Central and Southern California Coast
We set out on a journey down the Calfornia coast. We took Highway 101 which bypasses Monterey and Big Sur, but is a much quicker route to the Central Coast.
San Luis Obispo
Our first major stop was San Luis Obispo which is situated almost exactly half way between the Bay Area and Los Angeles on the Central Coast. Being half way in between the major metropolitan areas of the state, San Luis Obispo picks up influences from both. Nearby is Morro Bay which has a very peaceful quality, and it teams with sealife such as otters, seals, and sea lions. 
Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle is a very unusual place since it is filled both with spectacular spaces, a couple of which are pictured here, and many spaces that are so gaudy as to be overwhelming. The pools are its most spectacular aspects. The interior of the main house and the guest "cottages" are plagued by a cacaphony of different styles all thrown together. We participated in the Evening Tour, which is distinguished by a living history experience of the castle in which the tour guides treat the members of the tour as if they were arriving in the 1930s as guests of Mr. Hearst. Although our overall impression of the castle was mixed, the living history aspect of the evening tour was fun and we can recommend it to others. All access to the castle is by tour group only.
The Neptune Pool
We were fortunate to arrive at the Neptune Pool just after sunset. The Neptune pool is the first stop in the evening tour.
Ancient Greek Drinking Vessels
These drinking vessels are very rare. Looking closely you can see that they can only set down upside down and thus empty. The people who crafted these must have been very serious about their drinking.
The Roman Pool
The Roman Pool is the castle's indoor pool. The castle's weekend guests would come down to the Roman Pool after dinner for late evening frolicking.
Santa Barbara
Our next stop down Highway 101 was Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara has the reputation of a seaside jewel. The Santa Barbara we found didn't live to it's reputation. Particularly distressing to both of us were the numerous offshore oil platforms.
Santa Barbara Mission
Santa Barbara is home to one of to California's most impressive missions.
Waterlilies surrounding fountain outside the mission
Santa Barbara Botanical Garden
San Diego
San Diego was the last stop on our southerly trek. Our visit to San Diego was the result of a spontaneous decision. Our original itinerary had us ending in Orange County where we planned to take in the new theme park, Disney's California Adventure. However, upon arriving in Anaheim and finding our motel to be too noisy, we decided to head further south.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is gem. Located just minutes from downtown San Diego, the park provides a tranquil setting to just relax or explore one of its many museums. 
La Jolla
La Jolla translates to "the jewel" and a jewel it is. The coastline is breathtaking. The sunset was more colorful last time but both times La Jolla was a sight to behold.
San Diego Bay
The steam ship is the Berkeley which is now part of San Diego's Maritime Museum
