The Big Tree stands high on the ridge viewed from Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge in Nature’s Valley South Africa.
She may not be the biggest Onteniqua yellowwood tree (Podocarpus falcatus) in South Africa at 98.42 feet/30 meter but clearly stands out on the hillsides above Nature’s Valley at Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge on the Khoinania Farm.
Walk light footed on the short 15-minute leaf scattered trail dappled with morning light that leads to the hundreds year old Big Tree .
Sweet sage shares it’s cleansing scent.
Butterflies alight nearby.
Only about 1/2” long
Although I dislike disturbing them I gently swing a stick in front of me to clear the spider webs cross the trail.
Like life, it’s not all about distance traveled or even what’s at the end of the trail. Take time to enjoy the journey. Be in the Now.
From God’s Window along the way a view of Peak Formosa, tallest of the Onteniqua Range.
Having seen the reportedly largest, 120 feet/36.6 meter, and oldest at 800 years “Big Tree” on another trail in the nearby Tsitsikamma National Park I knew I’d be impressed.
She is known as Mama Yellowwood and encourages hugs.
I am also impressed and smitten with Wild Spirit because of the diversity of forest , the eco-minded family hosts, and the people from around the world that visit.
Raise your words not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers not thunder. –Rumi
Khoinania means communion by intimate participation which superbly describes this magical place and Energy Exchange that occurs here.
Do not try to resist the silent call of the Big Tree as your wild spirit pauses in Nature’s Valley.
Although we celebrate Earth Day April 22 let us remember we celebrate every day of our lives on Earth. Visit the Nature Travel Roundup for ideas about where to explore next.
I was compensated for my over night stays at Wild Spirit but all opinions are my own.
Fabulous pictures. It looks like such a tranquil place.
Definitely a place to rejuvenate one’s energy in a peaceful way.
Lovely post that brings back many memories. Thanks Diane
Happy to spark those memories.
If I weren’t on the road, this is just the sort of place I’d love to have, something so tranquil and nourishing to the soul. I hope you gave that gorgeous tree a hug for me until someday maybe I can get there to do it myself. Beautiful pictures Gaelyn.
I hugged that tree for everyone I know and she sighed and hugged back.
I hear the sequester is causing no new hires at Grand Canyon. I hope this not affect you.
Just found out yesterday I have a job again on the North Rim this summer. Thank goodness I have seniority.
I am loving reading about your adventures…yet another location to put on the list. 🙂
You would absolutely love it here. Wait until I post about Wild Spirit, you’ll want to move in.
Those trees are humungous.
I just love the Tsitsikamma, but you know that by now. I haven’t explored that much around Nature’s Valley and perhaps going to Wild Spirit for a couple of days is just the right idea.
I highly recommend Wild Spirit for a peaceful time with some walks and close access to the beach. Only 30 mins past Storms River Mouth.
Wonderful, what a tree, what a place.
She was very special to sit and visit with.
Pure magic…it is calming just to read the post, I can just imagine how great it would feel to be there. I couldn’t decide if that one picture was a sculpture or a natural tree shape (the reddish one that looks like a horse).
A very calming place.
It’s a sculpture made of driftwood. Looked like a Wildebeest to me.
Lovely walk along this trail with you. It does seem totally magical. I really like Mama Yellowwood — a tree that encourages hugs is a very good thing.
Wild Spirit was one of the most amazing places I visited and not just because of Mama Yellowwood.
Beautiful photos!
Thank you. Photos can barely do this place justice.
What wonderful photos. I’d love to see the Big Tree.
This tree is most amazing.
I had the same reaction as Sallie. I spent quite awhile pondering whether the photo of the wood was of random wood or a sculpture. I suppose the fact that at least two of your readers weren’t sure says something about how “neat” it is.
To me the driftwood sculpture looked like a Wildebeest. But I think it’s open to personal interpretation. Glad you liked it.
Lovely way to begin my day, sharing this walk with you (I was so engrossed my tea went cold!). Your words and photos convey the atmosphere beautifully. Thank you for sharing this!
Thanks Linda. Sounds like you were as enamored as I.
Thanks for taking me on the trail with you. There is something about the shelter of a big tree that’s peaceful to me.
Thanks for joining me on the trail. Mama Yellowwood is a very special tree as Wild Spirit is a very special place. I’ll be posting more about this place very soon.