Saturday, June 23, 2012

Visiting the Ranch in San Simeon

Well, it was another SLOW day for the Notte's. We started our morning kayaking in Morro Bay. We glided past elephant seals out sunning and explored the sand spit across the bay. The dunes bumped along out to the big Morro rock. They were covered with an array of color from the various low scrubby vegetation and flowers. Little gray lizards blended in perfectly with the sand and dead wood. Crabs scuttled under rocks by the water and we could hear them clacking! Guess beachcombing is a favorite pasttime for us on either coast.

Lunch was at the Taco Temple, a local favorite. Let's talk fresh!! You start the meal with freshly baked chips and homemade salsas from the chip bar. Then choose from specialty seafood dishes or yummy vegetarian like I did. Or if you're like Adelaide you can have the tostados that were "almost vegetarian but with chicken."

Now for the trivia question of the day. Wendy RS--we expect you to be first to ring in. Consider it warm up for Minglewood this summer! Who is the person who has ties to two places we have visited? Okay--hint here: UC Berkeley and San Simeon.

The afternoon was spent learning about Hearst Castle. Just enough info to whet your appetite for more. I think they should point you to apps you buy tailored to your interest.  William Randolph Heart biography, Art of Hearst Castle, etc.  Mom-- I keep thinking you wanted to visit here when you and dad were out for the Olympics but you didn't have the chance. Is this right? This was right up your alley! We'll share when you next visit.

Our day ended with elephant seals. A little north of San Simeon is the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. The beach was full! They were mostly laying about tossing sand up on themselves and their neighbors. Occasionally there would be a tussle for space. We also saw a few swimming in the waves and then making their ungainly way up the beach, collapsing after several feet. Then they too would start the sand toss. Between Hearst and elephant seals, I think Wikipedia will get some hits from us tonight!  Apparently there is a live-cam from the rookery if you are interested in more information:  www.elephantseal.org.

Tomorrow we journey further south. Jean, Jeff and Amanda-- we are all looking forward to seeing you tomorrow in Oxnard !!!

1 comment:

  1. At Hearst's Castle did you happen to see a little sled in the corner with "Rosebud" written on it?

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