Our first trip this month was a garden and grounds tour. It lasted about an hour. There were surprises. I thought there might be more lush floral gardens, but no, not all that much. There is a nine-hole golf course.
A number of small lakes. A Chinese pavilion where the golfing Annenbergs took their lunches. A totem pole,
which was terribly incongruous with the surroundings but commissioned, erected, and restored with the cooperation of the BC First Nations from which the artist came. It was mixed sunny and cloudy weather, and the views of the mountains were awesome.
We made our second trip this past Saturday without having booked tickets. Rather than do a tour, we thought we would have a simple lunch at the visitors' centre, then walk the grounds surrounding that building. It's no less lovely for only seeing that much - lush grass, views toward the mountain, some fine gardens of native cacti and trees.
We also took another peek at the small, free exhibit on the dining ware from the estate. Some stunning pieces, but certain small ones - enameled, gilded sterling silver coffee spoons - caught my eye.
Even cooler? The place cards. Wow, some of the names of guests at the estate over the years.
A whole social sphere that I cannot even fathom, only watch on television.
So yes, we'll need to go back. If you come our way to the desert, holler, and maybe we can get a hold of some tickets!
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