This is last of the posts relative to our little roadie to the central coast of California. We stopped at the little bay of San Simeon. The wharf there was built by George Randolph Hearst, to make the delivery of materials easier, during the construction of Hearst Castle. Although it's on a great part of the coast, there isn't really much to see there. Lucky for us there was some practice sea rescue operations taking place.
A pretty good panoramic shot
The victim (to be rescued) is in the water, to the right.
Here is part of what I love about this part of the coast. Farmland going right down the edge of the ocean. See the awesome old barn in the background?
This is pretty much all there is at San Simeon. The pier and one little store.
The rescue boats made a nice pose for me.
This guy was watching the helicopter also. He wasn't much for chit chat though.
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There may have been "not much" here, but you made a nice post of it. I enjoyed your observation about the farmland coming down to the sea. Very cool shot of the three boats and seagulls, and your untalkative little friend was fun, too. It's been a long time since I visited, and then I don't remember going down to the pier.
ReplyDeleteI think Hearst used to have several warehouses here with his plunder inside. It was always a romantic notion to picture all those pieces taken out of castles just sitting there. Also quite sad. And while I felt badly that he'd taken those things from their rightful places in Europe, it's a marvel what he did with them. An assemblage of evocative art from the art; creating something greater than the pieces, or at least I felt that way when visiting.
That's wild you got to see the practice rescues! That was worth the trip.
ReplyDelete"Nuts, seeds, acorns, blah, blah, blah." And who's that nutty guy with the camera? asked the squirrel.
ReplyDeleteI could hang out by the shore and watch the comings and goings forever. Or I could follow your blog and see it all through your eyes. What a delightful place to stop!
ReplyDeleteI love it when 2 worlds collide as they do here. The farm and the ocean....a dream world.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful pier for a walk!
It would be interesting to watch them practice their rescue techniques. I wish I could live near the ocean.
ReplyDeleteAmazing shots of the California coastline and helicopter rescue practice, Pat. There's a lot to be said for peace and quite :)
ReplyDeleteHubby and I enjoyed traveling that gorgeous coastline.. its so different form our flat Florida coastline.
so cool to see the farmland, like you said! and the squirrel is cute!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures Pat. I just watched a documentary on San Simeon on Netflix. It was fascinating. Quite a place.
ReplyDeletewow, even the animals put on a show for you.
ReplyDeleteMy boys would have loved to see the sea rescue operations.
ReplyDeleteFavorite part of California coast is this section. Love the first photo, Pat!
ReplyDeleteLove the shot of the rescue boats. Black and white and boats? Dude, you can't go wrong with THAT combo!
ReplyDeleteI think that squirrel may have been looking for some nuts to tide him over for the winter. He couldn't reach the helicopter, but I bet he can jump about zipper-level, though.
ReplyDeletegorgeous pictures of the california costline.
ReplyDeleteclicking to enlarge make them all the more enjoyable!
well done you!:)
hope you have a great remainder of your weekend!
It looks lovely. That is cool that you got to watch a practice rescue.
ReplyDeletePretty cool to watch a practice rescue! that water is beautiful! You are an awesome picture taker!
ReplyDeleteI love how animals, like the squirrel, just take it all in their stride. Sea, farmland,acorns,gorgeous vista, guy with camera, it's all just life, all good!
ReplyDeleteThat water is so blue. Looking at some sun is nice on a gloomy day.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing to know what went into building that monstrosity he called home.
ReplyDeleteawesome pics and that squirrel too cute
ReplyDeletePat, how awesome was the timing to see the rescue training?? You have photo fortune my friend. That barn looks so out of place on what you would imagine a Cali coast picture to be. Especailly after seeing shots like Malibu and Pebble Beach. At least the squirrel can take comfort in knowing if the tide sweeps him away there are rescuers around!
ReplyDeleteThe ocean, farmland and mountains, that's a little bit of everything! Sounds idyllic.
ReplyDeleteWhen we used to travel up and down the Connecticut River in Steadfast, I loved watching the horses standing along the fence line near the water, just around the corner from Long Island Sound. It took nearly a whole summer before I realized the horses (three of them) were fake. They never moved. They were always in the same position. They always intrigued me, even when I knew they weren't real. What kind of farm was that?????
ReplyDeleteRosemary
I always like your glorious ocean scenes. My favorite shots, though, are the ones of creatures like this squirrel (or chipmunk? or something else?).
ReplyDeletePS Thanks for your sweet comment, Pat. I don't plan on stopping blogging. I can't imagine life without it.
xoRobyn
Beautiful shots and scenery! That rescue is really cool and must have been awesome to watch!
ReplyDeleteAwesome action shots! I've only seen sleeping sea lions and birds around there. :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous coastline and I love the photo of the pier. All lovely angles
ReplyDeletetapirgal - Thanks! You are right about the warehouses. A few of them are still there. I think "plunder" is exactly the right words. I'm not saying that I don't think Hearst Castle is amazing, because it is. BUT, it's gaudy as can be and that guy had entirely too much money! BYW, the family still operates a ranch on most of the land around there.
