Jack London

A legendary Bay Area boy fell in love with the Valley of the Moon

We’ll journey to one of my very favorite landmarks and landscapes in California, Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, and spend time with the spirit and story of one of my favorite figures in California history, Jack himself.  Jack was a globe-trotting writer and celebrity.  But first and foremost, he was a Bay Area boy who found his special passion on lovely land he purchased in the shadow of Sonoma mountain.  In this sanctuary, he built his beloved “Beauty Ranch” where he literally penned some of his most important work, became one of America’s most innovative farmers, and with his wife, Charmian, entertained many fascinating friends.  He wrote 1,000 words a day, in large measure, to pay for the ranch he loved.  We’ll visit the cottage where he lived, worked and passed away at a young age in 1916.  We’ll hike the hills he treasured and get to know people who are still inspired by Jack and everything he stood for.  And along the way, we’ll learn a little about the commitment of the non-profit Valley of the Moon Natural History Association to keep the park open and thriving in the wake of State Parks' severe budget crisis a few years ago.  All in all, I have no doubt Jack would be pleased to know his ranch is in very good hands.

HELPFUL LINKS

http://www.parks.sonoma.net/JLStory.html
http://www.parks.sonoma.net/JLStory.html

For an archive of free videos and articles about Doug's previous travels in California and the West, visit OpenRoad.TV

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