Mosaic Monday

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Mosaic Monday ~ A trip to Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

All of the above photos were taken yesterday on an excursion to Spring Mountain Ranch, which was owned by Howard Hughes at the time of his death.  The ranch has quite a history beginning in the early 1800's. 

The main ranch house was built in 1948 by Chester Lauck, a radio personality. 

In 1955 Vera Krupp, a german actress bought the ranch from Chester and lived there

until 1967 when she sold the property to Howard Hughes.  There is an interesting story about Vera Krupp being robbed at her residence on the ranch.  The thieves stole a $275,000 ring, pulling it off her finger and actually drawing blood.  Also, in the robbery they took about $700,000 in cash.  The case history is on file with the FBI.  Read all about it here.

The ranch now belongs to the state and is open to the public.

There is a large lush grassy area for picnics.

There are walking trails and horseback riding trails;

a gift shop;

tours of the main house and the old historic buildings on the grounds.

I have passed by this place about a thousand times and I never knew that any of the historical buildings existed.

My husband and I were taking a little drive yesterday and we ended up at the ranch on impulse.

It was well worth the five dollars it cost to get in.

We spent quite a bit of time walking the trails.

My sore legs are proof of that, in addition to the photos I snapped along our walk.

Please visit Mary at little red house for more creative mosaics.