Hearst Castle by wysiwig
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Description
When I was a sophomore in high school I was shy and introverted. To overcome this I took a class in public speaking. It worked. Unfortunately I haven't shut up since. My teacher was Robert C. Doyle who bore a striking resemblance to Richard Nixon.
Thirty years later I made plans to visit the Hearst San Simeon State Historic Monument commonly known as Hearst Castle, the estate of William Randolph Hearst; newspaper publisher, movie producer and art collector. I had made reservations by telephone but when I got there the tour bus was full. The attendant said that, if I were willing to wait a few minutes, another bus would be coming down the hill. I took the second bus and, as we rode up the hill to begin our tour, I began to stare at the tour guide who bore a striking resemblance to Richard Nixon. It was Mr. Doyle who had retired to the little village of Cayucos just south of San Simeon. What are the odds?
The first thing you see as you approach the entrance to the park is a pier built for Mr. Hearst. Legend has it that, during Prohibition, boats would run liquor from ships offshore for Heart's parties. Trouble with the local sheriff? Just invite him to the party to mingle with the famous and offer him a drink.
Hearst stocked a private zoo on the grounds of his estate. Descendants of some of the zoo animals, including zebras, can sometimes be seen today grazing on the green hillsides.
Comments (13)
Faemike55
Great images and wonderful story! Amazing how the past can catch up with you... I hope that you've been keeping in touch with your instructor.
MrsLubner
This is a great example that We can all get along...just pick a place and wear a smile
bimm3d
wonderful!!!!!!!
durleybeachbum
Another great story, Mark! When can we buy the book?
Tea_Rex
"What are the odds?" This sort of thing happens a lot. Two babies were born on the same day at the same hospital. They lay there and looked at each other for a while. Soon, their families came and took them away. Eighty years later, by a bizarre coincidence, they lay in the same hospital, on their deathbeds, next to each other. One of them looked at the other and said, "So ... what'd you think?" -Steven Wright
Hubba1
Wow, awesome! you really get around :)
flavia49
WOW!!!! splendid captures!!!
sandra46
SUPERLATIVE STORY FANTASTIC IMAGES!!!
frankie96
Always enjoy stories of the rich and famous...:) have never made it up the hill but have stopped at the dock and area seen in the top shot while traveling Highway 1..
psyoshida
Wonderful story! I am very grateful to Mr. Doyle for drawing you out. I love your stories and your pictures are always so beautiful.
myrrhluz
I admire you for taking public speaking. I was always too chicken. Very entertaining account! Added to the coincidence of your former teacher being there at all is the fact that you were not originally scheduled for his bus. I had a similar experience on a train near Paris when I walked into a compartment to find the only other occupant was in my graduation class at high school. This was about five years after I graduated. Great images! The blue of the first has the feel of smuggling and I like the lone zebra the second. It's funny looking at the positions of the animals. All sitting down except the zebra in the front and two cows further back, in profile and standing in opposite directions. Great capture!
0rest4wicked
Ah life and all its unexpected pleasures! The grass is looking like summer or early fall before the rains come.
mariogiannecchini
Great images and wonderful story!