Left Big Sur at 7.30 to drive to Hearst Castle. Although Google Maps reckoned it would take 1 hour 40 minutes, they reckoned without Big Sur. Taking 90 degree corners with nothing but air between you and a 300 foot drop to the sea doesn’t encourage speed. As I couldn’t take any pictures, you can watch it on YouTube – https://youtu.be/vLDXKC9e7Zg
Arriving at San Simeon a bit early, I stopped to drink my coffee and discovered I was at the elephant seal’s favourite beach in California. These are the young ones that don’t have the distinctive noses yet. Their parents are in Alaska, eating – according to a volunteer.

I then went on the Art tour round Hearst Castle – which I thought was 2 hours but turned out to be 4! I took lots of pictures on my camera but only a couple on the phone. However there is a documentary if you want to see more. https://youtu.be/4IbE46J9e3M

I then discovered that, despite all my planning, Santa Barbara was a lot further away than anticipated – and I couldn’t get the satnav to work. Found the hotel anyway by sheer fluke!