Stop Six

It feels different in here, in this area set back from the river. Do you feel it, too?

The majority of the original tree walkers that first arrived in Larch Island were white spruce, like this one in front of you at trail marker 6. This beautiful Original has settled into a now-stationary existence, as you can see.

This Original was one of the first to relocate here, to this quieter part of Larch Island, away from the activity of the river. It was assumed it came here to retire from active life, so please help us ensure it gets its space and quiet.

Yes, it is old, although it’s hard to tell its exact age.¹  Some assume this Original is dead; others hope it is still alive. If you walk around it, put your ear to its trunk and listen carefully. It may reveal its heartbeat, slow and steady. 

Just as the Originals came here to retire, so too must our story. The journey into the unusual history of Larch Island is almost at its end, but there is one more thing to share, before you depart. I’ll tell you more at Stop 7.

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foot.note

1.  The lifespan of the Originals is hard to gauge, on account of the speed at which they walked. More research is required if we are to accurately age the remaining Originals.