Underneath the Banyan Tree….

Underneath the Banyan Tree….

Hi there!
Good of you to pop in.
Friday’s blog a private peek, 
so I want to share something really really phenomenal with you, which we just happened upon in Hawaii.
This Banyan Tree
Which one? I hear you ask.
Well, actually this IS one tree.
Let me take you back a few years, 
to the tree at an earlier point in its life….
See the tendrils hanging from the branches?
Well, they are what is called aerial roots, and when they touch the earth, they burrow down into the ground and take root – literally.
Over time, they get thicker and stronger; they team up with other wiry aerial roots, until after much time they become a trunk themselves.
And that, my friends is how a banyan tree grows. 
This one is in Lahaina, Maui, 
which was once the capital city of the islands. 
Here is the Mother trunk, the core of the tree.
Here you see how it stretches outwards and upwards.
A few good people of Lahaina decided to create a shady park 
in the town centre, a shelter from the searing Pacific sun. 
So they trained the huge branches to grow horizontally.
In places, they added struts and supports.
They constantly cut back the aerial roots, 
to stop them taking root, if you like. 
They introduced walkways and benches,
and what they have created is absolutely unbelievable.
Until you sit underneath it and actually take it in, you cannot imagine that this woodland park is actually just 
ONE TREE.

Steve, underneath the Banyan tree.

Shading almost an acre of the park and reaching upward to a height of 60 feet, this banyan tree is the largest in the United States. 

Magnificent.
We were having a bit to eat in the Pioneer’s Inn, next door, 
another little jewel of a place.
Spot the banyan tree to the right.
Yep. ONE TREE.
We got talking to the waiter, and he told us this little story.
I don’t remember the details, but I remember this:
An Englishman started the Pioneer Inn back in 1901
The banyan tree next door was already well underway.
He had several children, and left a huge legacy in Maui,
but one of his son’s lost his way in life, as is often the case,
and, sadly, became the local drunk.
Guess where he took up residence.
Yep. He lived under the tree for many, many years.
Until he died, in fact. 
The town even set a mailbox up for him under the tree!
How’s that for compassion?

On that note, I shall bid you bye bye.
Until tomorrow.
ALOHA 
xxxx

135 thoughts on “Underneath the Banyan Tree….

  1. What a fascinating tree, Barbara. I've never even heard the name before. It must have been amazing to sit underneath it and take it all in! What a lovely story too of the man who lived amongst it. Thank you so much for sharing it. I'm off to York for the weekend, so I wish you and Dave a lovely weekend. See you on sunday night. Love and Hugs xxx

  2. Hello all my lovely blog friends. I hope you have all had a good day. Pam and Anne, thinking of you both. As I've said to Barbara, I'm off to York with my friend. We're going to see Billy Elliot tomorrow evening, which I'm really looking forward to. I'll be back on the blog on Sunday evening. So until then, keep well and safe. Love and hugs to you all. xxx

  3. What a magnificent and magical place. I seem to remember a banyan tree in a nursery rhyme or song but can't remember what it was. Can anyone help? I've definitely heard the name before. Thanks for sharing your holiday again. Think that Hawaii is now added to my wish list. Love and hugs, Jeanette xxxx

  4. What a fantastic tree and amazing story Barbara. I had heard of a Banyan Tree but never looked it up. You never disappoint on your holidays we always learn something new. Thank you for letting us do the next best thing to being on holiday with you. Had an awful time this last few weeks as you know, Spent all morning at the hospital seeing Dom then Doctors yesterday. Then we had some respite as my friend had booked The Pump Rooms in Bath for afternoon tea a few weeks ago. Pete took us and stayed with us for the tea as well, didn't feel like going but it was what we needed and it was lovely. We just got back and had the dreaded phone call to go back to the hospital. Dom passed away peacefully in his sleep at about 6 pm. He went through such a lot in the hopes that he would be able to eat and drink again but everything went against him. It's so sad that it cut his life even shorter. At least he's not suffering now. Thank you for thinking of us through our ordeal we really appreciate it. Just want to thank all the lovely people on your blog too for their continual support. Sorry wasn't up to commenting last night, but will try to get back to normal with my commenting in the next few days. Must look forward now to your Open Day. God Bless you all. Love,and hugs to you all. Pam xxx

    1. Hi Pam, I'm so sorry for you and all your family. It's especially sad after what he's gone through in the past 2 weeks. My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care, and just pop in when you can, you don't need to say much, just hi. Love Brenda xx

