When Christmas trees grow up

Back in February of 1997 I asked Darian to find a good home for my little Norwegian pine that had fulfilled its duty as our holiday centerpiece. She planted it near the edge of the field bounding the south and west flanks (respectively) of Kresge and Porter colleges at UCSC (University of California at Santa Cruz). I didn’t half-think the little thing would survive but the bugger has flourished — so much so that it’s now visible from space! Check it out:

Latitude: 36°59′44.82″N
Longitude: 122° 4′2.26″W

Over the past decade I’ve stopped by the field during the several occasions I’ve found myself back in the area. You know, to pay a visit. The biggest shock came in 2003 after I’d just come back from Japan; I hadn’t seen the tree in years and when I went to where I knew it should be I couldn’t find it. That’s because I was looking for a sapling that had since grown several meters in height.

I’ve heard rumors that UCSC’s unbridled expansion will eventually spill over into the field, gobbling up Darian’s garden and possibly my tree, as well. Hold tight, friend, and if that dark day does come, make them curse it as they struggle to rip your deep roots free of the earth!