In my earliest memories of drives to Lochiel, we begged to stop at the hollow tree.
All of us kids would pile out of the truck, leaving behind our penny candy from Lyle and Jeannie’s store and wade through the foot-tall grass to stand inside the tree. There were usually four of us and the hollowed-out heart of the tree held us comfortably.
This old sycamore stood guard outside of the old town site where our dads grew up walking barefoot on the rocky dirt road. This tree was hollowed by a fire—no one seems to remember when—but miraculously it still lives, bearing leaves every spring and presenting its orange and yellow leaves in the fall.
When I can, I still drive out to the hollow tree. I’ll never be too old to stand inside.
Previously in Great Trees of Eastern Santa Cruz County: “The Mexican Blue Oak of Sonoita Creek” by Vince Pinto
Do you know a great tree? Share it with us! Submit photos (or artwork!) and text about your favorite tree to prtadast@gmail.com. It can be any tree on public or private property in Eastern Santa Cruz County. (You don’t have to disclose the tree’s exact location unless you want to.) Tell us what makes the tree great: maybe it’s the tree’s size, shape or age; or its leaf color; or the animals and insects who inhabit it; or the special events or family traditions associated with it; or perhaps something more personal. Whatever it is, share it with us. Let’s celebrate our area’s natural splendor and heritage!