As we climbed up in altitude on the PCH we entered this majestic land in the world I have never seen. The clouds were so low I can almost reach up and touch them. The road was narrow and windy and on the west I can see the Pacific ocean and on the east, green trees and small hills scattered like a large puzzle. It looked as if God was trying to create a painting and used methods from every period in history. With colors ranging from olive green to maroon red, I felt blinded as I excelled on my 800cc bike up the paved road. I tried to put the scene into words in my head, while I was riding, but the task was extremely difficult. I have seen gorgeous scenic views on my travels, but this has exceeded them all. It became very misty and smoggy further up the highway, and it was difficult to see more than 30 ft ahead. The clouds descended upon the land and for the first time in my life I was riding inside them, and I wasn't in an airplane.
My mouth dropped for seconds at a time as I gazed out west at the ocean to see a scenic view which I have never experienced before. Huge waves hit the rocky cliff and created mist which climbed a hundred feet high. Sea lions laying on their back walling at each other as if they too, were excited at nature's doings. And to complete the picture, a thin white line of clouds lay right above the ocean horizon and created an image you only see when you fly high up in the air. I expected it to rain, but it didn't, the air was very wet and the 60 degree weather gave me goose bumps the whole way up.
Beni recommended for us to visit Hearst Castle when we drive up on the 101, so when I saw the sign for it I motioned to Uri to take a right up to the entrance. We parked in the parking lot and we're one of many who came to see the magnificent architectural mansion. We ate a quick lunch and I bought a ticket to go see the house on the hill top. Uri stayed behind to rest a bit and watched the Imax explanation of Randolph Hearst's life. On the 15 minute bus ride to the top of the hill I listened to the explanation of the history of the ranch, and enjoyed the ride in the chushined bus seat. I joined a tour of the mansion and learned all about the architect, Julia Morgan, who in 1919 took upon herself this huge project with the son Willi. Hearst the father made all of his fortune in the mining industry, at the beginning in gold then silver. Willi inherited the land on the west coast and decided his life dream was to build a humongous mansion where he as a kid grew up. Even after 28 years of construction there still were parts of the house that weren't finished, but that didn't stop Willi to show off his wealth and invite guests from all over the continent. As the years past and Hearst died, his kids were eager to sell the house, but had no luck. The State of California ended up gaining ownership of the mansion, and as of today use all the admission revenue for the upkeep of the whole operation. It definitely is a beautiful mansion and we both were glad to stop there for a short visit.
We continued on our way on highway 1 and tired to enjoy the amazing ride even though it got really cold. I made plans to stay the night in Big Sur with a contact Rick had given me more than a month ago. I spoke to the housekeeper, Isabel, and made the necessary arrangements.
Beni recommended for us to visit Hearst Castle when we drive up on the 101, so when I saw the sign for it I motioned to Uri to take a right up to the entrance. We parked in the parking lot and we're one of many who came to see the magnificent architectural mansion. We ate a quick lunch and I bought a ticket to go see the house on the hill top. Uri stayed behind to rest a bit and watched the Imax explanation of Randolph Hearst's life. On the 15 minute bus ride to the top of the hill I listened to the explanation of the history of the ranch, and enjoyed the ride in the chushined bus seat. I joined a tour of the mansion and learned all about the architect, Julia Morgan, who in 1919 took upon herself this huge project with the son Willi. Hearst the father made all of his fortune in the mining industry, at the beginning in gold then silver. Willi inherited the land on the west coast and decided his life dream was to build a humongous mansion where he as a kid grew up. Even after 28 years of construction there still were parts of the house that weren't finished, but that didn't stop Willi to show off his wealth and invite guests from all over the continent. As the years past and Hearst died, his kids were eager to sell the house, but had no luck. The State of California ended up gaining ownership of the mansion, and as of today use all the admission revenue for the upkeep of the whole operation. It definitely is a beautiful mansion and we both were glad to stop there for a short visit.
Our motorcycle trip is coming to an end and we both are considering on selling our bikes in San Francisco and concluding this wonderful journey. We have been discussing the logistics of the whole matter and plan on finalizing it by the end of this week. Even though there is a feeling that very soon we both are going back to our normal life, we still are happy and excited for every new adventure there is on the road. Tonight should be another one, so off I go to see what is waiting at this house on the cliff of Big Sur.
