To start I would like to say that, like many of the video team, I have been hard at work behind the camera, or in some cases in front of it. Therefore I have not got round to writing many blogs yet. However, now I have the time to do so I will tell you about something we came across yesterday.
When I was younger I used to attempt to climb most of the trees in my garden at home. This would start with small lilac trees – easy to get to grips with – and move onto bigger trees with thicker branches that would ultimately give you a better view. There was always a goal, possibly unreachable, like a holy grail – the ability to climb a tree high enough that you would see above its own canopy yet not snap the branches you were standing on.
I was reminded of this past time yesterday, on our way out of the Tzaneen area. The Handshake team decided to stop at a very big and very old tree. This was a baobab tree, highly regarded in many indigenous African cultures. This tree in particular was around 2000 years old, to get that in perspective, the tree was standing when Christ walked the earth.
As you walk down the long red, and yes it is red, African, dusty path towards the tree you’re immediately struck. You wonder if the thing in front of you is really a tree. You certainly couldn’t wrap your arms around its trunk. Thicker than our own truck, if not more, the tree stands proud at the end of the dirt track. At the bottom there’s a small gap with which you can climb inside like a cave in a huge rock structure.
I don’t play it but if anyone knows the Great Deku tree from the Zelda games it looks identical. It is winter here at the moment so the tree is bear of leaves. This means you can’t see the canopy but you do get to gaze at the trees superb structure.
Climbing up the roots there is a small hole into a dark cavern. As we climbed inside the only light was the entrance and the dust built up making a path of light in the air. We managed to fit about 7 people inside. After taking in the atmosphere I clambered out – the scene looking like a cave from Lord of the rings, with Gollum appearing into the light. (Due to my shaved head).
On the other side among the small green plants that line the bottom there is a long tall ladder, constructed of small logs. The ladder runs up the trunk like a guide for rock climbers and eventually reaches the first branch off of the tree. Many people decided to go up bear foot to offer more grip. When up amongst the branches you realise just how high this really is. Gripping onto the few handles, manmade and natural, you perch on the branches looking around the area.
There is a sense of the tree holding you up. Nearly everybody went up, in groups, even those conquering fears of heights. As people made their way down and eventually walked away, looking back, you got a sense of the majesty of this ancient living relic.
By Oliver Upton
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