(Part 3)
I had look at the Cache River State Natural Area and the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge web pages. I was thrilled to learn of all the birds that I might encounter in this wet place and of the 1000 year old Bald Cypress tree that I would encounter.
We started our second day of our trip ready to see the land of the Giants and Winged Creatures. I had directions and was all set. The directions I had said to take Interstate 57 south and exit at exit 14. So we drove and drove we saw exit 18 and 8 then turned around again 8 and 18 no exit 14. We stopped at a gas station on exit 18 and asked for directions. The attendant confirmed that there was no exit 14, and unfortunately she had no idea how to find Cache River State Natural Area. But lucky for us there was a small sign that said Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge and an arrow to the east. Originally we had cut the Cypress Creek NWR from our itinerary because there just would not be enough time. We hoped that we could find a person there to give us directions.
Luck was upon us. Not only did we find the new Cache Wetland Center, but we found a jewel of a girl that gave us great directions and great advice of some of the best places to stop and even where to spot an eagle’s nest.
In addition to a nesting pair of Bald Eagles (way cool), we saw the Champion Bald Cypress that is more than a thousand year old. This tree is huge. We got pictures at another one that was not a Champion but still 1000+ years old and we could walk right up to these. We then saw the Champion Water Tupelo Tree which we forgot to take the camera for that trail- so sorry we did not get a picture. We saw the Champion Cherrybark Oak, of which I took video.
I don’t know that there are words to describe how huge these trees are or how small one feels next to these giants. These trees are so amazing that even my children spoke in a whisper. It reminded me of visiting churches as sightseers in Germany and one second tourist are out on the street admiring the stone, wood or glass work chatting in a normal voice; then next second all of the tourist stand just inside the doors mouths gaping or speaking in a whispers. It was like we had entered a church and we didn’t want to disturb the worshipers. Just for a moment, under those trees, we became worshipers of a strange and new religion-the children of God standing at the feet of giants.
More trees
In addition to all the cool giant trees I worked a bit on my tree identification skills and was able to identity Sycamore, Sweet Gum, Shagbark Hickory, Sassafras, Easter Red Cedar, Black Locust, Sugar Maple, Yellowwood, White oak. There were a variety of oak, elm and maple trees too but I don’t know which sorts.
I had look at the Cache River State Natural Area and the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge web pages. I was thrilled to learn of all the birds that I might encounter in this wet place and of the 1000 year old Bald Cypress tree that I would encounter.
We started our second day of our trip ready to see the land of the Giants and Winged Creatures. I had directions and was all set. The directions I had said to take Interstate 57 south and exit at exit 14. So we drove and drove we saw exit 18 and 8 then turned around again 8 and 18 no exit 14. We stopped at a gas station on exit 18 and asked for directions. The attendant confirmed that there was no exit 14, and unfortunately she had no idea how to find Cache River State Natural Area. But lucky for us there was a small sign that said Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge and an arrow to the east. Originally we had cut the Cypress Creek NWR from our itinerary because there just would not be enough time. We hoped that we could find a person there to give us directions.
Luck was upon us. Not only did we find the new Cache Wetland Center, but we found a jewel of a girl that gave us great directions and great advice of some of the best places to stop and even where to spot an eagle’s nest.
In addition to a nesting pair of Bald Eagles (way cool), we saw the Champion Bald Cypress that is more than a thousand year old. This tree is huge. We got pictures at another one that was not a Champion but still 1000+ years old and we could walk right up to these. We then saw the Champion Water Tupelo Tree which we forgot to take the camera for that trail- so sorry we did not get a picture. We saw the Champion Cherrybark Oak, of which I took video.
I don’t know that there are words to describe how huge these trees are or how small one feels next to these giants. These trees are so amazing that even my children spoke in a whisper. It reminded me of visiting churches as sightseers in Germany and one second tourist are out on the street admiring the stone, wood or glass work chatting in a normal voice; then next second all of the tourist stand just inside the doors mouths gaping or speaking in a whispers. It was like we had entered a church and we didn’t want to disturb the worshipers. Just for a moment, under those trees, we became worshipers of a strange and new religion-the children of God standing at the feet of giants.
More trees
In addition to all the cool giant trees I worked a bit on my tree identification skills and was able to identity Sycamore, Sweet Gum, Shagbark Hickory, Sassafras, Easter Red Cedar, Black Locust, Sugar Maple, Yellowwood, White oak. There were a variety of oak, elm and maple trees too but I don’t know which sorts.
Champion Cherrybark oak
Cypress Tree
Huge Cypress tree
Champion Cypress tree
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