After completing our tour of San Francisco, it was time to leave the hustle and bustle of the city for a while and get back to the quiet west coast Highway 101.
South of Big Sur and just north of San Simeon is the very famous Hearst Castle.
I'm pretty sure the late Harley would not mind me re-using a couple of photos of him from last year to show the sign on the highway.
The castle is now operated as a California State Park, and it also has a working cattle ranch below the castle.
Various tours of the facility are available, but we chose the one recommended for first time visitors, which provided a good introduction to some of the sights,
Out front is this impressive swimming pool.

It is complete with sculptures in the water.

The gardens, landscaping and flowers are all first rate.
Some of the rooms have been completely done in 'period' decorations, such as 15th century Spanish.
These are where some of the guests would stay when visiting.
The main building, or castle has both actual european artwork and sculptures, as well as copies and re-creations.


This is the main dining room where about 30 guests could sit down for the evening meal.
Another, indoor pool was emptied for repairs.

Apparently, many of the guests felt this pool was too dark and enclosed, and it did not get a lot of use.
A shallow section of the pool leads to the change rooms.
After touring the castle it was unfortunately time to return to San Diego and send my great traveling partner on her way home :(

But, the Road Trip continues - heading back to the east for another look at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park