An Evening of Wine & Wisdom, that wisdom being of Mark Twain presented by McAvoy Layne. was an exquisite way to commence the official last weekend of Summer and it was a successful fundraiser for the Sierra State Parks Foundation.

The location for this fête was the fabulous Hellman-Ehrman Mansion.  In 1897, San Francisco businessman I. W. Hellman began buying property at Sugar Pine Point and by 1913 had acquired nearly 2000 acres. His grand but informal summer home, called Pine Lodge, was completed in 1903 and was considered to be one of the finest in the high Sierra and truly one of the finest places we've had the pleasure at which to party.

After a 'behind the scenes' tour of the 11,000 sq. ft. home, the guests gathered on the veranda for libations, hors d'oeuvres and to mingle with McAvoy Layne/Mark Twain.

For over a quarter of a century, Mr. Layne has transformed himself into the famous humorist as the "Ghost of Mark Twain" to deliver more than 2,000 performances to fascinated audiences in venues worldwide.  We have seen him before and each time I am more impressed with his portrayal.  Tonight, when he spoke of his wife, Olivia Langdon Clemens, I almost cried.  What a powerful performance.  I was transported to the 1800s. Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/09/26/3937924/mcavoy-layne-keeps-the-spirit.html#storylink=cpy

"Three months of camp life on Lake Tahoe would restore an Egyptian mummy to his pristine vigor and give him an appetite like an alligator. I do not mean the oldest and driest mummies, of course, but the fresher ones."