Where is your favorite tree?

Trees come in all types, just like people. Kathie and I are blessed to witness some incredible forests and trees over the years. We continue to seek out these trees like water in the desert. We are amazed and appreciative of the people who take care of God’s creation. We have come to understand what Henry David Thoreau meant when he said, “I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” Below is a list, not in any order, of our favorite areas where we have found some amazing trees.

Oak Ally outside of New Orleans. Someone had the foresight to place oak trees on both sides leading to their plantation. It is an incredible view and experience to walk around these massive oaks and Magnolia trees.

Banyan Tree in Lahaina, Maui. The largest banyan tree in the USA. The largest is in India, but this one is quite impressive. We stayed in a room adjacent to this tree. We awoke early to hear all the birds chirping away as they flew away to return at night.

The Cathedral Grove Redwood forest going to Tofino, Canada. A beautiful trail leads through this forest. Not as large as the Great Redwood forest in California, but still very impressive

The row of Sycamore trees leading to the Chateau Chenonceau, France. I was able to take a picture when the road was closed lying on my stomach.

Angel Oak outside of Charleston, South Carolina. Not as tall as you would think, but a branch extends out 187 feet. It is regarded as one of the oldest oak in “the world,” if not “North America.” It is dated anywhere from 400 to 1400 years old. There is a fence around and open to the public at certain hours of the day. Look at the web site as we had to make two different trips to see this wonderful, Angel Oak.

The Sequoia tree in downtown Queenstown, NZ. An impressive Redwood planted in 1874.

The Albert Edward English Oak in Christchurch, NZ. This tree dates back from July 1863. When I think about this date it was during the month of the battle of Gettysburg. From what I can tell, this tree survived the massive quake of Christchurch in 2011. We also love the massive Willow trees along the Avon River area.

“Rainbow Eucalyptus” trees found in Maui and Oahu. This tree is actually native to Northern Hemisphere from islands in the Pacific. It can grow to over 200 feet. We saw a grove of these spectacular trees at the Dole Plantation going to North Shore. There is a grove on Maui too.

The Quercus Quesinberry Oak along West Orange Bike trail near Winter Garden, Fl.

Maltby Live Oak, age 125 years, at the courthouse in Palatka, FL.

Sequoia National Park and Redwood National Park, CA. What is not to like about gigantic trees. Walking along a fallen Redwood can be quite impressive.