In search of the big tree {Tsitsikamma}

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

"But memories got left behind while you kept walking on; every time you had to retrace your steps further to return to your memories, and sometimes it was better not to turn back at all." 
- Dalene Matthee


Most South African school children are familiar with Dalene Matthee's work. An author, based in Knysna, she published historic novels of the forests around Knysna and Tsitiskamma in the Western Cape. Flip did 'Kringe in die Bos' in matric, while I did 'Fiela se Kind'. In the first book, it handled about a woodcutter and his relationship with an old elephant bull called Ou Poot. That's about as much as I know about the story. I think I should buy the book. Elephants used to roam free in the area and Flip kept saying that they might come out at any second from the undergrowth.

And looking at all the broken trees - more likely from trees than elephants - I couldn't help but thinking the same.

While driving through this picturesque area on our honeymoon, we saw something called the Big Tree. We decided to go and trek the tree. I think I'll let the pictures say the rest. It is so magical. So untouched.


This tree is estimated to be between 600 and 800 years old, 
stands 36,6 m tall and has a trunk circumference of 9 m.

5 comments:

trishie said...

Does look really serene and magical.

Johlet said...

Sjoe ek was JARE laas daar op n skool uistappie! hehe
Maar ek kan net onthou dat dit was mooi en groot!
xxx

Niina - My Paper Chaos said...

Wow that looks amazing :) I just really enjoy being out in the nature like that!

Hope you're having a great week!

Jessica @ Little Maple Leaf said...

I love the bridge photos here so beautiful :)
I'd love to visit Africa one day.

Jessica
www.littlemapleleaf.blogspot.com

Some Korean Website Highjacker said...

Megan, these photos are incredible! i can practically smell the scent of the unique fauna and flora in the air as i'm looking through. wow, them's some BIG a$$ trees for sure. great tee too! i had a big giggle when i scanned down the page --- so awesome :)

eye popping fact about the tree's life span. total wow moment! ♥

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