Exotic Wildlife- Zebras

 Zebras resting below Hearst Castle

View Gary Genetti Zebra Bowl

In 1923 William Randolph Hearst created the largest private zoo in the world at “the ranch”, his estate formally name “La Cuesta Encantada” (“The Enchanted Hill”) . Exotic animal species that grazed the hillsides around the castle included: Bactrian (two-humped) and dromedary (one-humped) camels, deer from India, red deer from Europe, axis deer from Asia, llamas, kangaroos, ostriches, emus, Barbary sheep, Alaskan big horned sheep, musk oxen, yaks, African Antelope, giraffes and Zebras. In 1937 Hearst had to curtail construction activities at the ranch and was forced to dismantle the zoo because of financial difficulties. Most of the animals were donated to public zoos or sold by 1953. Today, zebras can be seen grazing along Highway 1 between Cambria and the town of San Simeon.

Team Yahoo

Team Yahoo in Training

 New To Gallery

Pro cycling teams take advantage of the ideal weather conditons the central coast provides year round. Even in the rain, Team Yahoo are able to take an afternoon ride.

 San Luis Obispo is home to  

  Team HTC- Highroad, currently ranked number one in the world.

Native Wildlife- Elephant Seals

Male Protecting his Harem

View Wildlife Figures by Shawn Tsai

Elephant seals return to the beaches at Piedras Blancas in December to give birth and nurse the young. The adult males arrive later to begin the battles for dominance of the beach for mating rights.

The Gray whales also begin their migration from the arctic to the warm waters off Mexico. If you want to see them up close, you can rent a kayak at San Simeon State Beach or call Virgs Landing in Morro Bay for a boat schedule. 805-772-1222 or visit their web site; Virg's Landing

 

Native Wildlife- Quail

Adult Male Quail

Art Glass by Shawn Tsai

The California quail, also known as the California Valley Quail or Valley Quail, is a small ground-dwelling bird. The most distinguishing feature is the plume or curving crest on their head. It is made of six feathers that droop forward: black in males and brown for females.

It is the California state bird.

Santa Rosa Creek Road ends at Hwy 46

Hwy 46 and Old Creek Road

 Cynthia Myers Cabernet Grape Vase

Santa Rosa Creek Road ends at the Hwy 46 and Old Creek Road intersection. Turning left will take you to the world renowned grape growing region on the central coast, Paso Robles and Templeton. Continuing on Old Creek Road you will pass Whale Rock Reservoir and ends at Hwy 1, between Morro Bay and Cayucos. Turn right and you will return to Hwy 1 a mile south of Cambria.

Tranquility along Santa Rosa Creek Road

Peaceful Picnic Area

Duane Dahl's Rio Grande Art Glass Bowls & Platters

Along historic Santa Rosa Creek Road, time seems to stand still. Cool, inviting scenes like this abound, and there are places to stop and take in the peaceful serenity that seems lacking in the hubbub of the 21st Century.

Driving Santa Rosa Creek Road, Antique Farm Equipment

Vintage Tractor

"Large Grape Bowl" by Bonnie Belt

Drive or bike along historic Santa Rosa Creek Road and see the farms and ranches settled as early as the 1870’s by European immigrants. This tractor dates back to the beginning of the twentieth century.

Driving Santa Rosa Creek Road, Ranch House

 Ranch House for Generations

See “Red Marble Ruffle Bowl” by Dan & Joi LaChaussee

In the late 1800s, not all in the Cambria area were loggers or miners. Immigrants from Switzerland and elsewhere homesteaded or bought ranch properties and began building a new life here, beginning many ranching family legacies that continue to this day.

Visit this site for one Family's legacy;

 http://www.visitcambriacalifornia.com/golocal/fiscaliniranch.html

Driving Santa Rosa Creek Road, Santa Lucia Mountains

Santa Lucia Mountains

”Small Clear vase with Daisy” by Rina Fehrensen

Santa Rosa Creek Road provides the quintessential scenic drive or bike ride past miles of pastures, ranch houses, farm land and the road’s namesake creek. From the road, you’ll see magnificent views in the Los Padres National Forest. Here Vulture Rock, Rocky Butte, Eagle Rock and Lime Mountain on Santa Lucia mountain range can be seen in the distance.

