It had to be the Magic Faraway Tree. It just had to be. And if I climbed it, I would meet Silky, Saucepan Man, and Moonface. Which land would be at the top? Hopefully, The Land of Do-As-You-Please, or the Land of Goodies. The Land with Dame Slap’s School didn’t sound that great, but the Land of Topsy-turvy would be fun.
The Magic Faraway Tree was on an enormous block, around the corner from my Gran’s house and directly across the road from where my friends, Lana and Shelley, lived.
So, one day I set out to climb to the top. Up I went, high, so high. And then I looked down, and the ground was so far, far away. So there I stayed, stuck.
Lana and Shelley had to go across the road to fetch their mum. She got her stepladder out for me to get down. Don’t laugh — it seemed much higher and scarier at six!
I never was brave enough to claim to the top. As a teenager, I could comfortably sit in the hallow where I got ‘stuck’ many years before. But that’s still as far as I would go.
My son was a tree climber, but the owners put up a massive brick wall before he was born. But given the chance, I’m sure he would have climbed higher than I ever managed.
The F̶a̶r̶a̶w̶a̶y̶ ̶T̶r̶e̶e̶ Moreton Bay Fig Tree is a tree of historical significance. According to Notable Trees of Perth by Barry White, it is both the largest and oldest Morten Bay Fig Tree in the Perth metropolitan area. Planted in the early 1830s, it’s over one hundred and eighty years old.
First Published in Six Word Photo Story Challenge
In Case You Missed It
In honour of the Western Australia border opening up in a few weeks to welcome the rest of the world back in, the golden oldie from the vault is 10 Places To Visit Based on Children’s Books.
There has never been a better time to be a booklover — with attractions and apps that bring books to life.
Children’s books are magical and can make a lasting impression well beyond childhood — these destinations can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
And you never know, a book-based adventure may tempt even the most reluctant readers to pick up a book!
From the classics to modern-day, and even a journey through a magical fairytale forest, prepare to go beyond the book.
10. Ginger Factory Gruffalo Trail. Queensland, Australia
Download the app, then follow the trail through the rainforest. Along the trail, you will find five markers. Use the app to activate Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake, and of course, The Gruffalo!
When you stand behind or next to the marker, you can take a photo with the characters — landscape mode will provide the best images.
Top tip: download the Gruffalo Spotters app before you visit.
Read the full article on Vocal.Media or Medium and get inspired for your next holiday.
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Thanks for reading, Sandi xx