Hearst Castle

Monday the girls and I visited Hearst Castle at San Simeon. E has often asked about the castle as we pass on our way to see the elephant seals or visit North Coast beaches and other points north. June 2 marked the 50th anniversary of the castle's new life as an attraction in the California State Parks system, so the parks offered free tours, including the introductory IMAX movie, "Living the Dream." How could we pass up such an opportunity?

I was afraid the place would be swamped, so we got going at a nearly decent hour and made it up there well before lunchtime to secure our tickets for the 12:10 tour. We had plenty of time to watch the movie that introduces visitors to the castle and tells a bit of Hearst history before climbing on the bus for the 5-mile ride up to the castle.

Unbeknownst to me, V had prepped for the occasion by binding together several sheets of paper with tape, and creating a cover for her new book, "Hrsss Casl." E packed a notepad and pencil. Without any prompting by me, they took notes and V drew pictures in her book to memorialize their trip.

After the 90-minute tour, both said it was too short. Gee...and there I thought it might not hold their attention! Next up: tours 2, 3, 4 and, yes, 5!