If you actually wanted to hug a tree why not make it one that is 400 years old and only found in the exact spot you happen to be standing?  I figured I would live up to my tree hugging persona and hug a tree and have my photo taken.  I did just that.  I hugged a Kauri tree.  They are the biggest, not the tallest trees in NZ.   They produce the most timber.  They grow very slowly so they thrive on the steep slopes and ridge tops where most trees don’t grow.  That is why they are so thick.  The Kauri tree can be traced back to the dinosaur age!   That is my kind of tree.  The Kauri is what attracted people to this part of the island.  It was used to make a lot of boats and housing since it is so straight and strong.  I even saw a Siamese Kauri. 

Ignoring the risk of being teased for the rest of my life, I love trees!  I really do.  The grove is on the famous 309 road that is unsealed (Kiwi word for dirt road) and windy.  You pass some not so appealing parts (clear cutting and junk) and then you stop at this little opening in the forest and walk on in.  I had to leave Seth in the car because where we parked was a graveyard of broken window glass.  The last thing we needed was to have someone steal our luggage.  It was probably safe because we were there early in the morning but why tempt fate more?  I walked in and it was like stepping into another world.  All I could hear were birds, running water and the crunch of my shoes on the dirt and leaves.  It was a 10 minute walk in to the grove.  I rounded a corner and there they were.  Having never seen a Kauri tree I wasn’t sure I would notice them since there were so many trees around.  Believe me I noticed.  They are magnificient!  Truly breathtaking.  It’s like they are the watchers of the forest.  The tops of all of the other trees are there and then several feet up, STRAIGHT UP, is the top of the Kauri tree.  I walked on and up some stairs and got up close and personal with one and gave it a big hug.  It made my heart happy.  I really wished Seth was with me.  It rained at that moment but the top of the tree was so think I didn’t get wet.   I even giggled when I hugged the thing and you know what, it was SOFT.  The bark was actually soft to the touch.  How cool is that?

I couldn't stay forever so I stopped by the Siamese Kauri, said hello and good bye and went out to see my wonderful husband.  By the way wasn't it sweet of him to offer to stay with the car while I went in because he knows how much I love trees?  He didn’t even say it with a snicker or anything.  What a guy!