Driving Santa Rosa Creek Road, Scott’s Rock

Scott’s Rock

“Saffron Poppy” vase by Cynthia Myers

Driving east on Main Street through Cambria’s Historic East Village, turn left onto rural Santa Rosa Creek Road. Driving up what used to be the only road “over the hill” to Paso Robles, you’ll see Scott’s Rock on the left side. This local monument was named for 19th Century settler Greenup Scott, older brother of Indiana “India” Scott Rigdon.

Olallieberry Inn in Cambria

Olallieberry Inn, 2476 Main Street

"Great Heron" by Cynthia Myers

Award winning bed and breakfast located in Historic East Village. Built in 1873 on the banks of the Santa Rosa Creek, it features colorful gardens and a 120 year old Redwood tree and ready to celebrate America’s independence.

Wildlife of the Central Coast Doe and Twins

Evening Walk

See Ken and Ingrid Hansen's Garden Vase

Hi there, I’ve grown a little since you last saw me. Mom and my sibling are headed toward the secret spot where we sleep at night. There are lots of us fawns throughout Cambria. If you’re careful when you drive, we’ll have a chance to grow up.

Wildlife of the Central Coast- Fawn

New Born Fawn

Bison Vases by Paul Bendzunas

Now that summer is here, most schools are closed around our state. That means kids are out in force, both Cambrians and visitors, doing what children do in a summer resort. When driving, we know you’ll want to watch out for kids, and other young ones, crossing the streets around Cambria.

Wildlife of the Central Coast

Morning Stretch and Drink

Stellar Jay scupture by Cohn/Stone

Visitors are usually delighted to observe the bushy tailed Western Gray Squirrel throughout Cambria. Like airborne acrobats they travel long distances from tree to tree and from phone and power lines. Time on the ground is spent foraging mainly on pine seeds and acorns. Visitors are discouraged from feeding bolder squirrels along Moonstone Beach Drive and other State Park habitats.

Migratory Wildlife of the Central Coast

Barn or Mud Swallows

Cynthia Myers's Great Blue Heron Vessel

The northward migration of Mud Swallows from South America is a symbol of spring on the central coast. The mud nests are constructed by both the male and female and built on coastal cliffs, rock formations, under bridges or on buildings, like this one, outside the door to Seekers Glass Gallery Door.

The 17th Annual 2010 Cambria Garden Tour and Garden Fair

Yearly Garden Tour

Rina Fehrensen's Garden Vase

Relax and spend a day enjoying some of the unique and exquisite private gardens to be found throughout Cambria. At each garden local restaurants serve a complimentary variety of culinary delights. All proceeds benefit the New Dawn Montessori School Learning Center.

Learn more; http://cambriagardentour.com/

Migratory Wildlife of the Central Coast

Band-Tail Pigeon

Mad Cats by Rina Fehrensen

Band-tailed Pigeons like this one live along much of North America’s Pacific Coast, in low and mid elevation forests. Those living in colder climates migrate south annually to take advantage of changing food supplies.

Cambria’s Chamber of Commerce Summer Kickoff

Let the Fun begin

Round Dichroic Vase by Tim Laser

The Cambria Chamber of Commerce’s annual

Chili Cook-Off and Classic Car Show signals the beginning of spring. Chili-lovers can taste entries by local restaurants, businesses and individuals who compete for prizes. Auto enthusiasts exhibit a variety of classic cars and Allied Arts displays work by local artists.

http://www.cambriachamber.org/

San Simeon State Park

San Simeon State Beach

Mayauel Ward's Coral Reef Weight

Located five minutes north of Cambria, San Simeon State Park and Washburn camp grounds are host to thousands of travelers each year. Campsites are sheltered between the bluffs of San Simeon Creek and it’s a short walk the beach. San Simeon Creek Trail is a 3 mile round trip nature walk around the area with views of the expansive coastal landscape that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Trail information link; http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=25179

Winter Swell at Sand Dollar Beach

December Swell

Sunset Wave Vase by Buzz Blodgett

Drive about 40 minutes north of Cambria to beautiful Plaskett Creek Camp Ground, with access to Sand Dollar Beach and Jade Cove on the East side of Highway 1. In 2009 a winter swell that originated in the Aleutian Islands hit the California coast, generating dramatic waves of 25-feet and more.

