

1) Hearst Castle of Trash Art, Nitt Witt Ridge
Located in Cambria, on Nitt Witt Ridge, this unusual structure is the creation of Art Beal, aka Captain Nitt Witt. He spent 51 years with only a pickax and shovel along with natural materials and trash he collected from his garbage route in the 1940’s-1950’s. Reportedly, some of the materials are remnants from Hearst Casltle, where he is said to have worked. Other items used in the construction include shells, car parts, old appliances, and beer cans. When Art died at age 96 in 1992, his ashes were spread on Nitt Witt Ridge around his favorite redwood tree. Thereafter, the house suffered deterioration and ransacking. That is, until 1999 when Michael and Stacy O’Mally became the new owners. They made repairs, cleaned up the gardens and opened it to the public. Michael gives enthusiastic guided tours for a $10 donation. It’s also now listed as a California historic landmark.

Click below to share this article.