Jump in, the water's wine

Jump in, the water's wine, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This photo conveys California's amazing weather better that any other image I have ever made. This was taken in early October, the sun was so warm and the cobalt sky was completely devoid of clouds.

Kathy and I were on our second Hearst Castle tour of the day and when we climbed the steps that led to the extraordinary Neptune pool, I was once again overwhelmed by the grandeur and beauty of this place. I reflected on how wonderfully situated it is on the "enchanted hillside". Architect Julia Morgan once said she drew inspiration from the pools she saw in Mediterranean villas and Roman baths while studying in Europe.

Two curved colonnades and an ancient Roman temple set the stage for the beautiful mythological statues carved by Charles Cassou.

Holding 345,000 gallons of spring water, this is one of the largest and most expensive pools built for a private residence in the world.

The Gothic Study

The Gothic Study, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

W.R. Hearst held private meetings and oversaw the operations of his vast business empire from this room. This photo is somewhat monochromatic. This is due to the low light levels used in the castle to preserve the ancient artwork. Tripods are not allowed in the castle so I had to shoot at ISO 3,200 and only bracket 3 shots. This image required quite a bit of noise reduction and post processing to make it look this good. Those of you with Nikon's D3 or D700 are fortunate to have such low noise cameras. Maybe someday...

Neptune Pool - Early Morning

Neptune Pool - Early Morning, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Hearst Castle's Neptune Pool - WR Hearst had this pool rebuilt 3 times until it matched his vision of what it should be. This makes it the most expensive pool in any private residence in the world. With a 345,000 gallon capacity it is also one of the largest. It features 2 curved collonnades, an ancient roman temple and beautiful mythological figures carved by French sculptor Charles Cassou.

Neptune Pool at Sunset

Neptune Pool at Sunset, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Hearst Castle's Neptune Pool - WR Hearst had this pool rebuilt 3 times until it matched his vision of what it should be. This makes it the most expensive pool in any private residence in the world. With a 345,000 gallon capacity it is also one of the largest. It features 2 curved collonnades, an ancient roman temple and beautiful mythological figures carved by French sculptor Charles Cassou.

Stairway to Heaven

Stairway to Heaven, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Hearst Castle's Neptune Pool - WR Hearst had this pool rebuilt 3 times until it matched his vision of what it should be. This makes it the most expensive pool in any private residence in the world. With a 345,000 gallon capacity it is also one of the largest. It features 2 curved collonnades, an ancient roman temple and beautiful mythological figures carved by French sculptor Charles Cassou.

The Wrestlers

The Wrestlers, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This sculpture was located between two guest houses at Hearst Castle

Neptune Pool and Temple

Hearst Castle's Neptune Pool - WR Hearst had this pool rebuilt 3 times until it matched his vision of what it should be. This makes it the most expensive pool in any private residence in the world. With a 345,000 gallon capacity it is also one of the largest. It features 2 curved collonnades, an ancient roman temple and beautiful mythological figures carved by French sculptor Charles Cassou.

Neptune Pool and Temple