It was a little tough waking up earlier than normal yesterday, but we made our way out of San Luis Obispo and towards Hearst Castle by around 9:30. Because of the road closure on Highway 1 from the day before, we had to backtrack north to get there.
We started our tour at around 11, after watching a short movie that explained Hearst’s life and the creation of the castle during the 1920s and 30s.
Our two-hour tour took us through some of the gardens, one of the guest houses, the famous Neptune pool, and part of the main house — including the dining room, entertaining room and theater — where Hearst would invite everyone from movie stars to politicians.
Afterwards, we grabbed a so-so lunch in Cambria before making our way back to the 101 and down to Santa Barbara to meet Justin’s friend, Eliza. We stopped off to get some food and drinks, so that we could barbecue at her place — a seven-bedroom vacation home — where we crashed for the night.
The place was gorgeous. We had a few drinks on the deck before touring the house, stopping off to play in the big backyard, on the trampoline and zip lines for the kids. Justin was less than graceful on the trampoline — video to follow.
After a second grocery run, Chris began preparing the burgers and brats, which he grilled by the pool. Took a minute to get the cover off the pool, but we hopped in shortly thereafter and spent the rest of the night around the hot tub.
While John, Chris and I stuck to beer, Justin helped Eliza with the two bottles of white wine they purchased during our second run. John’s stomach didn’t settle well, leading him to experience the first “reversal of fortune.” The sight of that led Justin to the bathroom, where he remained.
Minus Justin, the four of us stayed around the pool until 2 or so, before passing out.
Following yesterday’s day of castles, we are still in Santa Barbara. Eliza is leaving for LA today, so we have made our way across town to a hotel; we’re taking it easy this afternoon. We’ll probably make our way to the Stearns Wharf later for dinner.
Tonight, we’ll book our hotel for LA, where we’ll be for the next four nights. After tomorrow’s double-double contest between Chris and Justin, we’ll head into the city and towards Dodger Stadium for the night game.
Starting tomorrow, we’re doing four games in five days — with two in LA, one in San Diego and another in Phoenix.
Can’t wait.
The Phallic Road Trip 
Hey boys,
If you are willing to shell out a little more money, I have a hot hotel tip for your LA stay. Call the Langham Huntington (formerly the Ritz-Carlton in Pasadena) and ask for the Cal Tech discount rate (just say you’re there to see the campus). The room will cost you $179 a night, and it’s the freakin’ Ritz-Carlton! Pasadena is only a 30 min drive from downtown LA, so it’s really not that far from the action. Enjoy!
Court
*to book call 626-568-3900– Bruer, when you’re parents and friends come out to see you at Cal Tech, be sure to have them stay there.