California Road Trip September 2022. Hearst Castle and Montana de Oro state Park.

7th September 2022 

Today I was woken up by the sound of the fog horn and looking out of the window there was thick fog, thankfully, it didnt stay long and by the time we drove out of Morro Bay, the fog was lifting. 

We drove back towards the town of San Simeon, a small town that seems to have been built to serve the needs of the nearby attraction, Hearst Castle. 

Hearst Castle was built between 1919 and 1947 by the newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst. 

I have read many autobiography's of the Hollywood stars who visited the castle in the 1930s and wanted to visit it. 

San Simeon jetty 

Hearst Castle

The only way to visit is to book a tour, you can not drive up to the Castle yourself, a tour bus takes you. there are many tours to choose from, the ticket office recommended the Grand Rooms Tour for a first time visitor. 

The tickets were wrist bands, and the bus took us up the winding road to the castle with it fabulous views. 

First we stopped at the Pool, 

Hearst Castle, Outdoor Pool 

Hearst Castle, Outdoor Pool 

Hearst Castle, Outdoor Pool 

and the outdoor terrace, and a glimpse of the gardens.

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

I would have loved to linger and admire the views and gardens, but the guides (or Gard's?) we very officious, no lingering was aloud, once the guide who was talking has finished the narrative, you had to move on. No extra time was given for photos- this meant you had to take what ever photos you wanted while the guide was talking! it was very rushed and quite rude.  

The outside of the castle was far more spectacular than the rather odd eclectic mix of styles in the Assembly Rooms, Refectory, Morning room, Billiard Room and the Theatre. The inside Neptune Pool was stunning in its gold and blue décor with references to the Zodiac symbols, again we were rushed through. 

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

Even thought it was a bit rushed it was a glimpse into how the other half lived, especially as many of the events narrated by the guide harked back to the  1930s.

 My knowledge of this period - following the Wall Street Crash, the event that lead to the worldwide Great Depression. Is based on my Grandparents recollections of this time. My paternal grandfather was out of work for over 8 years, living in abject poverty and extremely poor conditions in Mining and Steel Towns in the North East of England, one was where the Jarrow March originated from. 

My maternal grandfather, lost his job on the Welsh railway network and unable to find alternative employment, and pay the mortgage, the bank reclaimed the house my grandparents had built. 

Such different lives!

Back to Hurst Castle, even though the visit was rushed, I am really glad we visited the castle, a real folly. 

 

Following a picnic lunch at the San Simeon beach, we made our way to Montana de Oro State Park,  here we walked The Bluff Trail along the gorgeous coastline.