Castles and Connections
The students returned from the Castles & Connections adventure today, full of stories, laughter, and memories from a week spent exploring the Central Coast. The annual fall trip is designed to be much more than a sightseeing tour. Its purpose is to connect each student to the stories of the local land and its history while reflecting the Anacapa ethos. Along the way, students discovered their own stories, individually and together.
The journey’s challenges and discoveries encouraged growth in many forms. Students built new friendships, strengthened their sense of community, and stretched personal boundaries with the support of their peers and teachers.
The trip began with an ocean-view hike at Montana de Oro, where students spotted sea otters through binoculars (thank you, Beckett!) and climbed the sand dunes before running or sliding down to the beach. Afterward, they relaxed at the hotel before enjoying a barbecue dinner at a local park under the pop-up tents. Even as the first drops of rain appeared, spirits stayed high.
The next morning brought calmer weather and a chance to explore Morro Bay. Students watched a family, or “raft,” of sea otters, including a few pups, before taking a beach walk and collecting seashells. Lunch in nearby Cayucos offered time to explore Main Street and visit the Brown Butter Cookie Company. Later, at camp, students practiced teamwork and patience while setting up tents before enjoying a hearty chicken parmigiana dinner prepared by Jacob’s advisory and an evening campfire under the stars.
As the trip continued, there was more time for kayaking, beachcombing, and enjoying the beauty of the coast. The week culminated in a visit to Hearst Castle, a highlight that brought together lessons from the classroom and experiences from the road. Students had already studied architect Julia Morgan’s work and toured two of her local buildings—the Community Rec Center gym and The Julia office building—so they arrived ready to make meaningful connections.
At Hearst Castle, the students impressed their guide, Joseph, with thoughtful questions about art, architecture, and design. They were able to see firsthand how the vision of William Randolph Hearst and Julia Morgan came to life over nearly three decades of collaboration.
The Castles & Connections trip truly lived up to its name, blending history, exploration, and reflection. As students return home, they bring with them not only sand in their shoes but also a deeper sense of connection—to each other, to their community, and to the stories that shape the places we call home.
