I have had many fun times under and around this tree. From swinging from it, swimming under it, hiking around it, and more. From the time I was a youngster, my best friend and I would pack a lunch and peddle our little huffy bicycles to this location and spend summer days near this tree. We would strip down to our briefs and swim under this tree (against our parents wishes) and when we got older it was the location of many great paintball wars.

I remember one night while driving around, my friends truck broke down and left us stranded here. We enjoyed the walk, in pitch black, back into town (we didn't need light, after all we knew the area inside out).

It was here where many a throw downs took place, between a Ford Escort and a Geo Tracker. That little Escort never let me down.

There was so much about this old tree and its surroundings that were forbidden that made it so much more intriguing.

The hill that lies behind this tree was a challenge to climb (in my parents Durango... again against their wishes) but no where else could you look over the sleepy town.

I found this picture, and flipped it upside down, and it is still recognizable to me as nature's playground.

Good'ole Paterson's Pond.

(Picture by: Russell Darling posted at "I grew up in St. Johns" - Facebook.com)