What An Experience!

  We had an amazing experience yesterday (Sunday) while hiking. The hiking here is great as is but this was over the top. We had done an extra long hike on Saturday (more about that one another time) so decided to take it a little easier. The campground is situated near Lake Lanier (a really large reservoir) so we thought to walk along the lake. Lake Lanier has lots of coves and fingers making it a fun walk. The section we chose went from the campground to the beach area and for most part except for ducking under branches and climbing over fallen trees you can stay near the waters edge. As we went around the curve into the cove area we from time to time heard a sound, rather like a rustic woodwind instrument, only lasting for a few seconds each time we heard it. Sounded like it was coming from across the cove so we continued on towards that area. Getting over there was entertaining in itself as there were several challenges and obstacles to get around. First the bank became sharper and there was that lovely but oh rather slippery red Georgia clay which sent us up away from the edge. We then had to create our own path along and among the trees. Fortunately, it being Late Autumn we didn't have to contend with a lot of underbrush. Found our way over and around, then had to find a way across the creek. Seemed where ever we look, one side or the other, was too muddy, too wide, or the bank to high. Worked our way inward a bit and finally found a place narrow enough to jump across, but then still had to figure out how to continue down that side of the cove, oh my but that bank was a bit higher and steeper than we thought. Got to a place where Paul could get up and by reaching down grabbing my hand we managed to get me up by him pulling and me scrambling LOL Yes, we are still crazy enough to do this kind of thing. Anyway, on with my story. It was very windy, yesterday, so hearing the sound was again on and off. It was impossible to place the sound, like I said rather like a rustic instrument but not consistent. We kept walking closer to where we thought it was coming from, looking around trying to discover it's source. There didn't seem to be anyone else in the area and with the trees so bare we had a good view. There it was again, we finally got to where it was the loudest and yes, we were amazed. Never had either of us experience such a thing. In front of us was a tree that had seen many and better years. The top had broken off and it was hollow throughout. Towards the bottom was a large hole and wide slits in many places. The noise? Was the tree singing in the wind. As the wind blew through it at certain angles it sounded just like a rustic woodwind instrument. Incredible and so delightful. As if in a fairy tale, it was Magical. Yet another experience I shall never forget, A true gift from nature.

              Our WoodWind Tree!!