A New Beginning

I have been updating the other blog (Travels With Faith) since we left home two weeks ago, but it just doesn't feel right so I decided to begin again. This blog is likely to be finite since the trip is expected to be a one time experience but I hope it will be fun to keep everyone in the loop. Chris and I have so many places we want to see and things we want to do and because of somewhat unusual circumstances, this seems like the perfect time to put check marks beside those "bucket list" items. Next winter we intend to be back to boat cruising. In the meantime, this will be about the Land Cruise of 2012/13. 

Today we are in Oceano, CA...which is slightly south of Pismo Beach...and it is raining. Mind you, we are used to rain (well, at least I am used to the rain), but the expectation was that we would have sunshine in Southern California. sigh... Actually, I am enjoying a day to just veg out.   

Yesterday we had drop dead perfect weather to make our way to Hearst Castle. Chris had been there before but it was a first for me. My sister, Barb, told me numerous times to make this trip and I have to say, "Thanks Barb!" The price of admission is a bit on the high side but the tour is fascinating and once that is over you are given as much time as you want to explore the beautiful grounds. The artwork inside and out is stunning. Strolling the gardens is rather like wandering about in Italy. The view from the top of the hill is breathtaking as you can see all the way to the ocean. It is easy to see why Mr. Hearst preferred being here to anywhere else. I have to admit, I can't imagine what it must be like to have as much money as a small country but this castle gives a pretty good look into that rarified air.

If you'd like to see the entries from the beginning of our trip, check out http://travelswithfaith.blogspot.com.