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Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur

July 5, 2019 at 3:30 am
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The inn was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright student Rowan Maiden some 70 years ago and is still lookin good. It was built by brothers Frank and Walter Trotter in 1948. It’s unique in that it’s framed with local 1×12″ redwood, interwoven and sandwiched together. There is no 2″ lumber in the framing at all.

You can sidestep the expensive dinners by getting a draft beer and an “Ambrosia burger” at the bar.

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Bob Dylan: “Live 75” – Rolling Thunder Road Show

June 26, 2019 at 3:30 am
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Holy shit! I listened to this (2-CD) album, “Live 75” (Rolling Thunder) album in the 70s and didn’t get it. I didn’t care for the completely different versions of familiar songs.

Now, after listening to it for hours while driving to Big Sur a few weeks ago, I do get it. Sheesh!

Dylan was on fire, his voice never better, the phrasing brilliant. Joan Baez’ harmonies are exquisite. The band is hot.

Plus, I saw the film on Netflix. There have been grumblings about some fictional elements thrown into the film, but hey, just listen to the music. I want to see it on a big screen, but it doesn’t seem to be available anywhere. C’mon, Netflix!

Well, I wanna be your lover, baby,
I don’t wanna be your boss…

For Dylan nuts: “From Don’t Look Back to The Rolling Thunder Review: The Cinema of Bob Dylan” by Peter Sobczynski

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Log Cabin at Nepenthe, Big Sur

June 12, 2019 at 2:38 pm
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Bedroom in log cabin at Nepenthe, the hilltop restaurant in Big Sur. The log cabin was open to the public for 3 hours on last Saturday.

This is the original building on the site, which was bought in 1944 by Orson Welles and his wife Rita Hayworth. They never returned, and when they got divorced in 1947, they sold the cabin and surrounding 12 acres to Bill and Lolly Fassett. The Fassetts then hired architect Rowan Maiden to design the restaurant.

I lived in Big Sur for three years in the ’60s and had never seen the cabin; nor did I know the background. The Fassetts still own Nepenthe, and Lolly’s granddaughter lives in the cabin.

Note: The roof sheathing is split (not sawn) old-growth redwood boards.

Despite all the years and the overcrowding of tourists on some days, it’s still a magical place.

Tip: You can avoid the pricey dinners by getting a draft beer and an “Ambrosiaburger” at the bar.

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Old Victorian House in Watsonville

June 9, 2019 at 5:00 pm
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This old beauty along side Hwy. One in Watsonville, surrounded by 10 acres of organic strawberries and vegetables. Neglected, but the bones are still good. Called the Redman House, it:

“…was constructed in 1897 and designed by William H. Weeks, who was responsible for the design of hundreds of unique buildings throughout California. It was a classic Queen Anne — it featured a rounded corner tower with a turret, gables with meticulously carved panels, Palladian windows and dentil molding. The intricate detailing that Weeks designed for the exterior of the home could also was found inside — expensive and decorative wood, including eastern oak and bird’s eye maple, were used for doors, mantles, and window casings.”

-Wikipedia

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