    2. My dear Pam I'm so sorry to hear your sad news, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It's so sad to hear Dom has lost his battle, he is no longer in pain so that must be a comfort to you all. Look after yourself and take all the time you need, we are here thinking of you. Sending hugs to you all xxx

    3. Pam sending you all the hugs to help you through bless Dom he is pain free now and at peace from his suffering you take care now come here when you feel you can thinking of you and your family xxx

    4. Oh Pam – I am so sorry to hear that Dom has lost his battle – but at least he is now at peace and no longer suffering pain. I will keep you in my thoughts, and echo what others have already said – you just take your time,don't worry about commenting. Take care of yourself – love and hugs to you and your family – Gilly xxx

    5. Dear Pam,
      I am so dreadfully sorry to hear the very sad news about Dom and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I suppose there is consolation in knowing that he is now at peace and pain free which will hopefully help you to come to terms with losing him. Don't worry about not visiting us, come when you feel you can, but know that we are all here for you. Take care, love and hugs Alison xx

  5. How lovely, a tree that is so big and cared for it can shade many. I think you are the core of Clarity and we are all your Ariel roots spreading the message of your wonderful products and growing our own trees of creativity. Xx

  6. Hi Barbara
    Wow, about sums up todays bloggy offerings. Now that's my kind of holiday. the natural world never ceases to impress and amaze me. And, what wonderful humanity was shown to the poor soul who lost his way. If only that level of humanity was happening a lot more today, the world would be a much happier and joyous place to live in. Hope you and Dave have a happy weekend doing what you want to do, not what you have to do. Love Brenda xx

    1. Hi I love reading your words you have a very kind heart my friend stting here waiting on the R.S.P.C.A wee Ian has just brought me a wee crow he found with I think has damaged wing its making an awfy racket wee faird thing but he said know you would know what to do Gran god love him will let you know here's yir cuddle..xx

    2. Thanks everyone xx
      Have the SSPCA been yet Dot? What did they say? If not, try putting the poor wee thing in a box with a tea towel, or something, over it, it may help it feel calmer. Cuddle back xx

    3. Hi hen naw nae sign but he's in a spare big guniea pig cage Ian has dug up some wee worms put bread and water in and a and cover our the cage he's settled noo was a recorded message so maybe the morn dinnae mind noo its settled let yi ken…xx

    4. Thanks Alison and Chris 🙂 xx
      My brother is coming through tomorrow to set up the new hard drive, hopefully it will go ok. I've done a new system image this evening so it should have everything on apart from a couple of emails that's come in since, but (if I remember) I can get them online in my email account after. It's the children's gala week this week, with the parade being tomorrow, they're coming through in time for that, so I'll get out to the back gate (not brave enough to go out it) and watch it pass. Every other year I've only been able to watch from the window. It's extremely noisy with the bands, and bikers, and all the tooting car horns so it's going to cause me pain and bad feelings to be that close to it. Normally I feel like hiding under the bed beside Daisy!!! And then there's the people, but I'll stay at the corner and have my hat on to hide under. Why am I putting myself through it when it's going to cause me so much bad stuff – because it's a normal experience isn't it, and those have been few and far between in my life and are very rare now.

    1. Hello Donna, yah it's Friday, hope you've done your happy dance. How's Phoebe today, hope her tail is wagging strongly today, she will close by you all weekend no doubt. Enjoy your crafty weekend. I'm hoping to have a play later on, must try my new pricking tools and scissors. Have a good weekend xxx

    2. Phoebe is improving, she is now at the stage of trotting faster than she should! Still gets upset when she leans on her leg. Every day is getting better thankfully. XX

    3. Hi adorns,
      So pleased that Phoebe is making such good progress. I bet she is being spoilt! Have a lovely weekend, love and hugs and cuddles for Phoebe, Alison xx

  7. I've heard of the Banyan tree but I didn't realise it grew like that, the world is full of natural wonders. We watched a programme about a man made wonder a few weeks ago – a man planted a circle of trees in a secret location in the woods and has spent the last 20 years or so pruning and bending them as they grow to form a contorted circle. You sometimes see them between programmes on the BBC along with the bicycles going round in a circle.

