The rain stopped, so off they went...
She thought she knew where a park they'd missed was...but alas, it was a manmade lake and a clubhouse, where a wedding was getting ready to commence. A beautiful day for a wedding. This is the well known 'Lighthouse' there.
They'll have to find that other park another day. But, for today the ducks, coots, an egret and the sweetest roses brought smiles.
Next, off they went to the historic park on their agenda. The "Tesoro Adobe Historic Park".
But first there was a cruise around the new homes neighborhood of Toll Brothers at Tesoro Highlands, where houses start...yes, start at $1,624,000!
The views from the top of the still unbuilt neighborhoods was phenomenal! She must have commented 100 times that she absolutely could not believe how much land there really is in one of the hillsides. When one looks out, she said, one just sees hill (mountain) after hill (mountain), but there are homes and roads and amenities added to the carved up hills...well, then one can truly see how vast the landscape really is. They agreed that they'd like to return to these views when there is a spot to park, as the bike path seen below looks like a wonderful place to walk. The Toll Brothers link about has a lovely photo of these hills. What a view!
They cruised down and around and landed at the park they'd come to see: Tesoro Park. Upon their first steps in the parking lot, they came upon the largest growing collection of mushrooms she had ever seen in one spot. There they sat shining in the sun.
Tesoro Adobe Historic Park is the one time ranch home of well-known actor Harry Carey and later of the Clougherty Family, who were in the meat packing business. They later changed their business name to "Farmer John" and became the makers of the famous Dodger Dogs! The Harry Carey link above has much, much more historical information, if interested. It also has better views of the historical photos below. If you click on the images of the photos on the right sidebar at that link, a new page opens with more stories! History buffs enjoy.
She took so many photos of the signage to read later, but the links have all of the info as well. There were a few of the Farmer John gates around the compound. The huge bell had a modern-day BBQ nearby. Come and get it!!
Something about the glass-paned doors, long low porch cover and horseshoe over the door...stables and fruit trees, all reminded her of a ranch from her past. The lake beyond the fence is a part of the new home community. But, the fountain below was water enough on this day.
The water was ultra cold, but felt invigorating to her.
They also noted the two Boy Scout projects representing the adobe Smokehouse and the Indian Adobe Bread Oven. The property is home to a very old olive tree, many aloe vera plants, cacti and a long-needled variety of pine, among other plants.
Next to the Historical park, is a new park for the neighborhood. It is gated, with a keypad code needed to get in. They held no code. They got a sense of being "othered" in an elite world, which felt like a strange juxtaposition near the old adobe, history rich buildings a few steps away. However the flowers behind the gate looked beautiful in the sun and the polka-dot roses smelled so sweet!
They agreed it was a lovely day of discoveries...and the next day they found the park they'd missed out on...making this post rather full circle.
A big, flat grassy area, three benches, some trees and not much else. In other words, there are no amenities at this park. Just a man-made plateau park. Of course, the views are still lovely (no matter how many places one sees the purple flowers).They've now visited 10.5 parks out of the 42 listed (.5 because one of them had areas they did not get to on the first visit).
Where do you feel most at home, most welcomed?
May you dip your hand in the waters of life
May you catch the sweet scents that fill your heart
May you learn bits along the way
xo
Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2025
