Sunday, April 5, 2009

#024-365 Bent

Hows this for getting a theme right? This tree is one of about three of this variety in the Redcliffe Show grounds, and the only one that has this configuration. I have asked the caretaker and he has no knowledge of the cause for the contortion. I have seen this tree festooned with crows on occasion, but we have been blessed with a fair amount of rain lately so the crows head out in the bush to get a better feed. They only seem to congregate in large numbers buring drought seasons.

The Redcliffe showgrounds is the site of The Redcliffe Show which like most regional show is diminishing over the years, Animal acts that used to draw the "Marks" are now frowned upon. so kids don't get to see Elephant, Lion, Camel etc that are used to people, and in my mind no longer appreciate them. I understand about the Animal Rights issues, but I spent many a year trying to drum up the courage to run away and "Join the Circus" guess I just didn't have enough Larsony to become a "Carney" lucky I guess cause then I might have graduated and become a politician (sorry about that rude word).

As I said however, I spent a lot of time hanging around though and I got to see some of the real affection those people had for the animals in their charge, and lets face it they drew the Marks they brought in the money, not many got treated badly, inspite of what the papers and Tv would have you believe. (Occasional Bad Apples excluded - and normally the Carney people sorted those out.) The Redcliffe show occurs about a month before the Brisbane Exhibition or Ekka (as it is called) so those Carneys that need to do running repairs stay on as it is less distance to travel for the Ekka, when they do, they used to peg out the Shetland Ponies in an array around that tree so that they could all gather under the shade in the heat of the day.

23 comments:

KimR. said...

Definitely bent--and very interesting!

barbs said...

So perfect for the theme and makes an even better photo because of all the straight trees nearby.

Chesney said...

You are good, definitely hit "Bent" straight on!

Sunny said...

I love that tree! Reminds me of my sense of humor. (Or maybe warped would be a better fit!)

How sad that so many things that were good have been taken away due to "rights" or "safety"! So many people nowadays want to protect children (and animals) from EVERYTHING. It's not a safe world. How well do they cope without learning to deal with the little dangers--and sometimes big ones--in everyday life?!?

(I can picture the Shetland ponies dozing in the shade of that tree! Hmm. Maybe THAT'S why I like it so much! Ya think?)

Edmund said...

Realy nice bent tree. Good take on this theme.

Anonymous said...

Hmmmm - I wonder if this could be a very young Banyan Tree that hasn't sent down its shoots for new roots yet? No. Guess not. Anyhow, swell photo, nice contrasts and colors. Lighting must be hard to get right there with the sun so bright. Good job.

Rachel said...

Great tree & nice shot.

Brita said...

So bent and very interesting. Love your stories to go with the shots. I always learn a lot. Thanks for sharing.
There's something for you at my blog.

Linda aka Elemobe said...

Maybe the tree is just a free spirit and didn't want to follow the trend - lol

Perfect for the theme.

Anonymous said...

Yep! It's bent - you nailed it!

Anonymous said...

I love this old bent tree, and te story too.

Linda S said...

Enlarged, the leaves are beautiful. It is a nice shot for the theme too.

Anonymous said...

An ideal shot for this theme and as barbs said, it's so much more interesting counterbalanced by the straight trees - really makes you wonder what happend to this one. Might make for a good wand wood - for throwing twisted spells!

Anonymous said...

Nice photo of an unusual tree. Reminds me of the oaks north of Corpus Christ, TX that are all bent from the constant Gulf winds.

Anonymous said...

It's a beautiful, bent tree! Love all the shadows!

Anonymous said...

Cool tree and I especially like the shadow it casts.

annalarssonphotography said...

Definitely bent - and very interesting! :)

Anonymous said...

Awesome for the theme. And that the other trees are so ram-rod strait really sets it off.

Candyce said...

Yep it's bent!

Kathy said...

Great shot for this theme! Bent indeed....kinda like your sense of humour ;o)

Anonymous said...
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Kim said...

What a cool and distinctive tree! It looks like it was just made for sitting!

DART said...

How cool! Much easier to sit or snooze in a tree shaped like this! I think it's a Bed & Breakfast Mother Nature style!