I have wanted to go horseback riding for years, however, Steve has never been a willing participant.  Well, since he's in Reno for the weekend, I treated myself to a morning of equine excitement.  It could not have been a more idyllic day for a ride.

At Lake Tahoe, all trails lead to fun! Zephyr Cove Resort Stables guided horseback trail rides are a great way to experience the area's serenity and beauty. As you amble over forested scenic trails you'll enjoy amazing vistas of the crystal clear blue lake and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains.  Rides offered are 1 hour, 1.5 hours, or 2 hours – all with friendly cowboys as your guide.

The day was spent sightseeing around the lake.  It was such an exceptionally beautiful day we enjoyed seeing the shore from different viewpoints.  Absolutely glorious!

Corinne and Marlowe are friends we met in China and Yosemite (Corinne is Carol Jones' sister).  They have graciously welcomed us to camp amongst the grapes of their Frances James Vineyard. 

Nestled in the vineyard is the Winemaker's Porch B & B... a magical place with two incredible hosts. What a wonderful night of friendship.  Dinner on the patio with great wine and interesting conversation made the day end in a truly spectacular way.

Well, it's official... Kegan has moved into Poly Canyon and oh my... what an awesome place.  Steve and I wish we could live there.  Incredible. 

The spectacular, recently completed Poly Canyon Village Apartment development houses 2700 continuing student residents on campus. Poly Canyon Village, complete with apartments, amenities and restaurants, spans approximately 30 acres and is located at the northeast corner of Cal Poly at the base of picturesque Poly Canyon. Within nine 4 and 5 story buildings, 618 furnished apartment units nestle around a large plaza, bustling with student activities, dining, and retail vendors. The central retail plaza includes Einstein Bros. Bagels, Peet's Coffee and Tea, Jamba Juice, and the Village Market. This state-of-the-art complex includes a community center, swimming pool, study rooms, knowledge center, and conference room. Throughout the Poly Canyon Village Apartment complex there are 4 floorplans, housing 4 to 6 students in private and shared bedrooms.

AND, once a week maid service of the 'common' areas.  Life, for a college student, doesn't get much better than that.  He's a happy guy and we're so happy for him!

After saying our "ciao for now" to Brenton and Christy, we went to Cal Poly for a pre-move in with Kegan.  His friends, Rohan and Krisna, were already there and they have allowed the majority of Kegan's stuff to be stored in their dorm room... a huge help for his official move in day- Tuesday!

We then went to Downtown SLO for dinner at Firestone Restaurant.  It was nice to get to meet Kegan's friends and spend time strolling the town before the craziness of move in happens.  It has been a very wonderful weekend of family.  I've loved every moment.

Our very full day concluded back in Morro Bay.  Shopping at the Farmer's Market, dinner in the campground and a family movie night was the end of a great day.

We spent the afternoon in the town of San Simeon, touring Hearst Castle.  William Randolf Hearst is too complex to put in the blog.  The man and his visions were incredible.  When planning this home, he envisioned very comfortable accommodations. His simple instructions to famed San Francisco architect Julia Morgan in 1919: "Miss Morgan, we are tired of camping out in the open at the ranch in San Simeon and I would like to build a little something."

Hearst and Morgan's collaboration became one of the world's greatest showplaces. By 1947, Hearst and Morgan had created an estate of 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways. 

Seeing it all is too much to do in one day so we decided on Tour Two which focused on the architectural elements and vast art collection in the main house, or Casa Grande. Featured rooms on this tour included; the Doge's Suite, "The Cloisters" which are four guest rooms flanked by open walkways, the Library, the Gothic Suite which occupies the entire third floor and includes Hearst's impressive private suite, library and office, and the Kitchen. During the Castle explore, we learned a great deal about the man and his accomplishments.  While we have been here before, this specific tour was a first for us and we all agreed it was amazing!