Well, we are back! Had an excellent time. The St. Regis in Dana Point was terrific. The gingerbread house making for children was a hit w/daughter and cousins. And Santa came to The St. Regis one afternoon as well. The room was very nice. We had a view of the pool and the Christmas tree. Very lovely. Staff very attentive, and remembered our name during a very busy few days. Lots of 'beautiful' people coming and going.
Visited San Juan Capistrano and ate at a burger joint around there. Went to the Crystal Cathedral and saw the 'Glory of Christmas'. We enjoyed this but the Cathedral is a little much. After the show we went to downtown Disney and walked around. Ate at an italian resaurant, not that good. We had lunch at the Montage Resort (v. good) and walked around the grounds and beach. Our dinners were graciously hosted by my SIL so we did not venture out to dinner.
Headed up toward San Simeon. Son drove cause husband got the stomach virus for 2 days. Not good!!! The drive was not bad. It drizzled on and off that day, and there was fog. We chose not to drive the PCH to Cambria. Arrived at our hotel Fogcatchers Inn. Umm, not the St. Regis, but was fine for the night. Our tour of the Hearst Castle was at 6:40pm. We got their a little early, hung out and caught the bus. We loved this tour. It was the Christmas tour and it was beautiful. Even the little one thought this was 'cool'. Headed down the hill and ate at...the Best Western. Swear, there is nothing around this area. At least that we could find. Not a bad meal for the BW.
Next day we walked along the beach saw a couple of seals and headed out. Little did we know that a few miles up the PCH we would hit the mother load. Hundreds of elephant seals! It was pretty neat to see. Although when I think about it, all they did way lay there and snore. We watched this for a half hour. We must be from the east. Jumped in the car, next stop Pfeiffer park?. Stopped there very last minute. Like, this looks like a good place as we are about to pass it. Husband by now is feeling better really enjoys this. The trees there are awesome. Huge! Walked along a few paths, one led to a waterfall. Had lunch at the restaurant that was part of the Big Sur Lodge. And off we went to Monterey.
It seems like we did not visit any restaurants mentioned by everyone, but we did. Just not quite yet.... back to reality. Kids have 2 hour delay. Must take them to school.
Christine