A 'RECYCLING TOWER' ... right in my back-yard!'

This is an event that caught my attention a few days before Christmas.  It was definitely not in the line-up for Christmas or New Year posts, but it just had to be added to my short list of pieces that show up around this time.  No mystery there anymore; this is how it happens on many occasions and I follow through.

Over a year ago on the sister blog, I had posted a poem titled 'One Hundred'.  It had been written awhile back and told a little of my encounter with a century old coconut tree, just outside my fence (http://spatrail.blogspot.com/2012/09/trailing-bush-part-4-walk-on-words-12.html). 
The old tree was also in the process of giving up its crown.   The rings of branches and coconuts have since fallen.  What remains of the centenarian is a towering trunk that is now dry enough to be put to other use by mother nature herself.

Last year around this same time as we approached the new year, my handy camera-man had rushed out to capture photos of the rising moon and the post 'Winding Down ...' was up within a couple hours (also on the sister blog).  You can click over to read and view at http://spatrail.blogspot.com/2012/12/winding-down-with-full-moon.html.

Fast forward ...

This time, around mid-morning, my handy photographer was called into action once again to capture two woodpeckers, that looked like small black dots, way up on the old coconut trunk. 
 

I had been hearing but not listening to the knocking sound.  It did not really hold my attention until I finally noticed the repetitive and rhythmic beat, in the background of a Sunday morning conversation.  It had actually been going on for quite some time and  it was coming from the towering headless trunk just outside the fence.

My photographer had to zoom in against a clear blue sky to capture the wood-pecker in action, as it quickly circled the old trunk.  Now you saw him, then you didn't and suddenly, there he was again!  There was one obvious opening close to the top of the trunk on the side that we could see.  There might be others on the opposite side.  I could only imagine the view from that penthouse bird-nest.    How could I have missed this process that must have been going on for some time, right in my back yard?

They could have been male and female; one pecked and checked while the other watched from a nearby dry tree branch.  They were probably refurbishing their pecked home after the heavy rains of the season.  
But what I saw from a distance was nothing compared to the details of natural design; color, texture, shapes and lines, that the zoomed lens were able to capture.  
The camera had been put on automatic setting to re-focus and capture the busy movements of the bird. Then I had the task of choosing from over 25 photos for this post ... a difficult 'task'!

I share a few of these photos with the thought that nature is always in reinvention mode; that nothing is lost, only 'recycled' into something else that serves an essential and possibly higher purpose.
In this case, the once majestic, century-old coconut tree, had been reduced to a headless dried-out trunk, then converted into the pent-house nest of two woodpeckers.  Who would have thought ...? 
I had actually imagined the trunk slowly crumbling to the ground ... and it will, but not before it has run the full course of its transformations.
Now I am well on my way to understanding that everything happens in its time, with purpose. Our part, I suppose, is to remain focused and learn. 

I continue to see the pair heading in and out of their nest and I wonder if they are in the process of adding a second floor to their home ... more room for young ones maybe?
I am less nostalgic over the loss of the emerald centenarian.

As we stand on the verge of 2014, remember that inspiring spots are all around just waiting to catch our attention.  Know also that you are always welcome to share your encounters and comments on Trail Spots (T-Spots!).

Especially, listen and look out for some of those re-inventions that might be happening right in your backyard.  Be camera ready!
Take a look at what is happening in mine ...    

 

 

 

Of course, I had originally intended to post about three photos, but then the inclination to share more kicked in.  
Could there possibly be a a new year message from the wood-peckers and the old, old coconut tree trunk, or any of the natural re-inventions that might be happening right in your back-yard?

Hello 2014!  

Update...!

  

This is what the trunk looks like now from a distance, since the tip-top fell recently.  It was about ten feet taller beyond the peckers' nest. That section is now resting in my yard waiting to be recycled into organic plant soil.

More recycling ...!

    

 

Organic material; plant would love this!

T -Spots! 

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TOP OF THE HILL ...Part 2

Continued from Part 1 ...


My most memorable moments on this recent visit were spent walking into the wind ... then standing close to the edge (behind the safety cables).  The wind literally wrapped itself around me like a  invisible magic cloak .

I was in full motion, even though I was just standing there.  I was part of the dance ... a windy dance on a hill that is now just about 192 meters at its highest point.  Only a hill, but what a view! 
Now, I'm looking at these photos and singing to myself ... " the answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind; the answer is blowing in the wind ...". 
 

 These are the kinds of uplifting experiences that energize and enable us to re-enter the world. There was no need for shady umbrellas or wide branching trees.  The sunshine splashed in from everywhere, bringing with it warmth and ease. 
With the memory of that strong breeze still swirling around on the inside and our two hours of freedom having come to an end, we descended the Hill to address more mundane matters.  Somehow the task at hand seemed much less formidable and we were certainly in higher spirits.

 

Pictures might speak a thousand words, but there is nothing like being present.  I sat down a little and soaked up a lot on the Hill!

The next time you visit Trinidad.  The next time you come to the south-land on your way to or through the city of San Fernando, pay a visit.  Go to the Hill ... go to the top of the Hill! *

Go to the top of the hill for 2014, trail-spotters ... the TOP of the hill!

We are on the move!

*  A brief history of the evolution of the San Fernando Hill can be located at   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Fernando_Hill

T-Spots!

TOP OF THE HILL ... Part 1

Entrance to a Southern Landmark
in the City of San Fernando

A pointed reminder of what was ...

 Everyone has some days that start off well-planned; when your time is accounted for hour by hour.  Then those well- planned days get 'tweaked' by life events and you just put on your cape and pull it together on the fly.  Things often turn out as good as, or even sometimes better, than what was originally planned.

Well, yesterday was such as day.  An important appointment was set for a specific time.  Then, in spite of our best efforts to cater for time-consuming eventualities, we were hit by traffic-jams coming from every direction.   There was no choice but to call in to say that we would be late.

The lateness for that important appointment, 'forced' us to find ways to occupy ourselves for at least two hours.   Then the suggestion was made to head for the hill ... San Fernando Hill.

I have witnessed the Hill's transformation over many years, from a towering solid landmark in the second city, to a less towering, but still impressive natural land form, transformed into a national and recreational park.  Thanks to someone's wisdom and vision, it is now a steep climb or drive to a scenic spot that offers stunning views of the city and environs.   

The San Fernando National Park has for some years, provided a welcoming setting for nature lovers and all who seek a calming space on the edge of the city.   Remnants of its former grandeur still remain, jutting like pointed reminders of what was, as well as what should not ever happen again  ... quarrying of a grand natural landmark.

With two hours to kill, we took a drive to the top of the Hill. 

I have not been to the top in over a year; at that time I had sat in the shade.  This time was different and I am absolutely sure the next time will be very different.  
Remember to click on the photos for expanded views.  Let's get moving trail-spotters!

The multipurpose center on San Fernando Hill

View of the Gulf of Paria 
where the Guaracara River enters the sea

View of the development in the foothills 
and the Gulf of Paria in the background

Even buzzards perch on the wall taking in the view
 and the sun's warmth.

Main street in the environs, Vistabella; below, a 
government housing development

Petrotrin Oil Refinery in the distance, to the northeast

Part of the original hill that remains standing
 after quarrying was stopped ... ruggedly beautiful.

Part 2 in the next post.

T-Spots!

 

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TESTING, TESTING ...!

Hello again Trail-spotters!

 We are in the process of trying out some other more comment-friendly formats.  All posts and pics are still right at your fingertips.


Your comments are invited as part of the process.  Let us know what you think and we'll soon be on the move once again.

T-Spots!!                                            

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