There’s nothing like a spontaneous little vacation, especially when it’s spent along the Central California Coast in the off-season. I left home early this past Sunday morning and drove to Cambria, a favorite spot roughly 260 miles north. The drive was traffic-free, which by itself was reason to smile. Additionally, the weather was perfect: a nice crisp, fall day. The pictures in the below gallery show the first things I did upon my arrival in Cambria, after checking into my motel. First up was a stop at Moonstone Beach to collect rocks to paint, followed by a drive further up the coast to San Simeon (home to Hearst Castle on top of the hill) for a bit of wine tasting at the Hearst Winery. I was thrilled to find the winery had opened a new tasting room in a huge barn, and had a large seating area outside overlooking the ocean and San Simeon Pier. It was a fabulous first day on vacation! ~SueBee
SueBee Arts 
I can see why you ended this post with a toast. Well- deserved!!!
Another beautiful spot in California!!