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I did a quick day trip to LA today for a meeting. The flights were uneventful, except for being moved from the first row to the last row (next to the bathroom) to counterbalance front-weighted luggage.

But my flight was fine and I skipped out of SF before our daily rain showers began. Of course, this yin would eventually be yanged by having my return flight delayed. Once again, there is balance in the universe.

One unexpected highlight, however, was having lunch at the cafe in LA’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, which was designed by Frank Gehry. It happens to be just a few blocks away from the Civic Center in downtown LA. I captured a few quick shots to share.

On the way back to Burbank Airport (a.k.a. Bob Hope Airport), my co-worker Michele and I took a random loop to see if we could drive by the Hollywood sign. Well, good thing I snapped a couple of distance shots. We got a bit closer than this picture, but could never quite figure out where to go.

But there was no rain in LA…so we were happy 🙂 Its the little things, really.

Each year at this time, the beaches just north of San Simeon at Piedras Blancas are teaming with young male and female Elephant Seal pups. The come ashore by the thousands to molt. The youngest ones are learning to swim in the protected shallow waters.

Jeff and Matthew learned from a helpful Friend of the Elephant Seals that the full grown males weight around 5000 pounds and migrate along a 5000 mile route each year. Oh, and they will dive about 5000 feet down to feed. (They fast during the time while they are on the beach.)

Truly a sight to be seen…from upwind. At first glance, these pups definitely have the awwwww factor going for them. But closer inspection reveals snotty noses and belch-like sounds. Heh, we even caught one adventurous pup picking his nose 🙂

We took advantage of some rare sunshine this afternoon to add some new plants to the garden. I’m terrible at remembering the names of plants…fortunately, Jeff is much better. But today, I saved a couple of the plant names to show off. So, first off, an easy latin quiz for Buddy, a.k.a. Mr. Horticulture.

Here are three of several new plants. Let’s letter them A, B, and C in order. Their latin names are in the following list:

1. Juncas spiralis
2. Sedum album athoum
3. Acorus gramineus ogon

Answers at the end.

And here are some of the new succulents we added today. Its amazing how after 50+ different varieties in our succulent garden already, that we can sill find cool new ones.

Oh, and the answers: A-2, B-1, and C-3.

William Randolph Hearst built his dream getaway atop the rolling hills of his enormous San Simeon ranch (250,000 acres!!). Hearst and his visionary architect Juial Morgan began work on the estate in 1919 and really the work never stopped until Hearst’s death in 1951.

Tours of the mansion and grounds are all guided–there are four daytime tours. On this trip, we took Tour 2 (which is our favorite) and Tour 4 (which focuses on the gardens, which are not really notable in April).

On both tours, we lucked out and got the same guide–a colorful woman named Julie. She was animated and had a storytelling style that really drew us in.

Now, everybody that goes to Hearst Castle will tell you about the pools. There are two of them (one indoor and one outdoor), and they grand. Frankly, nothing about Hearst Castle is understated. There are statues and carvings everywhere…usually inspired by some antique that Hearst had seen. And of course, there are true antiques everywhere you turn.

The best parts of the house (in our opinion) are the upstairs rooms. These are the highlight of Tour 2. You get to visit Heart’s library, his private Gothic study, and many cool tucked away bedrooms. Most of the ceilings are transported from Europe–lots of Spanish and Italian ceilings.

I think what is the most fascinating part of Hearst Castle is that it is clearly a work in progress. As Hearst acquired more ceilings or doors, he would ask his architect to change floorplans or build additions. So, in many places, you see the bones of the building and the concrete walls just waiting for some elaborate tile work.

Hearst Castle stands out because of its isolation. It sits uniquely alone among some of the most spectacular natural beauty that California has to offer. Everyone should visit at least once.

Our trip south this weekend took us along some of the most beautiful coastline in the world. If you don’t believe me, just dig up an old copy of National Geographic Traveler with its “50 Places of a Lifetime” list.

The weather Saturday was mostly sunny, with just enough clouds to make the light interesting. We stopped along the way at some of the cool scenic spots. This was Matthew’s first visit, so he got the full treatment. And we made it to our destination in Cambria for a nice sunset.

All of our rain (see James…I worked it in) has definitely made for some unusual greens along the coast. And fortunately, we did not have any closures due to landslides. But one not-so-pretty artifact from all the rain was an abundance of poison oak. Unfortunately, Jeff drew the short straw and seems to have picked up a couple of nasty patches. Just makes you stronger, right?