T is for Tobin’s Tunnel. Yesterday, it was clear and sunny. B and I walked out to Mussel Rock at low tide, and came upon the remains of Tobin’s tunnel. It was first blasted out in 1874 so the landowner could enjoy scenic carriage rides along the beach without having to detour around the headlands. Very soon the tides, winter storms, and finally, the 1906 earthquake made other arrangements of the work. This is the only section that remains. (NOTE: The geologic and social history of this area is truly fascinating; I recommend a google dive. The best is Shawn Heiser’s SFSU thesis, Living on the Edge: Environmental History at Mussel Rock, 2010.)
T is for triptych. The view looking west, over the ocean. That’s Mussel Rock on the right, with the wooden posts sticking up, and old highway riprap, which forms part of the seawall, in the lower right. The San Andreas fault line is directly underneath us.
T is for trails. The network of trails leading down to the beach — when there is one — are the remains of the old Ocean Shore Railroad (abandoned in 1920), and the Ocean Shore Highway (bypass over the headlands completed in 1957).
T is for thread. I am eagerly awaiting the San Francisco pattern I ordered from Haptic Labs to hand-stitch a small quilt. Serious goodness in this shop. I’m sure I’ll have much more to say when it arrives.
T is for thought. I can’t say I’m fond of this particular enamel pin, but the copy that accompanies it struck a chord:
“Handmade is as much a path as it is a product, an ethos that creeps into every aspect of life. When we make things for ourselves, we take a singular pleasure and satisfaction from every use, sure of its provenance and intention. The creations of our hands become the warp and weft of our days, until life becomes a tightly woven tapestry inspiring us with purpose and pride.”
T is for tea. Fermented kombucha in this instance. My daughter gave me a book of recipes and a large Weck jar at my birthday. This is my first batch, brewed with Yorkshire Gold — a two-week-process in my chilly kitchen — bottled for second fermentation. That’s Meyer lemon + ginger in the Weck, and ruby grapefruit in the cute recycled bottles. Yum and Salute!
nancyland.com 
What a wonderful place for a walk. It’s supposed to get up into the 40s here next week, I’m looking forward to get outside for a walk.
Your rip rap reminds me of pudding stones.
The quilt is neat. It speaks of patience grown from love for a place.
That quote….I think I’ll be back to read it a few times.
Sorry you cannae walk out freely. I promise I’ll take a moment to look northeasterly and proclaim, “This seasonally-appropriate temperate walk is for Keli!” Might that help?
I enjoyed googling and learning about pudding stones, from many very bad amateur videos — quite a few of which were from Michigan :) Yay for rocks and those who love them!
I am excited about the little quilt project. I was tempted by the constellations pattern as well — I imagine stitching it on a deep inky blue cotton, and adding a few little extra UFOs — but let’s see how the first one goes.
I generally avoid spreading inspirational or motivational quotes, but this was so nicely written, poetic even, especially for catalog copy!
LOL. Don’t let my chosen climate impinge upon your enjoyment of yours. :)
The constellation quilts are tempting; I like their idea of using glow-in-the-dark embroidery thread. I also swooned a bit over the sailing ship kites.
Hooray for sunny days and the possibilities they inspire in us! It looks like life is full of exploration and discovery in your neck of the woods. Wouldn’t it be neat in our lifetime to leave something wonderful for future generations to discover? I might go bury a dollhouse! :o)
I love the idea of leaving something wonderful. A dollhouse time capsule would be so fun and interesting to plan and make!
What beautiful scenery. I live about 500 miles from the nearest sea, and always yearn for a walk on the shore.
I love the image of that patchwork boulder (can a man made element be called a boulder?) and your quilt.
That is a bit of a drive for a walk on the coast :)
The old aggregate roadbed boulders are fascinating! Jumbled in the sea wall too, I saw one with just small pieces of sparkly white quartz embedded on a flat side. It looked like it may once have been a terrazzo floor? I want to a series of photos… so many stories to tell!
The template pattern for the quilt arrived today. It’s printed on a material like lightweight interfacing that is torn away after stitching. It’s quite detailed! EXCITED to start :)
I’ve missed your blogs, maybe I fell of your mailing list?
Hi Bennie! I’ve not been posting much; I’m kind of waiting out a series of personally challenging events that have left me feeling quiet and fallow, though not unproductive. You know how that goes. Thanks for checking in!