We were waiting a couple of months till Rob finally got some days off.
Even though it is a bit late for our planned mountain trips we still can use the time to make short trips around the Bay Area.
You know, those kind of trips you keep postponing as those 'you can do anytime later'... at least you hope so.
Today we went to the rolling hills of the Sonoma Valley. Just a few minutes from the town of Glen Ellen here among the natural beauty, Jack London and his wife Charmin once lived.
I guess I'm not the only one who knows London as a novelist and journalist. But visiting his Beauty Ranch and wineries teaches us that he was also a farmer and rancher. He raised many domestic animals, cultivated a wide variety of crops, he even tried to grow spineless cactus for use as a cattle feed in arid areas! He was quite innovative in his way of farming and after what I've learned today I would call him a pioneer of organic farming.
Passing London's Cottage, barns and several ruins we strolled along the wineyards. Climbing through the redwood forest we reached the shallow lake built by London for recreation. Even though today it's more a muddy and mossy pond but it's still a very serene place. Especially if you share it only with a couple of deer.
The trail to Wolfs House was a less cheerful experience. Their dream house burned down just weeks before the Londons were to move in.
Also the grave of London and his wife is found on a little hill along this trail. Just next to the grave site of two pioneer children who lived on this land in the 1870's.
This park is a dreamlike nature setting especially for those who like outdoors and historic places. It is magical!
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