"A stand of naked sycamore lifts the heart"
In appreciation of the sycamore tree and Justice Douglas
First, the back story: I went to a book sale in my first week of being in Nova Scotia last summer. Flipping through the books, I discovered Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas’s, My Wilderness: East to Katahdin. I’d long known that Douglas had advocated for preserving the C&O Canal and was happy to see a chapter about the C&O. This, plus I had seen Katahdin the previous week. This was the book for me! It felt like such an American tourist moment, having traveled to Canada only to buy a book about the U.S.
Nevertheless, it’s been sitting on the shelf waiting for its turn all these months. I wanted to do some reading about the C&O this week, which is its 52nd birthday as a National Historical Park. I started with that chapter last night and, much to my delight, Justice Douglas described sycamore trees in such a way that I felt he was writing it for me. I have such a deep appreciation for sycamores, particularly in the winter when they do some of nature’s heavy lifting with their shimmering white-gray trunks and branches.
But here’s what Douglas wrote about this magnificent tree:
“The sycamore catches the eye when the forests are barren. Its smooth bark looks as if it is in sunshine even when clouds hang low. On a bright November day the sight of a stand of naked sycamore lifts the heart. Quite often one great horizontal limb extends over the canal in a protective gesture. But most of the branches, slightly twisted, reach for the heavens.”
Thank you, Justice Douglas, for your keen observations and especially for your advocacy on behalf of the C&O. Your work set the stage for a Pittsburgh to D.C. trail experience that’s enjoyed by people all across the globe (not to mention the importance of preserving a wildlife corridor, lock houses, and a rich history).
In Case you Missed it…
My recent post about Franco Harris and place identity seemed to resonate with a lot of people. Titled Franco Harris: Forever a Part of Pittsburgh, it focuses on how important this one person was to a struggling region in the 1970s.
Gratitude Notes
I’m reaching back a couple years with my gratitude notes today. Two years ago this time I was riding the wave of a newly published book, Deciding on Trails. My Facebook memories this week have been flooded with posts by friends and colleagues who were the earliest readers. It’s been fun and heartwarming to once again see their smiling faces, book in hand, recommending it to others. I deeply appreciate those who’ve purchased and recommended Deciding on Trails over the last couple of years!
Also, a heartfelt thanks to my longtime friend, Tim, who sent me the sweetest handwritten note this week. Keep writing to each other, friends! Snail mail may be the gold standard, but take any chance you get to let people know what they mean to you.
Our farm is in an area where sycamores are one of the most prominent trees. A country road that I travel frequently near my house is Sycamore Road. Last week I was heading across Sycamore Road on a bright sunny day. In the distance was a long stand of Sycamores lining a creek. The bright white bark glowed in what was a dull winter landscape. They are majestic and the star of the winter landscape.
Camper! Keep getting that beautiful voice of yours out there. The world needs more good stuff :-)