect to see often in the area – golf carts. There are so many golf courses in Monterey Peninsula, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was totally covered in green. Must have something to do with the local household income which is higher than the U.S. average. Rather obvious, judging by the magnificent villas, cottages and other exclusive properties. This is a golf course on Pebble Beach.

Moving towards the north to Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest existing lighthouse on the West Coast, still an active navigational aid today. It sits, as you may have guessed, next to another golf course (and a cemetery, but I have no photos of it).

A tired golfer taking a break.

Tranquility in the Memory Garden, Pacific House near the noisy-touristy Fisherman’s Wharf.

California’s First Theatre. Built as a lodge and tavern for sailors, it was used as a theatre in 1850 when U.S. Army officers from Colonel Stevenson’s 1st New York Volunteers produced plays as a money-making venture. Tickets sold for $5 each and first night receipts totaled $500. Now closed due to structural deficiencies, until further notice. [source]

Another sunset, another farewell. Next stop, Cambria.

July 11th, 2017

17-Mile Drive

The Humble Fabulist4 Comments

The difference a day makes. Exploring parts of the 17 mile drive, a scenic route through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula. Blue skies, calm seas, slightly higher temperatures, off with the rain jackets, sunglasses, sunscreen, still ended up with a sunburned nose, this was getting closer to the California Summer I had in mind.

Views from Restless Sea to the Bird Rock Vista Point which is teeming with wildlife in all its possible forms and sizes – some more photogenic than others.

Paper Dog

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*Recent Resident Posting* on the bulletin board of my building’s website:

Title: DogSitting/Babysitting

Hi! My name is [….], and I live with my mother in apt […]. I’m looking to see if anyone is in need of dog sitting/walking. I’ve had experience sitting dogs, and cats for a good amount of time. (If you need a reference, I have […..] from apt 23). I’m reaching out because I love pets, especially dogs, and would love to sit or walk them as a means to work and to pay my tuition in school. I’m also a after school teacher/Head counselor, so if you need me to take care of your child, I’m available to speak about it at anytime after 6:30pm, which is the time I get out of work. If you need someone to dog/cat sit or babysit call me at […-…-….]. Thank you.

July 10th, 2017

Do you believe in fairy tales?

The Humble Fabulist6 Comments

Once upon a time, there lived a man named Hugh. He was a good man who liked to build things with his hands. One day, it was the leap year 1924, Hugh came to Carmel to visit his sister. As his good fortune would have it, he met a woman named Mayotta. She was a good woman who liked to make things with her hands. Their lives met, their souls touched and, a year later, Hugh Comstock and Mayotta Browne become husband and wife. 

Mayotta was an artist who made little felt dolls she called the ”Otsy-Totsys”. She made more and more and then a few more, until there was no space left for the growing family in their home. Mayotta then asked her husband if he would build a doll house for her Otsy-Totsys. And so, Mayotta and Hugh, who were no architects nor designers but loved to make things with their hands, built the first wood cottage and named it Hansel. A little later, came Gretel and the rest followed in their gravel path.

Now, do you believe in fairy tales?

You can look for the real-life fairy tale cottages of Carmel on the Hugh Comstock Historical Hill District. Read more about them on this blog by Lynn Momboisse, who even went into the trouble of sketching a map, so you won’t miss even one!

And, if chasing fairy houses makes you hungry, Patisserie Boissiere is a mere magic wand’s flick away. The tale continues inside.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

July 10th, 2017

Bixby Creek Bridge

The Humble Fabulist4 Comments

#iconic
#marvels_of_engineering
#mind_the_gap

The plan was to cross the Bixby bridge and continue to explore the magnificent Big Sur. Alas, it was not to be – a giant landslide had claimed a large part of the highway and access had been cut off, since May 2017. It took 14 months and $ 1 billion dollars worth of repairs, to finally re-open the highway in July 2018!

The Bixby bridge was still open, however, so we did cross it… for a mile or so and then we had to turn back. From here on, we would have to drive inland on 101, bypassing Big Sur until San Luis Obispo.

But, before that, there were other wonders to be discovered in the area around Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, so let’s enjoy the breathtaking view from here, a little while longer.

July 10th, 2017

Molting in Año Nuevo State Park

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A bit over 30′ drive south of Half Moon Bay on the scenic coastal Cabrillo Highway, we found Año Nuevo State Park where thousands of elephant seals gather every winter to breed, transforming the beach into a crowded centre buzzing with activity.

But July is part of the molting season, when elephant seals come ashore to shed their skin and fur. This summer-long lazy process lasts between four to six weeks, during which visitors may observe the seals by obtaining a free Visitor Permit from the park’s entrance. From there, it is a 4 mile hike to the viewing area and back (or between 2,5 to 3 hours walk). It is a wonderful world out there and so exciting to observe the seals in their natural habitat.  Check the Año Nuevo State Park website for opening hours and directions.

July 9th, 2017