ReplyDeleteAlex - It was a nice surprise. It's a nice place to stop and have a picnic, but that's about it.
Sharon - That's funny! I don't know what it is about squirrels, but I can watch them for a long time.
Carmi - Thanks Carmi! I love to see places in person, but I also enjoy the little photot and word tours on blogs.
Dawn - Me too! I'm sure some developer would love to have some of that property to build on.
Belle - It was a nice surprise, that's for sure. I live just a couple of miles from the ocean and even if I don't see it everyday, I love knowing it's there...
Pam - Oh yeah! It was pretty loud alright. It was nicer when they all left. I agree about the west coast, it's beautiful. BUT, we don't have any coral reefs or warm water...
TexWisGirl - I'll stop taking photos of just about anything to get a pic of a squirrel or bird!
Barb - It's an amazing place. The guy had all the money in the world and not only built the castel, but rebuild parts of it several times. I like the grounds of the place much more than the interior. It's in an amazing spot. Maybe I should post some pics from it.
Budd - Me and doctor Dolittle!
OMG Pat--Why did that gut Hang himself from a Rescue copter (3rd Pic?)!??? How sad. Brother-- the photos are Vintage Tillett--I'm so proud to have found you on Blogger and enjoy the journeys you take us on!
ReplyDeleteStunning Bro--Stunning! Love all of them but the Rescue Boats just draw you in, and that first pic--boy I was surprised when I enlarged it!!! Awesome.
John
J
Ren - I think it was the boy in me that it appealed to also. Just like big pieces of construction equipment. That stuff stops me in my tracks.
ReplyDeleteBrenda - It's one of my favorite parts also. Lot's to see in that area. Thanks Brenda!
Nikki - I was happily surprised when I saw them sitting like that on the sand. Thanks!
Al Penwasser - There really isn't much of a winter there, but he was giving me some strange looks!
Betty - thanks Betty! I'm looking for a template that will allow them to be bigger in the posts, but no luck yet!
Ciara - Thanks for stopping by and commenting Ciara. It was a lucky thing, that's for sure.
KaLynn - It was nice find! It's an otherwise very quiet little place. Thanks for the nice compliment.
Margaret - Yep! Right up until the time a coyote or hawk has him for breakfast! He did live in a very nice place, that's for sure!
M Pax - It had been very foggy for the three days before this. I was also happy to see some sunlight and blue skies. The weather there is usually very mild.
Jesse - I think I remember hearing that he put 37 million into it (back in the day). So in today's money, it's hundreds of millions. the place is also surrounded by about a quarter million acres of land. I agree that it's a monstrosity, but it's something everyone should see in person.
becca - Thanks becca! I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteChuck - It made my day! Most of the coast is either unbuilt on, or farmland. It's amazing how long it is. If you stick to the coast road, it's at least a four day drive.
Ms. A - That's why we live here! Hope you are doing well!
Rosemary - Now that is a FUNNY story! I guess the people who lived there had a good sense of humor!
Robyn - Thanks Robyn! This little guy is a ground squirrel. They aren't very popular because the undermind hillsides, but I love 'em! My pleasure on the nice words. I meant it. You are one of the people I've known the longest in the blogging world.
Marguerite - Thanks Margerite! It was a lucky find, that's for sure. I need to get over to your place and see what your serving up for the holidays! Yum!
James - I know! It's usually totally quiet there and usually no more than a few people. Thanks!
Mynx - Thanks Mynx! One of a thousand great spots along the coast.
John - Some people will go to any length to end it all! Hey, thanks so much for the kind words, they mean a lot!
ReplyDeleteTerrific photos Pat, and that squirrel is cool too!
ReplyDeleteTerrific shots, specially the helicopter shot and the squirrel, he/she posed for you for some nuts?
ReplyDeleteAny length- ar ar! The words are from the Heart my friend!
ReplyDeleteJ
A great rescue sequence.
ReplyDeleteCool shots! :-)
ReplyDeleteI think Mr. Squirrel was enjoying the activity on the water as much as you were. Beautiful shots Pat, that is a pretty section of the coast.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, Pat! I love looking at the blue water of the ocean!
ReplyDeleteWow. Beautiful!! Love that first shot. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful coastline -- we used to watch the Coasties practice rescues when we stayed at Winchester Bay on the Oregon Coast.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a beautiful coastline, top to bottom. Stellar shots, Pat. You sure know how to weave a tale. But speaking of tails, that the oddest one I've ever seen on a squirrel!
ReplyDeleteBrian - Thanks so much! He was kind of cute!
ReplyDeleteRek - Thanks Rek! Yeah, he posed, but not for long.
John - Thanks so much John!
Leovi - I was pretty cool to watch.
Blue Wave - Thanks!
SQ - I think he was! I'm sure he has to fight with the gulls for his food!
Icy BC - Thanks so much! I agree.
Baby Sister - Thanks! It sure was...
That looks so restful. I think you might need to take a trip back based on all the drama in your life right now.
ReplyDelete