Plaskett Creek Campground link; http://jrabold.net/bigsur/roadpt1250.htm

Cambria’s Landscape with Perry Creek

Perry Creek view along Hwy 1 just north of Hwy 46.

Sunset Cambria Pine Vase By Buzz Blodgett

 Looking northeast you can see pastureland and in the distance on the Santa Lucia mountain range Vulture Rock, Rocky Butte, Eagle Rock and Lime Mountain in the Los Padres National Forest.

Cambrians Support Coast Union Drama Department

Local Volunteers Spread the Word

View Joel Bloomberg's Jellyfish Lamps

Cambrians march down Main St. to help advertise “Seussical the Musical,” Coast Union High School drama department’s production this year.

 

Preserving a Bit of History in Cambria’s East Village

Restoration of land and Culture-Greenspace

Michael Sosin's Calligraphy Vessels

Cambria’s Historical East Village was once the “Chinese Center,” on Center St surrounding what is now Seekers. Workers who harvested seaweed and abalone or worked in the mercury mines would celebrate holidays, gamble and socialize here. Greenspace restored the red building; a rare Chinese Temple called a “Jos House.”

The Traveling Pedouins Trip Thru Cambria

The Bill Harrison Family

See John McDonald's Dichroic Platters

As the gateway to Big Sur, Cambria attracts travelers from around the world. The Harrison Family, aka The Podouins, from Kentucky rest near Burton Dr, a block from Seekers Glass Gallery. Join them on their 7000 mile odyssey to Alaska at http://www.pedouin.org/.

.

Evening Ride through the Lodgehill Neighborhood

Jodean and Dale’s Evening Ride

Gary Genetti's Limited Editon Etched Vases

Members of the Cambria Corral & Equestrian Club and many locals enjoy horseback riding in and around our village. Homes on one acre or more in most cases, can keep horses on their property.

Tiny Blue House in Cambria’s Historic East Village

Every Cowboy’s Ranch House 2261 Center Street

Have a Slice of Marble Pie by Jody Fine

Louis Maggetti built this house in the boom times of the 1890’s. The mining camp’s cobbler lived here with his six children. It is located directly behind the restored Bianchini House museum, across the street from Seekers Glass Gallery.

Casanova Buck

There she goes.

See Animal Vases by Paul Bendzunas

The “Rut” is mating season for many wild animals around our village. Some believe The Rut is triggered by a shortening of Fall daylight hours, while others think it peaks seven days after the second full moon (the rutting moon) in early Fall. During this time males of all wild species have one thing on their mind, so please stay clear.

Native Wildlife- Turkeys

Tom Protecting his Hens

View John McDonald's Dichroic Platters

Dave and daughter Mimi got a bit too up close and personal with Cambria’s infamous wild turkeys. One camera click and Alpha Turkey, sensing a threat to his “Gobblerness,” used sharp spurs on his lower legs to attack. “I screamed like a baby, any man would,” said a wounded Dave. An aggressive, protected species, visitors are advised to avoid close contact.

Garden Spider- Orb Web Weaver

Lunch Time in the Backyard

View Frog and Skink Sculptures by Scott Bisson

Hollywood Pictures first movie was “Arachnophobia,” American horror-comedy was filmed in Cambria in 1990. It was directed by Frank Marshall and starring John Goodman, Jeff Daniels and used a number of Cambrians as extras.

Old Santa Rosa Chapel

The entrance to Old Santa Rosa Chapel, 2353 Main Street

http://www.seekersglass.com/artists/schlanser/stephen_schlanser.htm

First Chapel built when town was settled ca. 1870. Famous for its painted icons, today it is a favorite spot for weddings and a must-see for visitors. Cambria’s Cemetery, at the north end of Bridge St. shows names of early Italian/Swiss settlers who started dairy farms. The creamery was in Harmony.