Day2 San Simeon to Monterey

We woke and breakfasted with a grey skies and needing jeans and jerseys.

We headed up promptly to a pre booked tour of Hearst Castle which is an extraordinary complex built high
in the hills by a media mogul. The size of his ranch was summed up by, "he owned the view", which extended to the coast and the mountains. The main house is actually an earthquake proof reinforced concrete edifice faced with Utah limestone and has all the appearance of a grand Italianate church. The building work never stopped until he died and as you go around the back you see parts where the concrete is still visible with the recesses ready to take ornate stone window frames. The still beautiful pools and gardens were hosts to all the famous visitors between the wars. Positioned high, the ranch sits above the sea mists looking down to the grey bank out at sea which is making our journey dull. Interestingly, the gardens are full of flowers which are in our garden at home, begonias, antirrhinums, dianthus, phlox and many others.
The house is not 'authentic' but is full of genuine Italian and Spanish ceilings, fireplaces from French châteaux and tapestries, marble etc from all over Europe.

The Big Sur runs from San Simeon for 90 miles to Monterey along a remote section of coastline.
The sea mists todays are drifting in and above us, occasionally a blue sky is up there and other times the mists shoots above us at 45 degrees. The day continued cool from 16 to max 20 degrees max.

At first constantly stopping to take photos though actually, if you've driven Scottish and Brittany coasts a lot of this road doesn't reach 'spectacular'. The Northern section is more dramatic with inlets, viewpoints and some good bridges.

A highlight not far North of Hearst Ranch is a bay where elephant seals live. We thought we may see the odd one at a distance but there were tens of them of all sizes, some slobbing on the beach in the sun like giant black slugs and all ages and sizes. Others were in the sea and though they are lumbering and slow the power when they decide to argue is awesome. Quite an experience.


A little over half way we stop at a State Forrest Park and walk around the giant redwoods. A very pleasant break from driving.


Just before Monterey we diverted through a pretty town of Carmel then pulled into our hotel at Monterey. Monterey is a pretty relaxed warm evening stroll place with a beautiful beach, large marina and fisherman's wharf piers. We drive down and park near the wharf and enjoy the place but we are cold with waterproofs zipped up for warmth and against the gentle drizzle condensing out of the mist.

Days 1 and 2 tracks:

Statistics: Miles today: 103 miles; Miles so far: 349; Fuel today nil gals;  Fuel so far: 6.34 gals; States:  California; Time Zone: Pacific(UK-8)

09:00-18:40