Becki Noland Trail Tree

After about 45 minutes of walking in the heat of the sun across a changing path I was struck by the enormousness of it. The shade it created welcomed my weary self to sit and enjoy. Its large arms reached out as if to say, “Come, sit, relax and enjoy.” I followed its directions. I regained my strength by sitting under its branches and enjoying the gorgeous view of the lake. With the regained energy I decided to climb it. As I reached up and found a seat I was amazed at the view from all directions. Situated on the lakeside right next to the Lion’s Bridge it gave me an awesome view of the bridge, the lake and the river. I felt as if I had been lifted up to see what nature offered, to finally understand the amazing creation just a few miles from my normal habitat. The seat I had chosen was firmer than the cushy ones I am accustomed to, the outer lining rougher than the cloth covered ones at home; it was rough and bumpy, weathered and tough. It seemed to me as if it had watched over the lake for many decades, as a shelter and resting place for the many creatures who passed by. As I began to walk away, I noticed a family of geese swim towards it but they were scared away by a family with a small girl who came to play underneath its shade. I sat and watched as it called for all kinds of creatures from human to animal to beasts of the air. It was calling for friends offering shelter and seating for the weary. We did not it seek out; rather it called to us to come and enjoy what it offered.