HEARST CASTLE & PCH (Day 7 - part 1)

Morning in Pismo Beach...


Our motel


The rising sun

We started out the day with a visit to the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Supposedly this was the best time of year to see them... unless it was too cold out, which it was. We walked briefly around the grove in search of the fluttery creatures, but nuthin'.


At least there were drawings of them!


The empty grove

We grabbed some breakfast at Huckleberry's, a cute place with a cajun decor.

We continued north on the 1 along the coast.


Volcanic rock outcroppings

We swung briefly into Morro Bay State Park for a view of its big rock. The rock was actually quarried from 1889 to 1969 until it became protected as a California Historical Landmark (number 821).


Morro Rock was once a big, active volcano. It was plugged up when lava hardened inside the vent. Over time, the volcano eroded away leaving only the harder rock plug behind, which we see today. Standing at 581 feet, it is one of 13 volcanic plugs in the county.


Morro Rock


Originally the rock was surrounded by water, but the northern channel was filled in to make the harbor. Much of the area is now protected marine areas.

A 9-foot tall by 72-foot long marine mammal mural was completed in 2010.


A humpback whale and Minke whale dominate the scene. .... A juvenile harbor seal


A northern elephant seal .... and a California sealion


A southern sea otter

We continued north.


Old volcanic plugs .... Approaching Cayucos

We stopped at the beach at the southern end of town.


Morro rock in the distance


Beautiful colors!


Must.... save... the... ball!!!


Another large rock outcropping (me for scale in the corner)


Continuing north


Rolling hills with volcanic rock... The tiny town of Harmony, population 18

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