One Crazy Fascinating Tree – the Dewey-Granby Oak

  
We’re got to show you this fascinating tree we visited recently; the Dewey-Granby Oak. But first, a quick update on unrelated happenings.

Life is still pretty busy here, with work still flowing in steadily, but I’ve found I’m getting better and better at this balance thing I have worked at all of my life. For one thing, we’ve been distracted with the excitement of a new school year beginning just around the bend! The more organized we get, the more exciting it is!! The school room is almost ready, from umpteen summer crafts and projects the kids had going on. Somehow, I can look at an after-mess, born from creativity flowing, a little longer, than other kinds of messes. But it was time to tidy up, clean out, pack away and make room for new books and supplies – and all that we’ve begun.

But back to our recent family vacation we’ve mentioned; My father (the kids Papa) was determined to bring us to see a tree he has told us about, for what seems like forever. It was a beautiful sunny day for a drive, so we headed out from his house, on our tree adventure. We knew it had to be something, because he talks about it ALL of the time, and how we just needed to see it. Well let us tell you….he wasn’t kidding! This tree is worth the trip!!

Now let me preface this by saying, it was a bad time of a very sunny day to photograph this tree (or much else). It was not ideal lighting, whatsoever. Really bright out, and pretty much high noon. Had I know it was so photograph worthy, I would have asked to come later in the day. What’s more….this tree is SO gigantic, and crazily spread out, it’s tough to find an angle with a camera, to really appreciate it’s stature. It’s really one of those things you need to really see in person, …walk around…and climb, to appreciate the reality of it. And you would do so in absolute awe. Nonetheless….I took photos anyway. Try to look closely at the enormous width of the trunk, and the great big limbs that so gracefully just flow and dip to the ground.

The tree is known as the Dewey-Granby Oak Tree. As equally fascinating as the sight of this tree, is it’s incredible history. This tree is rooted in the middle of nowhere, in Granby, Connecticut-just on the other side of the MA line, I believe. It is 450 years old!! The town of Granby goes to great lengths for the protection of this tree. The time, seasons, and changes in civilization that this tree has stood through, is so amazing to stop and consider. If you Google, you should find a great brief history, by Carol Laun. As well as more other information.

Here are the kids hanging out on one limb that comes right down to the ground.

This is on the other side of the tree, on am equally crazy limb. Just look at it!

And to think it was once just a tiny acorn . . .