Was Anybody Listening?

A soft sound rippled out of the neighbouring forest. Another tree sliding to the floor as it succumbed to the circus of life. It was of no particular consequence. A few days later we investigated by taking a stroll along the trail deep into the darkly wooded forest.

What was found was a very large old pine tree blocking our path.

Unlike the crashing crescendos of the the traditional Dolby moviemax sound effect that dominates our interpretation of real-world experience, we were surprised that this giant had only emitted a soft muffled tree call as it fell to this final indignity. We have heard bigger death throes, but not seen bigger corpses. The pine had crashed across Mara Creek taking out two large Silver wattles and shredding some large man ferns, whilst shattering the trunk into a number of pieces on impact. One of the fallen wattles spanned the gully and presents an intriguing nerve test for those imagining that it formed a convenient bridge.

Despite the impediment of surgery perform with a 350mm bar on an electric chainsaw, backed by the quality of the Ozito brand, the giant has been adjusted to provide steps so that the joys of trail blazing in the forest can be continued.

Fifty two growth rings have been counted. Indicating the feral pine pest has been an unwelcome guest in the protected forest for too long in a number of years. We hope that its repose will encourage the replacement with native species especially the white gums where the black yellow-tails roost.

Now the way is again clear for a walk in the forest following the faded pink ribbons. It is a rough trail, roughly marked that leads to Duttons Road. The meandering route that pays tribute to the last days of local pioneer, Black Louey will be examined for other reclining obstructions by Tad, our resident arborist.

If anyone has any suggestions for the name of the aforementioned trail, please write them on the back of whatever is the currently appropriate denomination for a postage stamp these days before mailing, or alternatively please suggest a suggestion.