This place is a pigsty...

 

Whenever I used to hear that phrase, I used to make some attempt at tidying up. However, in this case, this old stone structure is a pig sty, quite literally.

 

Although remembered as an author and adventurer Jack London was also a farmer. He took his time to learn how to farm properly. Some land that he started with had been overworked by previous tennants. London adopted a more scientific approach. Learning how to tend the soil, terracing the valley sides so water erosion didn't wash away nutrients, and how to feed soil.

 

One of his other triumphs was the hygene of his "Pig Palace". Local farmers lost their herds to disease, London's estate had a clean concrete sty which was easy to clean, and added the precaution of footbaths for all visitors. This is common practice now, but London was a pioneer.

 

There are 17 pens around the central feed store. The curcular design not only afforded protection from the weather, but also reduced labor needs, each pen being the same short walk from the feedstock.

Marin Civic Center

Who, living in America, has not heard of Frank Lloyd Wright? Remember the architect who brought us House At Fallingwater, I believe he also architected a building that was a mile high, though that was never built. So why do I mention FLW in this post? Simply because he was the architect behind the Marin Civic Center. The building featured here.

The Civic Center's main building houses courts, the library and the sheriffs department, even a jail. It is constructed between two hillocks, and a part of the building is subterranean. The building has a unique bold style, full of arches and circular motifs. The roof is ablaze with rounds. Inside the concourses are smoothed and rounded. It's a tribute to the late 60's, and rightfully respected.

Students of Science Fiction will probably be familiar with this building, but more because of another Marin County resident, George Lucas. Parts of his first Sci-Fi film, THX-1138, were filmed in this building; though we never saw the extensive parks and gardens which contain the main building, the auditorium, and the post office.

Back from my hol's

I just had a three day getaway in the wine country.

If I get chance I'll share my adventures, but for now I thought I'd let you see a picture from the beautiful scenic Marin County.

That's funny, Windows showed that picture rotated -90 deg by accident. I liked it that way, but here it's upright.