During our recent Tassie trip we re-visited the majestic ancients in the Huonville State Forest. They are not only there, they are very much alive. These are a 'must see' now when we go to Tassie. I wondered if these giants would still hold their mystery for me or had I overly gilded my memory of seeing them last year. But I need not have wondered about that. If anything, I am more profoundly affected this time than the last.

 Our son said he couldn't get the entire tree buttress in the camera frame unless he stood way back. This extraordinary giant has to be the twin of 'Treebeard'. While the photo gives a good idea of their greatness, it can't come close to standing next to these towering monsters and looking straight up to the heavens to glimpse their crown. I stood under a fern tree with head room to spare. Brilliant green fronds big enough to enclose me. Magic! I noticed a new thing this time. Where bush fire had ravaged a section of forest 3yrs ago, I saw new tree growth coming up out of damaged ground cover. One more instance of life in the very young and very very old lifting my thankful spirit way above myself. Fantastic medicine.