My parents both grew up around the Charleston area. They got married there, and lived there for several years. Then, for reasons I will never fully understand, decided to move away before my sister and I were born. (We’re still South Carolina natives, we just don’t have the privilege of being Charleston natives.)
I love the Charleston area, and have for as long as I can remember. Though we very rarely went there, my parents talked about it a lot. Hubby and I vacation there more than anywhere else. Every time we’ve gone my mom has said we should see the Angel Oak while we’re there. We always meant to, but somehow never got around to it. Until last year.
We finally drove out to Johns Island in November of last year to see the Angel Oak. I’m not really sure what I was expecting. I’d heard my parents talk about it for years. I’d looked it up online; I knew it was supposed to be a huge, beautiful old oak tree. 
I wasn’t prepared for how enormous or how breathtakingly beautiful it was. Angel Oak is basically in a state park, down a little dirt road next to an old church. Your expectations aren’t raised as you get closer. But then, it’s magic.The size and beauty of the tree take your breath away, and it just fees like a magical place. All of the numbers about the biggest branch, how much area it shades, how old it is, go right out of your head. You walk under the canopy of the tree, and you feel like you’re in a different world.
So what about you? Have you been to see the Angel Oak? Did you think it was magical?
Hi Dani - I've never been to that part of the States - but what an amazing tree .. and no wonder your parents were bewitched, as are you now and you're introducing us ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI've never been to the Angel Oak, but that is going to have to change, and soon! Stunning.
ReplyDeleteThat is an absolutely gorgeous tree! I'm imagining all the photographic opportunities..
ReplyDeleteDan Brown A-Z
What a gorgeous tree. I love the Charleston area, we have been there several times. Loved the market with all the basketwork. But no, never heard of the tree unfortunately. If we go back, I will certainly be sure to visit it.
ReplyDeleteOhhhhhh, lovely!! I'm from out west, Colorado, and have never heard of this magnificent tree - I'm so glad you posted about it! I'm visiting from A-Z (www.storycrossings.com/blog) and I'm so glad I did! Would love to breathe 'midst its branches and lean against its trunk... Happy A-Z to you!
ReplyDeleteWe stopped by the Angel Oak on our way to Kiawah from James Island last October. It was beautiful! A bit off the beaten path, but well worth the side trip!
ReplyDeleteThat's an absolutely gorgeous tree. I'd never heard of it until I read this!
ReplyDeleteNever seen it, but would like to some day! By your description, it sounds magical!! I'm glad you and Nick decided to take the plunge so to speak and go and see it!
ReplyDeletebetty
Moments like those are - magickal. How could they be anything other?
ReplyDeleteWe can use words to describe and share the sense of awe and majesty, but it is the experience and thankfully, the imagery, for those of us unable to visit, that will help us know.
Magnificent Angel Oak - truly divine.
Great post and start to the challenge :)
The way you have described the tree, it seems magnificent and majestic.
ReplyDeleteThe vast branches spread out seem to be calling us for a hug :)
Very well written. Nice photographs as well to go wwith it!
All the best for the challenge!
We visited Charleston a few years ago, but didn't know about this unfortunately. Next time!
ReplyDeleteAnabel's Travel Blog
Adventures of a retired librarian
I love trees and this one is magnificent! It reminds me of the woods we used to play in and climbing trees.
ReplyDeleteYes, very magical. And it's alive too. I miss those old trees...they tell a story. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tree! Great pics, too. I've vowed to travel more in the coming years and am adding this place as a spot to visit.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your photos of this marvelous tree. I am from the Pacific Northwest, and while our trees are tall, I've never seen anything quite like the Angel Oak.
ReplyDeleteHappy A to Z!
I haven't been there but it looks beautiful! I've actually never been to South Carolina, but I'd love to visit it some day!
ReplyDeleteOh my what a fabulous tree - and thank you for the lovely introduction to it.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I have been to Charleston several times over the past 20-ish years and we've NEVER heard of the Angel Oak. So now we have an excuse to go back! How could we have missed out on something so beautiful?
ReplyDeleteWOW. That's an amazing tree! I've seen some big oaks (where I grew up in California), but none that massive! Thanks for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteThe oak tree looks so majestic! :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know about Charleston but I love South Carolina - especially their tagline is amazing "Smiling faces, beautiful places" :D
Charleston is one of my favorite places to visit. There are so many gorgeous spots there! And so much to do!
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