Since reading the The Overstory (a book I mention in a previous post titled “Saving”) and starting this blog, I have become more aware of the majesty of trees. Lynne and I are fortunate to live in a neighborhood of Madison that has some wonderful, big trees both along the streets and in nearby Yahara Park next to Lake Monona. In the past few months, have enjoyed looking up with newfound appreciation of these beauties.
Today I realized that while I have not always been this intrigued by trees, I have found enjoyment of them throughout my life, especially from my childhood hobby of climbing trees (though honestly, I have continued with the random tree climbing in adulthood…) There was a tree in my backyard tree line growing up that was the perfect “climbing tree” and I would enjoy pulling myself up it to enjoy the view from above. I also have great memories of our tree fort and the experience of hanging out in the “tree tops” feeling the tree sway back and forth a bit.
I’m grateful for these memories and for the chance to recognize one of the ways I’ve been able to enjoy the natural world throughout my life. It’s also grounding to think of that same climbing tree still growing upwards in our backyard tree line.
What memories do you have of enjoying time outside when you were growing up? If the memory is tied to a specific location, is that place or natural landmark still around today?