Shell Beach

Cheeky seal at the local wharf

Picked up the car and headed north to stay with friends at Shell Beach (hi Teri and Mac!). We had time to check out a local fisherman’s wharf for some appetisers and met some friendly (and hungry seals). Our friends took us to a great place for dinner at the end of their street called “Alex’s” – fantastic smoky BBQ ribs.

The view at the end of Teri and Mac’s street

The next day, even though it was overcast and rainy, we headed to Hearst Castle. What a truly magnificent place that was. The photos only give you a glimpse of this visionary masterpiece that took 15 years to build. We then saw some baby elephant seals on the coast before heading off for the most amazing pie – ollolaberry pie, delish! Also checked out the tasting room of a winery in Harmony – a tiny town with the population of 17!

Dining room at Hearst Castle

Baby elephant seal snoozing

The next morning we went to Zorro’s for breakfast (also at the end of the street) and had a Mexican breakfast omelette – had a hint of spice, but not too much, very popular with the locals. Drove up the magnificent west coast and stopped at Nepenthe’s for a lovely glass of champagne with smoked salmon, crab cakes and blue swimmer crab quiche….Oh…my…God! (for both the food and view!)

Me and champagne at Nepenthe’s

Amazing coastline of California

About bontaks

Nic is the the 'Bon' part of 'Bontaks.' Together we are Nic and John - two travel-addicted teachers who enjoy every opportunity to go places, meet people and experience life.

2 Replies to “Shell Beach”

  1. Well you two crazy kids seem to be having an absolute ball!-and so you should:-) So tell me, are American accents more or less annoying en masse? And what the hell is an ollolaberry?I’ve never wanted to do the U.S. thing myself but with your lovely photos and enthusiasm for all you’re doing I might, one day, perhaps, but no prmises-change my mind:-)Thanks for the congratulations and yes, I’ll be horribly upset if we don’t celebrate in a suitably bacchanalian manner!I need to knock heads with you anyway regarding weddings…I have no idea what I’m doing! Anyway guys, keep living the good life with every ounce of energy you can muster and keep telling us all about it! (By the way, if you happen to run into Joaquin Phoenix, kindly inform him that I’m not averse to polygamy and I’ll be quite happy to marry him too:-) Actually, perhaps you could extend that thought for Liam Neeson and Gabriel Byrne too? And Hugh Laurie, James Purefoy, Gerard Butler…how many do you need to have an official harem? Is it still a harem if you have a stable full of boys instead of girls? …Did I say that all out loud? Chuckles….

  2. Hi guysChris W here – great to see all the places David and I remember so well.Just wanted to let you know that we saw your Dad on TV last Friday night – he was passing comment on the the next day’s State election on ABC TV!Trip sounds great – would envious but that wouldn’t be very gracious considering our annual world tours!xxChris and David

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