    1. Thank you. We have an old friend coming to stay on Sunday for a few days. It was her who introduced us to the Dales 30 years ago and we fell in love with the area. Have a good weekend all of you too xx

  8. How wonderful nature is with a little help from man to make this tree shade for people to enjoy when it is very hot. I have seen one in Hong Kong but it was certainly nothing like this massive sized example. So lovely to hear all the fascinating things you came across on your trip. x

  9. Hi Barbara,

    I was in Maui in the 80ies but in December. Only for a week but this is the vacation I remember most. It is my favorite place on earth. All landscapes and klimates on one island. Lahaina was not only the capital of Hawaii but once also the main port for American whale hunting. Now scientists observe the Humpback whales that come there between December and May to calf. You do not even have to go on whalewatch tour. Driving along the coast you can see them jumping out of the water doing a belly-flop. That is so amazing that you will never forget.
    But I was wondering how much Maui has changed during the last 35 years. Your pictures from the trip to Hana looked just the same. The banyan tree seems to have had just a view more leafes.
    While I was there I heared the story that the Pioneer's Inn was near demolition in the 60ties. The owner was made only aware that it is a historical building when the landowner of Kaanapali Resourt was looking for visitor attractions and the Lahaina Restoration Foundation was established.
    I was also told about the local drunk but with a wink. Hawaians are good tale tellers.
    I whish I could have adopted their philosophy "Hang loose" but today I get more easily infected by hectic and stress than I was back then.

  10. Hi Barbara,

    I was in Maui in the 80ies but in December. Only for a week but this is the vacation I remember most. It is my favorite place on earth. All landscapes and klimates on one island. Lahaina was not only the capital of Hawaii but once also the main port for American whale hunting. Now scientists observe the Humpback whales that come there between December and May to calf. You do not even have to go on whalewatch tour. Driving along the coast you can see them jumping out of the water doing a belly-flop. That is so amazing that you will never forget.
    But I was wondering how much Maui has changed during the last 35 years. Your pictures from the trip to Hana looked just the same. The banyan tree seems to have had just a view more leafes.
    While I was there I heared the story that the Pioneer's Inn was near demolition in the 60ties. The owner was made only aware that it is a historical building when the landowner of Kaanapali Resourt was looking for visitor attractions and the Lahaina Restoration Foundation was established.
    I was also told about the local drunk but with a wink. Hawaians are good tale tellers.
    I whish I could have adopted their philosophy "Hang loose" but today I get more easily infected by hectic and stress than I was back then.

  11. Goodness that is an amazing tree. I never knew that about Banyan tress, I think it is fantastic how it has been trained to make some shade. Thank-you for sharing your knowledge. xx

  12. How absolutely fascinating. This earth continues to amaze with its treasures. I have heard of a Banyan tree but did not know what its significance was. Much love Jayne

  13. Hi Barbara
    What an amazing tree, how fabulous that it provides safety and shelter for people. Thank you for sharing thus tree with us and more stunning photos. Hope you and Dave have a relaxing weekend, you probably need to catch up on sleep and washing!! Take care
    Love Diane xxx

    1. Hello my lovely blog friends, hope you've had a good day, it's been dry but cloudy here today but no rain yet! Had a lovely day, lunch out with my daughter then a little bit of shopping and a lazy evening planned. Take care everyone xxx

    2. Hi Diane – pleased to hear that you've had a day off from washing and ironing! Shopping and lunch with your daughter sounds really nice to me – hugs Gilly xxx

  14. Wow Barbara so many stunning photos trees are so special and this one is a marster piece thank you for sharing have a lovley weekend xxx

    1. Hi Sheila – I notice that you haven't said very much today! Would I be right in thinking that you've not had too good a day? Sending you very special healing hugs and love from Gilly xxx

    2. Oh gilly your so right thank you for your hugs xxx
      Hi Julia I've been too Optitians this afternoon for my yearly check up need a stronger lens in my left eye due to my diabeties and cataract so that will help my crafting xxx
      Hi Donna no crafting today looking to do some more on my July calendar challange xxx

    3. Hi Sheila,
      Sorry you haven't had such a good day. I've got to get to the opticians too but I keep putting it off as I know I'll have to get some more glasses and they are so expensive now. Hope you have a better day tomorrow, love and hugs Alison xx

    4. Ah Sheila – sorry to hear about today, lets hope that you will be able to do some of your calendar challenge tomorrow or Sunday – take care, love Gilly xxx

  15. I love trees and always take photos on vacation , l love your story and this amazing tree for the symbolism of the tree and the town folk and most of all for as you say—- compassion . More of that and kindness and we would all have a very happy world . Love and joy , jan

