I looked on your blog, but I couldn't find the reference -- maybe you could tell it here?Quote:
Originally Posted by Kirby
Mark
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I looked on your blog, but I couldn't find the reference -- maybe you could tell it here?Quote:
Originally Posted by Kirby
Mark
Seriously, as a dog lover, I appreciate you taking that time from your trip to do that. Hope it's OK.
Nice blog and I'm enjoying your roadtrip reports here, too. I'm glad your trip is going along so well.
I, too, am now curious about the Survivor Tree.
The Survivor Tree: An American elm on the north side of the Memorial, this tree was the only shade tree in the parking lot across the street from the Murrah Building, and commuters came in to work early to get one of the shady parking spots provided by its branches. Photos of Oklahoma City taken around the time of statehood (1907) show this tree, meaning it is currently at least 101 years old. Despite its age, the tree was neglected and taken for granted prior to the blast. Heavily damaged by the bomb, the Tree ultimately survived after nearly being chopped down during the initial investigation, in order to recover evidence hanging in its branches and embedded in its bark.
The force of the blast ripped most of the branches from the Survivor Tree, glass and debris were imbedded in its trunk and fire from the cars parked beneath it blackened what was left of the tree. Most thought the tree could not survive. However, almost a year after the bombing, family members, survivors and rescue workers gathered for a memorial ceremony under the tree noticed it was beginning to bloom again. In that instant the tree became a symbol of what the city had come through. Like the tree, the city had been bent and bowed but it had not been broken. The tree and the city survived. The Survivor Tree now thrives, in no small part because the specifications for the Outdoor Memorial design included a mandate to feature and protect the Tree. One example of the dramatic measures taken to save the Tree: one of the roots that would have been cut by the wall surrounding the Tree was placed inside a large pipe, so it could reach the soil beyond the wall without being damaged. A second example is the decking around the Tree, which is raised several feet to make an underground crawlspace; workers enter through a secure hatchway and monitor the health of the Tree and maintain its very deep roots.
The inscription around the inside of the deck wall around the Survivor Tree reads:
The spirit of this city and this nation will not be defeated; our deeply rooted faith sustains us.
Hundreds of seeds from the Survivor Tree are planted annually and the resulting saplings are distributed each year on the anniversary of the bombing. Thousands of Survivor Trees are growing today in public and private places all over the United States; saplings were sent to Columbine High School after the massacre there, to New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani after the September 11, 2001 attacks, the Virginia Tech massacre in 2007, and various times.
I just spent 2 days driving through New Mexico. HOLY COW that is one BEAUTIFUL state. I was just amazed every second. Posting some photos.
You guys were right about some things. Planning out hotels in non high traffic areas is not a good idea. I cancelled some of my reservations. Made it a lot easier.
I learned to not take the cheapest hotel, go where there are at least 4 or 5 hotels at the exit and look for mini-vans and families.
Have to run and get ready for the breakfast this morning. Please visit my blog for more details about the trip.
Also- posting some photos from NM....... Thanks!
If I were to ever move, it's near the top of my list. The only problem is that I'm a big beach person. No ocean. I don't know if rivers and lakes would suffice. But it's sure an amazing state, isn't it?
Thank you so much for sharing the story of the Survivor Tree. I get emotional at the strangest things sometimes. It brought tears to my eyes.
Very good point about looking for evidence of families (like mini-vans) at hotels. I had never thought of that and it would be a good tip to pass along to future roadtrippers visiting here.
I'm so glad you're trip is going so well. Looking forward to the next installment.
Judy- I grew up on Long Island, about 1 miles from the beach. I also lived in Virginia Beach for 6 years. I love the beach too.
Anyway, we went to Antelope Canyon today. It was very cool and worth the $55 for my son and I. We're heading to the Grand Canyon tomorrow!!! Please pray that the weather is good. There was some bad weather in Phoenix lately.
Posting some photos from Antelope Canyon in Page, AZ.
This is first I had heard about the "Survivor Tree" -- very nice story. Thanks for sharing it and thanks for the latest photos -- sounds like things continue to go well for you and your son on this trip.
Mark
After 3 weeks of being on the road, my son and I finally made it to the Grand Canyon. We got to see it from a few different views before the storm came in. I hope tomorrow it's nice so I can get some clear pictures before we leave.
Then we head down to the Flagstaff & Phoenix area. Hoping the flooding is better by then.
Posting some pictures from the Canyon.
Right now we're about 3 miles from the CA/AZ line. We spent about a week in Arizona. Great state. If anyone is visiting the Grand Canyon- stay overnight in Flagstaff! The hotel we payed $150 a night in Tusayan (sp?) was NOT worth it. It's only about an hour drive or so- and very easy.
I've also learned some good lessons-
Great Ideas (things that work really well on the trip)
-Blackberry - couldn't live without it (email & web access)
-Cooler - big cooler with wheels is a lifesaver
-Ipod - listening to your favorite music is priceless
-DVD player - I got a $90 portable DVD player and it connects to car
-12 volt splitter - I got this cheap $10 or so plastic thing that allows me to plug in two 12 volt things at once (like ipod & dvd player)
- GPS!!!!!!! -in so many ways this was a great investment. I know where every gas station is, I can tell how the road in front of me will turn, finding hotels & restaurants--- awesome
Also- I carry with me those reusable plastic grocery bags. I got a couple at Whole Foods for $1 each. They are great. I use them for so many things- shopping, throwing in last minute things from the hotel room, laundry, garbage, toys, swimming items, etc. They are cheap, durable, easy to fold up and pack in the car. It's like having extra luggage, but not taking up any space. Invest in a few of these bags and bring them with you!
Ok- that's it for now. Got to get ready to head west. More to come....
How's the weather? I had no idea Arizona was having such heavy rains and flooding. I tend to tune out weather forecasts, I guess.