Frisco Vista

A morro (a Spanish word for pebble) is a rocky outcrop rising from shallow waters — the Sugar Loaf in Rio is one famous example; Morro Rock in Morro Bay on the central California coast is another. The rock reaches an elevation of 576 feet (a little less than half the height of Sugar Loaf). [...]

Hearst Castle offers five tours covering different parts of the buildings and grounds. One of these is the garden tour. The gardens are not spectacular, but they are decent examples of the mediterranean style.
At this time in spring, lantana is a prominent feature.

Sometimes the Lantana is pruned in a clumping pattern.

Azaleas are another flowering plant [...]

The outdoor pool at San Simeon epitomizes the site’s southern Spanish Renaissance and gothic style. Construction is primarily of poured concrete, embellished with European antiguities and facsimilies thereof. Despite going top-dollar all the way, the result verges on kitsch. Still, it must have been a kick spalshing around in this hilltop pool.
More photos to come [...]

Mr. Vista is relaxing in Cambria on the Central California Coast — as well as I can considering the frigid weather.
Cambria is best known for the nearby Hearst Castle at San Simeon, and also for its cutesy downtown, but it has some nice natural areas as well. The Fiscalini Ranch preserve is a coastal area [...]

 
Just a photo today, as we head south a little bit, to Hearst Castle near Cambria. This is one of the opulent indoor pools.

Carrie Katz has a pretty good summary of weekend getaways from the city.
I photographed the pelican at right at the Santa Cruz boardwalk.
>> POSTING WILL BE LIGHT for a bit at friscovista while I am on the road.