Cambria days for us were always lazy days, unscripted and spontaneous, although they followed a certain pattern. First would be some snack food and a breather after the drive, then perhaps a walk around town, followed by a real meal, a walk on the beach to dip your toes in the icy water, study the textures and patterns of nature, then a stroll up and down the residential streets to admire the quirky and charming architecture and the corresponding xeriscaping that sets it off so aptly. Sometimes a brief drive up to San Simeon - but never to visit the gaudy and ostentatious Hearst Castle. No, but maybe a hike along the beach, or up the bluff by the pier.

These photos, and others in the Cambria series, are an attempt to capture that impromptu nature of the Cambria days - days when all you really need is to get away from the rat race long enough to catch your breath.