I laced up my hiking shoes that morning expecting nothing more than a stroll through golden grass and magnificent oak trees, but got so much more than that. History, architecture, agriculture, stories of love, tragedy and adventure - Jack London State Park has a little bit of everything.
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We started out our exploration with a delicious panini in the picnic area, picked up from the most beautiful market just down the hill in Glen Ellen. This blue jay was not shy about asking for a snack. I hope that barbeque flavored kettle chip didn't make it sick! I know - you're not supposed to feed the birds, but it was the only way to get him away from my sandwich! He was a hungry little bugger.
View from the picnic table. Beautiful, despite the fact that the structure on the right used to be a manure pit.)
Jack London is probably best known for his novels The Call of the Wild, The Sea Wolf and White Fang (remember the movie with Ethan Hawke? I loved that film!). But he also wrote many short stories. He was the most well paid writer of the early 1900s, using his earnings to support adventurous travels and his 1400 acres of property in Sonoma.
London's property is nothing short of stunning. The surrounding colors, smells and sounds are absolutely serene. And even though I have seen the landscape a thousand times, it never ceases to amaze me. The blue sky, golden grasses, green trees and vineyards - ahhhhh. This is everything I love about wine country. Well, not everything. The wine's not bad either.
Ever seen a "Pig Palace?" London was mocked for building such fancy digs for his swines, but the innovative circular layout allowed for a very efficient pig feeding system.
Barn door to the stallion stables.
Window of the old wine storage building.
This is London's cottage, formerly part of a winery. He lived here with his wife while they built their dream home, "The Wolf House."
This is the sunroom where London died at the age of 40. He suffered from mercury poisoning from a topical ointment used to treat sores caused by insect bites during one of his adventures at sea. This may have caused his death, but some suspect he might have died from an accidental overdose of morphine. Either way, it was a tragedy of the times to lose this great writer at such a young age.
Photos of London's study where he did most of his writing. It was London's practice to write 1000 words per day, everyday. He would then hand his work to his wife, Charmain, who would dutifully type his stories on the typewriter.
London's living room at the cottage. Most of the furnishings and decor are original. Jack and Charmain brought back many artifacts from their travels and incorporated them into their homes in a very organic manner. Those light fixtures are actually big wooden bowls.
source: www.jacklondonpark.com
After London's death in 1916, Charmain moved into this home referred to as "The House of Happy Walls." I wonder how that name came about, and if they really were "happy" walls? This home currently acts as the main museum. I could have spent hours in this place!
Perfect spot for reading.
The kitchen at "Happy Walls."
For all you turquoise lovers, here's a shot from Charmain's dressing room. Isn't that a great piece?
And check out this molding. They don't make 'em like this anymore.
London was apparently rejected over 600 times before he became a successful writer. Persistence certainly pays off!
"The Wolf House" was supposed to be Jack and Charmain's dream home. It took more than 2 years to build and cost approximately $80,000 in 1913. Tragically, just days before they were to move in, the structure burned to the ground, most likely from spontaneous combustion. London had planned on rebuilding, but never did due to his failing health. To this day all that remains are the ruins of brick and lava rock.
"The Wolf House" reflection pool perspective...
...and the reflection pool ruins.
And just a few more beauty shots...
Manzanita tree
White weed-y flower
Blackberry blossom
Redwood tree fairy ring
Under the oak trees
Glistening tree
View not far from London's gravesite
Golden grasses
...and one last vineyard shot!
All photos, unless otherwise noted, taken by K. Berg, 2010.
Hope you've enjoyed the tour of Jack London's Glen Ellen property. I have to admit, I haven't read any of his books yet, but am ready to put a few on my reading list after my visit. He truly was a fascinating man. Anyone have any favorite recommendations?
Looking for more info on Jack London and the State Park? Try these links:
