Weeping Willow

For well over 50 years, the two big willows at the main dock have graced our beach area, providing shade, nurturing wildlife, adding beauty.

This summer, the one closest to Anchor cottage developed a large crack in one of its twin trunks during one of our big storms.

That wasn't good news.

Brian conferred with tree experts about possible treatments -- perhaps a bolt to lock the trunk together?  The problem is that if you try something like that, and it does not work, the branch will fall at the worst possible opportunity. Can't have that... sorry.

So today Brian climbed up into the tree and removed a large portion of the damaged trunk.  Blessedly, there is still the other, healthy trunk and the other big willow right next door still providing excellent shade and shelter.

It has slightly changed our view -- both looking back to shore, and looking down to the lake.   This is the BEFORE photo...

And this is the after...

And this is the in-between.  It is amazing how quickly Brian and Mike were able to take this down, cut it up, load it in the truck and remove it.  They got it all done just after the Marathon Swim -- it was cool at the water, and there was nobody around (all inside warming up with coffee and treats from the Bakery!)

Anytime we change our landscape, it is a bit of a jar. One gets used to the view... one thinks it will last forever. Nature constantly changes.  That deck along the front of Anchor cottage -- for instance -- began its existence as the main dock of Bondi.  Broken loose by Hurricane Hazel (in, what? 1954? 1955?) it was retrieved as it drifted away and was fastened in front of the cottage.  A new dock was constructed, and that old dock simply stayed where it had been anchored.  It has been rebuilt over the years. So has the main dock. Things do change.  We get used to it being one way... but we will adapt.

I am reminded of the old farmer from Saskatchewan, who retired to British Columbia.  Asked how he liked living in the Okanagan, he replied, "well, it's not so bad. But those mountains, they sure do block the view."