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Sunday 16 June 2019

The nave

Their reaction was the same as mine. Our granddaughters were with us at Cavendish Grove and had their bikes. I mentioned the path through a stand of trees and the girls were eager to ride there. When we entered the path, they both uttered, “Whoa.” 


Whoa indeed. The trees are over 30 meters tall and the leaves rustle in the breeze. The trunks draw the eyes up, up, to those leaves where rays of sunlight peak through intermittent gaps in the branches.


This is a natural nave behind Cavendish Grove, in a stand of huge red, sugar 





and striped maples, birch and beech trees. A path through the trees resembles the center aisle in a church but that is only the beginning.





The trunks of the trees are the columns, the green leaf in the canopy is the ceiling





and the gaps in the leaves make the clerestory. 


The architect is a master of her craft with a design which defies time. Thousands of generations will recognize all of the materials in foundation to roof and the lines and colours which define this nave. One can sense the consideration and craftsmanship which went into every aspect of this masterpiece. 




Like the early Christian churches, there is no seating here. One walks through, breathing slowly to absorb the essence of creation , as the avian choir sings from an unseen loft. The sound carries beautifully in this hallowed space.







It, like the planet where it resides is a sacred place, to be revered and cherished.

13 comments:

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I couldn't agree more Marie, nature is by far the superior architect. I loved the video, was lovely to hear the birds 💙

William Kendall said...

Wonderfully serene!

Linda said...

Lovely, simply lovely. The pictures and the sentiments.

Debbie said...

the leaves, the greenery...the trees are just so pretty. you have waited a long time to hear the leaves rustle in the breeze!!

Bill said...

The sounds and sights are simply gorgeous. You have a great place to enjoy and explore.

Laurel Wood said...

Lovely! Beautifully written and photographed.

Stewart M said...

It is very nice - I was reading recently about a place in the UK where, in a huge garden, a person had laid out a church is trees - with a nave etc - and the trees were selected to grow to the appropriate height as well.

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Sandy said...

So beautiful, so peaceful. So glad you got to share it with the girls and thanks for posting for all of us.

Tomoko said...

Perfectly beautiful season with the green leaves,the clean air and light.

Mage said...

Simply wonderful. Thank you.

jenny_o said...

Beautiful!

John's Island said...

Hello Marie, What a beautiful place. Your description/comparison to church is wonderful. The video is icing on the cake. May I second what your granddaughters said as they entered this natural nave behind Cavendish Grove ... “Whoa.” :-) John

Barbara said...

There is nothing more beautiful than a forest. Trees, leaves and sky above. Lovely. And what fun to bring your little bike riders. It always reminds me of my youth when the grand girls bike ride. It was our favorite activity as a child.