G.A.S.P.

The next morning (12-3) at Gorda Springs, I got a lesson in economics.  I stopped for breakfast at the only restaurant for 15 miles in either direction.  I will say right up front that it was good.  However, coffee (just the regular kind) was $2.50, a single egg was $3.00, a bowl of oatmeal was $5.50 and omelets started at $10.95.  I gulped heavily (and probably audibly), but was really hungry, so I had a Denver omelet (with hash browns and toast) and coffee for about $15 plus tip. 

I passed by San Simeon, the Hearst castle, without visiting, but did take some photos from the road. It was a little expensive (especially after breakfast), and I was anxious to travel further on the day.  I did stop almost right across from the entrance, however, to see some elephant seals on the beach.  There were many of them lying in the sand, sometimes using their flippers to sprinkle more sand onto their backs. There was also one very large male playing or eating in the surf who would periodically make real loud noises that I can only describe as being similar to those you might hear emanating from a nearly clogged drain.