Our final family getaway outing takes us to Sugar Pine State Park. The first feature you encounter here is the preserved Hellman-Ehrmann mansion guest house, completed in 1903.
Hellman-Ehrman Mansion
The park also bears the name of Ed Z’berg, a California legislator and nature advocate. We explore a little of the local nature, finding giant sugar pine cones and cute goslings.
Ann with sugar pine cone
Goslings swimming
Goslings on the beach
I’ve been there, some years ago, with the Zen Buddhist who invented that little cardboard tofu box. It’s a wonderful place. I’m feeling bereft that I can’t be there this time.
I kind of remember that those pinecones from the Jeffrey pines? This is just popping up in my brain from someplace, so probably wrong.
It is a great place, I hope we can do a similar visit with you!
Here are some fun pine cone facts:
http://www.pineconefestival.com/facts.html
The differences between Jeffrey and Ponderosa pines are never as distinct as the descriptions – I’m still not confident about telling them apart.