My entry for the #monomad challenge.
This is my favorite tree in the marsh that I live near. When I was younger, my brother and I used to look in amazement at the width of this old tree. The base of the cottonwood made this the biggest living thing we had ever seen in person.
School classes still come out to this tree; young children stand around its base and hold hands, seeing how many kids can hug the tree at once. I have to say I do get a kick out walking by and seeing the reaction of children to the size of this old beauty tucked away in the marsh.
I found a little bit of history on the tree online. The oldest date that local researchers have been able to validate is that it began growing in 1911. That puts the tree over a solid century in age. The tree began its life when trails were first introduced to the marsh to assist in the construction of municipal water wells.
There is a little damage to its base; someone chose to carve out some of its base at some point in time. Fortunately, the tree survived and continues to live to this day. Why someone had to do that...I have no idea.
At the very least, my daughter and I always give it a big hug when we walk past it. You are still loved, old friend!
As always, thanks so much for stopping by and checking out my photographs. I might try to visit my old friend once a season...next up would be a sunny, cold day in January. Until next week, thanks again!