Kauri Forest

Kauri Tree

Kauri Tree that is 800 years old. Knots are the gum

wooden path

Moutain view reminds me of Roanoke

We spent the day yesterday exploring the Kauri Forest. The Kauri is a large delicate tree that only grows over here. We saw a few that were 800 years old. The tree is so delicate that they make a path that goes into the forest and you are not allowed to go off the path. Most of the path is a wooden walkway so you don't even touch the ground. The tree's roots grow close to the surface so even walking on the dirt by them can cause them to die. They bleed a gum substance. It starts out looking like a plan rock but every 6 months or so it changes as it dries. It eventually becomes what looks like a clear amber stone. As we traveled through the mountains to this forest I felt like I was back in Roanoke. It is such a similar look. One might think what is the big deal you can see this in America. It takes a closer look to see the difference. The forest has deciduous trees (lose leaves), coniferous trees (cone bearing ), kauri trees, and palm trees. Are you glad that I home schooled my kids an know these terms. I have never seen this combination together. It isn't that you might not see most of these trees in the states but just not all in one space. I have never seen such a variety of fol age in one area.