For Labor Day weekend, we decided to head down the central coast of California and meet up with my parents...since it's somewhat in the middle for us (four hour drive for us, 9 hour for them?). I don't know how we were able to book this campsite, but I saw a few openings for Labor Day weekend back in June or so. Amazing there were any, really. So we drove down highway 1, which goes right along the coast. It was such a beautiful drive. Ocean on one side, mountains on the other, and a cool ocean breeze to cool us down. When we got to camp, Mal and I both got out of the car and were greeted by my Mom saying "So, where is she?" Not even a hug preceded that question! Of course, she was talking about the star of the show, Madie. I thought she was joking when she said that. Later on, she commented that she wasn't joking when she said that but just really was anxious to see Madie.
First things first. Within 5 minutes of our arrival Madie was opening birthday presents from Nana and Papa. Camping gear! Her very own sleeping bag, stainless steel water bottle, and a fold-up camping chair which she climbed in and out of 20+ times before bed.
Nana cuddling with Madie. She warmed right up to them. I think the weekly video chats really help her remember her distant family.
Saturday morning we headed up to Hearst Castle. For those who aren't familiar with the castle, it was built by William Randolph Hearst in the 1920's or so. It's purpose was to be his Mediterranean abode. It features many artifacts and art from Ancient Rome, Greece and Spain. Some items are duplicates of the original. A surprising amount are straight from Europe. It's actually really amazing when you see how ornate the whole area is. The best part of this trip for Madie? The bus ride. She recently discovered buses when we went to Yosemite. She points them out wherever we go. And when she saw that we got to ride one, she was thrilled.
There are four tours you can choose from, we decided to go with the Upstairs Suites Tour.
Anybody missing these guys in Rome? Second century, AD.
A peek inside one of the suites.
Amazing ceiling.
There were a few busts from Spain & Italy.
Madie was so good during the tour.
The study/library. This room was amazing.
They give you free reign outside once you finish the tour. The gardens were beautiful, lots of sculptures, and mosaic walkways.
Madie was loving the stairs.
Looking up.
Looks like we know where George Lucas got the idea for Princess Leah's hair.
The Neptune Pool.
Parthenon is from Ancient Greece. The columns apparently didn't come with it, since they were made 80 years ago. The feet and heads of the columns are legit though.
Swim, anyone?
One cool thing that they do at Hearst Castle is they do an auction for the chance to swim in the Roman Pool every few years. I couldn't imagine how much the winner would pay! The pool was absolutely amazing.
Mosaics of the Neptune Pool. The entire room was filled with these, and that room wasn't small.
We checked out the harbor at Morro Bay in search of fresh fish. Once we saw the prices ($35/lb for lobster), we headed to Albertsons. Much more reasonable.
We played at the beach in the evening. Madie was loving it!
I think she liked throwing rocks in the creek the most. She did this for about an hour.
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