  16. Hi Barbara, well what a wonderful story it is amazing. I had heard of this tree but did not know about it. What an amazing trip you had. Thank you for your private times. Lynn xx

    1. Hi Julia – one of my favourite books ever is called the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It's written as a series of letters, and it's just a wonderful book x

    2. Julia I've just thought of a book reading Guernsey in Susan's comment it's called HALF HIDDEN it's based in jersey in the war it's a lovley story but sad too xxx

  17. Hi Barbara – what amazing photos and such a very interesting story too! Thank you for sharing this with us all – have a good weekend with Dave! Hugs Gilly x

    1. Hi to all of my lovely blog friends – I hope that you have all had a good day! Our weather turned last night and we had quite a lot of rain, and we had mizzle for most of today. My friend came round this afternoon and brought one of her home made lemon drizzle cakes, for us to have with our cups of tea – beautiful! Then Neill took me out for a meal this evening, and when we came out, we looked out to sea and we saw a Tall Ship making her way into Charlestown Harbour. We wished that we had the camera with us, as it's quite rare to see one in full sail – truly a magnificent sight. Perfect end to a perfect day! Love and hugs to you all, Gilly xxx

    2. Bless you Sheila – you are such a kind person! You still haven't said how you have been today? Knowing you, not so good – but not wanting to say – extra special hugs Gilly xxx

    3. Hi Gilly,
      Well it sounds as though you have had a lovely day – you deserve it. The tall ships are lovely when in full sail aren't they. Hope you have a good weekend, Love and hugs Alison xx

    4. That sounds perfect Gilly, one of those moments that was meant to be. Isn't that typical about the camera, although thank goodness for camera phones these days! Xxx

  18. Hi Barbara what a lovely story had heard about the Banyan tree but not how it grew and the story behind it thank you for blogging this what a beautiful thing to see and learn about and photograph on your journey.
    When we bought our wee house the tree in the green area outside my home had just been planted and had a wooden support for a long time and had been photographed many times over the years with my children and now my grandchildren in the autumn winter spring and summer and now 40 years later it towers above the our wee home a reminder how we have grown as a family along with it.
    Love and take care..HUG A TREE TODAY..love Dot..xx

    1. Dorothy you brought tears to my eyes ,a warm and loving tree to wrap around your loving family so many loving memories you keep .and in that hug a tree you have brought back a special family memory for me thank you dear blog friend loving hugs xxx

  19. Evening all bloggy pals a bit busy looking after "Charlie" (Ians name)..See Brenda's comments.. the wee crow wee Ian found tonight looks like I've fostered him for the night Ah well what are Grans for Eh! Ian is staying over to but Charlie is sleeping now so hope R.S.P.C.A. Get's my call the morra he's a beautiful bird really settled and now think's I'm his Mum could be a long night..XX

    1. you'll need to get Ian out in the garden with the torch finding insects or worms or something for it to eat! And make sure it's got water too. Good luck! xx

    2. Hi Dot,
      You are braver than me – I am terrified of birds! I love to see them but if they come anywhere near me I am traumatised! Walking through Hyde Park is no an easy thing for me when we visit London !!! Have a good weekend, Love and hugs Alison xx

    3. We have a pair of crows that have spent the spring and summer in our garden for three years now. No "crowlets" seem to be produced but the male wakes us at 5 in the morning throwing himself at the patio door which does not always endear him to us xx

  20. What an interesting peek you've given us today Barbara, and that's another random fact that will probably stay with me forever – if only I could remember what the day of the week is, or something equally useful in daily life! x

  21. Hi Barb,
    What a brilliant post today. That tree is fabulous. I love these peeks into your holiday ( I hope that doesn't sound strange and pervy!!). I like the idea of the tree on a Groovi plate. Hope you're over your jet lag now. Love and hugs Alison xx

    1. Hi to all my blog friends,
      We've gone backwards weather wise today. Cloudy all day, drizzly and then rain. It's actually quite cold again tonight! I just hope we haven't had summer! Had to take my sister and brother in law up to Newcastle Airport today but managed some crafting this afternoon. Used Jaynes trumpet lilies plate to do a wedding anniversary card which I was really pleased with. Must get around to the challenges as well, so need to get my brain in gear. Have a good weekend everyone, love and hugs Alison xxx
      Special hugs for Pam xx

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