Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Beach combing #1



Monday morning, Liz and I walked almost three hours along the beach, instead of our usual walk along the bicycle/walking lanes on the bluffs above. I had only my iPhone with me for photos, and wished I had had my Canon SLR.

I want to share some of what we saw that day. It may take a few postings. Today we'll start with the colorful public restroom at the top of Swami's, the local (and world renown) surfing hot spot a few blocks from here. Growing up, this was a mere dirt parking lot with ramshackle stairs and no hope of something as civilized as a bathroom or water fountains. I'm deciding that maybe some of these changes, over time, have been for the positive.

The tree overhanging is a Torrey Pine, the most restricted and rarest pine in north America. It is recognizable by its clusters of five needles. These tree is just a gorgeous specimen. Further south along the coast, between Del Mar and La Jolla, is the Torrey Pines State Preserve, where they have set aside approximately 2,000 acres and have over 8 miles of hiking trails in these magical trees. The seeds are edible and I have seen some amazing baskets made from their needles.

I was saying this morning how much more I appreciate these things at this point in life than I did as a younger person, and I feel fortunate to be in a place in life to be able to see and enjoy with new eyes and heart.

3 comments:

Barbara said...

Hi,
I have come across your blog through a couple of places. I really enjoy your photos and your words, not to mention your work. I do love rovings, handspun and everything else.
I will check back often.
Best Wishes,
Barbara

Taos Sunflower said...

Barbara: Welcome! I appreciate your kind words. I hope you enjoy my little mish mash of postings. Thanks for taking the time to drop a line. Martie

Anonymous said...

Martie: I've looked at your last three posts. Really remarkable, the beach hiking and the stones. What a wonderful time you are having out there.