Cambria, California

The area around the Hearst Castle has a lot to offer in its own right.

Following our tour of the Castle we spent a couple more days exploring

the local area and its special sights.

On Saturday morning we took a tour of the Point Piedras Blanca Lighthouse.

First lit in 1875 it has been guarding the point since then.

Damaged in 1948 by an earthquake 6 miles off of the point - the upper light and

several floors were removed to lessen the weight on the foundation.

A smaller - but just as powerful light atop the lighthouse continues to function

and provide its nautical duties.

Looking North from the lighthouse - you can see Big Sur some 50 miles distant.

Looking up the stairs from below.

We were not allowed to climb the stairs due to safety concerns.

Just about a mile south of the Lighhouse is the Piedras Blanca Elephant Seal Rookery,

the largest on the West Coast.

Over 25,000 Elephant seals call this beach home at one point or another.

This time of year was mostly molting seals.  They are losing thier fur coat

for the new one underneath.

Below two seals discuss beach politics.

West coast sunsets are always nice since the sun is setting over the ocean.

Sunday kept us closer to home and we explored Cambria.

They have a nice boardwalk along the ocean so we took the dogs along

for the walk among the wildflowers.

Ever present along the coast, we spotted a couple of seals swimming in

a calmer area inside of the surf line.

These beautiful purple flowers were everywhere.  As best I can tell they

are called the Pride of Maderia.

The oceanfront boardwalk weaved among the twisted Cypress Trees

which provided a nice windbreak to the strong Pacific Ocean winds behind them.

Tomorrow morning its time to say Goodbye to Ron, Maxine, and the coast.

We have a deadline on Thursday in Walla Walla Washington about 900 miles north of here.

The Map below shows our next 4 days travels.

So tomorrow we'll head about 8hrs north to Red Bluff, Ca.

Then Tuesday another 5hrs or so to a State Park outside of Bend, Or.

Weds we have a few hours to an Army Corps campground on the

Columbia River in Washington.

And finally Thursday a short hour or so drive to Walla Walla where we will

shut down for 4 days and drink some wine with friends.

After Walla Walla, I'm off to a state park in Wenatchee Wa for a week or

two while Kate flys to Chicago and visits with a friend.