In advance of International Healey Week 2017 twenty AHASC members met at the Cambria Pines Lodge as a mid-way point in the journey to Monterey. Those arriving on Friday night made up a small group who got up early Saturday morning and took in the view at La Cuesta Enchantada, better known as Hearst Castle. The tour lasts about an hour-and-a-half and was filled with the history, people and lifestyle that Randolph Hearst and his architect, Julia Morgan created on the hill above San Simeon.
After lunch on Moonstone Beach we were off on our afternoon wine tasting tour up the winding Santa Rosa Creek Drive, ultimately arriving at both the Stola Family Winery and Groad Wineries. We were back to the Lodge in time for a quick freshen-up and then cocktails and dinner at the Pines. We gathered around a single table for a fish and chicken banquet with desert and, dare I say, lots of beverages. We finished the night dancing and listening to a great band in the Pines Bar only steps away.
Sunday we were off for a drive up the coast to Ragged Point and a leisurely lunch. On our way back we stopped along the coast to take in the stunning views and the Elephant Seals basking on the beach. At this time of year the male seals are carving out beach territory for their soon to arrive harem. Dinner that night was at the Pines bar and with more complementary music. The night ended reasonably early as we all planned to depart to Monterey midmorning.
Our return trip stops included the Inn at Morro Bay with its newly refurbished dining room and bar with a dramatic view of Morro Bay. As many of you remember, the club was at the Inn in 2014 for our 40th Club birthday and Healey week. Though the group was smaller we still managed to continue the friendships and conversations throughout our stay. Only one night at the Inn as we were on our way to Oxnard. Our Saturday drive took us to Los Olivas, home of wine tasting, and down to the Fess Parker Inn in Santa Barbara before settling in at the Courtyard Marriot in Oxnard. Saturday night found us at the Yard House watching the USC vs University of Texas game, settled in double overtime by USC. A great end to our 10 day Healey excursion.
In retrospect it was great to break up the driving and ease into the Meet; and on the backside to decompress prior to heading home. This is the only way to travel if you can afford the time.