Parkinson Road Adventures: Nov 15-16 KOA Monterey, Elephant Seals, Hearst Castle

Onward towards Montery, California. Where we stayed about 40 minutes north of Montery, in a very nice KOA RV park, which had the first pool that has been open since we left Canada. The pool was heated to 84 degrees, which was lovely for swimming! We took advantage of swimming and biking at this RV park as well as mini golf.

During our stay we took a day to travel the Pacific Coast Highway 1. Peter had read many RV forums about the drive and most people recommended staying off of the highway with a motorhome.

Reluctantly Peter drove the Jeep down PCH1 and then back on 101 to our campsite. Round trip driving about 5 hours. Once the drive was done Peter thought that it could have easily been done with the MH towing the trailer. The highway wasn't very busy because of the off season.

Click to enlarge ...

PCH1 is arguably one of the most scenic drives in the US.

Bixby Bridge PCH1

California Surfers

Before

and after

We stopped to see the Elephant seals basking in the sun on the beach by San Simeon. This was great to see how they interacted with each other! Some were fighting, others never moved, and watching them wiggle worm into the ocean was cool!

Up to 15,000 elelphant seals can congregate on this beach

"I'm tougher than you"

Hitchhiker...

trying to hatch a Jeep

Then up the hill to Hearst Castle for 2 tours of this awesome monument. It is the first castle our kids have ever seen up close and personal. Prior to our arrival they kept asking, “is it really a castle?” We just said, “you’ll have to wait and see.”

Peter and I hadd done a tour before but this time we chose to tour some of the upstairs rooms as well. There are 165 rooms in all including 56 bedrooms and 61 bathrooms.

Main door to the Castle.

Many of the architectural elements were shipped over from Europe after being purchased by auction. They were available for sale because of the rebuilding required after the 1st World War.