"Look how noble the world is, the lonely-flowing waters, the secret-keeping stones, the flowing sky." - Robinson Jeffers
We were not at all familiar with this great American West Coast poet until we stumbled upon his enchanting home he named, Tor House. Historically preserved by the Tor House Foundation founded by Ansel Adams, walking through the house and the land brings anyone who stops here to the simple life of bygone times. We were informed that Robinson Jeffers planted some two thousand cypress and eucalyptus trees here in Camel. They are everywhere and still stand strong in the Pacific Coast. There's truly poetry in every tree here.
For Una - By Robinson Jeffers
I built her a tower when I was young--
Sometime she will die--
I built it with my hands, I hung
Stones in the sky.
Old but still strong I climb the stone--
Sometime she will die--
Climb the steep rough steps alone,
And weep in the sky.
Never weep, never weep...
To-night, dear,
Let's forget all that, that and the war,
And enisle ourselves a little beyond time,
You with the Irish whiskey, I with red wine
While the stars go over the sleepless ocean,
And sometime after midnight I'll pluck you a wreath
Of chosen ones; we'll talk about love and death,
Rock-solid themes, old and deep as the sea,
Admit nothing more timely, nothing less real
While the stars go over the timeless ocean,
And when they vanish we'll have spent the night well.
This house was built in 1919. The grey door to the left is the entrance to the main house. Once we entered the home we discovered the most memorable and breathtaking view. The living room displayed a sitting window overlooking the pacific ocean. Appearing a bit foggy from its old age, the french window pane is like a canvas with the most awe-inspiring painting of the ever changing sky and sea. There was but a small plot of land which was the back yard that separated this enchanting house to the water's edge. Oh, but there's more...
The later addition to home, a formal dining room and kitchen.
The Hawk Tower, built by the poet one stone at a time.
All for the love of his life. Imagine that.
The garden behind the stone walls.
The English courtyard garden.
Cameras were not allowed on this tour, but thankfully our nice guide allowed us to take pictures outdoors. : )
