Walk With Me And See What I See: Treed. Dead, Inside And Haunted

There are some famous trees that really stand-out and are worth making the effort to see when you’re visiting Harbour Island, in the Bahamas.

The first one is in the photo (below) as the tide was in.

I know it doesn’t look like much (at first glance) but please look again. I really want you to see what I see.

The tree that is standing fully upright (as if it’s growing in the middle of the ocean) is known on the island (by all the locals) as The Lone Tree.

It’s actually a huge piece of driftwood that was deposited by hurricane Andrew in 1992.

As the story goes, it was either relocated by the hurricane from the neighbouring island of Eleuthera or, it was blown off the cliff that’s located directly above the beach.

Where ever it came from, the remarkable thing is that it was “planted” there in an upright position.

The islanders report that the tree moves around (from time to time) and they say this happens most during high tide as the sand shifts.

What’s really made the wood silhouette iconic, is that it’s often the backdrop for high fashion (haute couture) photo shoots that end up in major fashion magazines.

This Has Given The Lone Tree Celebrity Status

It has become so recognizable, that it’s a sought after “photo op” for tourists (to be photographed with) and is also a desirable wedding location where vows are exchanged.

Hmm? Lets proclaim our love to each other under dead wood, shall we? I guess if you start with dead any other wood that you’re exposed to on your wedding day is an impressive upgrade.

That’s the first lesson to learn about married life.

Setting the correct expectations. Perhaps, the Bahamians are onto something with their tourism initiatives. Lol!

The real trick is to wait until the tide is out because as we all know, timing is everything, especially when we’re discussing wood. ( I just can’t help it. Lol!)

In case you want to see the Lone tree in person, you can find it at one end of the island on the beach below Gusty’s bar in the sand flats (very far bottom, left corner on the map).

Now we’re going to walk to the region depicted in the middle of the map to see the second note-worthy tree which is approximately a 1 km walk (in distance) from the Lone Tree.

**It’s A Massive Rubber Tree With Many Off-Shoots Growing In A Cluster **

Again at first glance, it doesn’t look that impressive but I want you to look more closely and I’ll give you some perspective as I (with my 5 foot frame) stand inside it. (Yes, inside it.)

Now, with my arms out stretched.

I probably don’t have to tell you this but I fit the classical stereotype of a tree hugger.
I love the energy that massive trees project and if it were up to me, I ‘d spend my time equally devided between large bodies of water and old growth trees.

For the third tree of “significance”, we’re going to keep walking down the road another 1.5 km, to the region depicted on the far bottom right of the map.

We’re back on the property that is home to the haunted house and we are going to take a look at the tree which is growing just behind the ruins of the mansion.

(If you missed my story about the haunted house, you can view it here: https://steemit.com/walkwithme/@rebeccaryan/walk-with-me-to-the-haunted-house-harbour-island-bahamas )

Once again, not that impressive until I add some perspective for you and you can see what I see.

Like a 40 something, grown woman climbing a tree in her bathing suit and flip-flops. (Yeah, that’s not the most sensible attire for this activity but I am happy to report that I was able to haul my ass up there with relative ease so that you can see the magnitude of this gorgeous tree.

A little closer.

I welcome your comments and I invite you to follow me on my journey...sometimes we’ll be stopping to love trees along the way. ;)

~ Rebecca