These are pictures of my tour to Tane Mahuta, the "Lord of the Forest." He is the largest Kauri tree in the world, and actually the largest tree in the world, as far as useable timer is concerned. The tallest trees in the world are in the Redwood forest in California, but nothing beats the massive girth Tane Mahuta has for such a height! He is nearly 14 meters around for 18 meter straight up! Standing at 51 meters at his highest point, they say 9 houses could be built out of the timber from this tree. Our guide Taf sung Maori songs and prayers to Tane Mahuta. His voice was amazing and enhanced even more by the accustics in the forest. Just seeing Tane Mahuta was pretty awe inspiring, but having it coupled with the singing, stories and prayers all in Maori (then translated) was what made the trip! Here is a picture of our guides, Taf (bigger fella) and William. Both were excellent Maori guys! The picture of the little sappling in front of the hand is a Kauri that is three years old! They start growing very very slowly but never really stop! Tane Mahuta is in the other pictures, he is 2000 years old, there is another Kauri tree in a different part of the forest that is 4000 years old, 17 meters around but not as tall as Tane Mahuta. These trees just never stop growing! The last picture is of the gym I used in Paihia, I'm coming back strong as ever Tim! Tubing shall be mine this Summer!
On to other news...I've started Traveling with Lijanne, now to be called LiLu. We met up in Auckland and are heading east now. Currently we are in a city in the Bay of Plenty, making a soup Quan taught me in college, mmmmm!! Today we are going on a hike up to a mountain I've forgotten the name of. I got new batteries yesterday for my camera so I'll be having more pictures soon! Video's won't load on these computers, would take like 4 hours, so I'll be sending pictures of my tatoo very soon with detailed explanations as to the means of the symbols!
Now the stinking picture upload won't work, I'll edit this post to add the pictures soon!
Bah, the photo's just won't work, check this link out, it should take you to all the photos I've been putting up more extensively on facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2106149&l=02c77&id=25904364
2 comments:
A mighty tree
Testament to life
Witnessing history
of all things near
Its sight increases
From year to year
Although things far off
Are never as clear
With roots sunk deep
And leaves that glow
He sees it all
And wisdom grows
The price for staying put
is not that great
If the tree could travel
It would see McDonald's everywhere
Then again, LiLu was not in Seattle, was she?
Love, Dad
Dain, I would just like to say that you and your updates are keeping me from getting a real job. I really want to go traveling again now.
Keep the stories and pictures coming!
-Ben
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