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  • Writer's pictureAvalon Karatau
    • Aug 30
    • 2 min read

Day 22: A Tree’s Tall Tale

Today, I’m gonna teach you something that’ll make you the life of any BBQ – how to read the rings of a tree like an expert bushman. Now, before you start thinking I’ve gone all tree-hugger on you, let me assure you, this is as rugged and Aussie as it gets. Reading tree rings is like flipping through a living history book – and who doesn’t love a good yarn?

So, picture this: You’re out on one of my legendary Whoop Whoop Walk About tours, and you come across an old tree. This isn’t just any tree, though – this old fella has seen more action than a roo under gun fire



. First thing you do? Count those dark rings. Each one represents a year in the tree’s life, so it’s kinda like counting your mate’s grey hairs – except the tree won’t whinge about it!

But here’s where it gets interesting. Those rings can tell you more than just how old the tree is – they’re like a diary of everything that’s happened in the tree’s life. You can spot where the tree went through a drought – the rings get all skinny, like the tree was on a bit of a diet. You’ll know when there was a big bushfire – the scars in the rings give it away. And if you see rings that are all over the shop, wider on one side, narrower on the other, that’s because the tree was leaning over, probably trying to get away from a nosy koala or maybe it just had one too many cold ones.



Now, let’s talk about those insect attacks. You might think that trees just stand there, looking pretty, but they’ve got their own battles going on. When bugs start chomping on them, the rings get real tight. It’s like the tree’s way of gritting its teeth and hanging in there. Good on ya, mate!

And here’s a real beaut: Sometimes, a tree has a bit of a rough patch, maybe it’s been through a few cyclones or it’s just had a lot of wild nights with the possums. You can see it in the rings – they get all gnarly and twisted. But, like any good Aussie, the tree doesn’t let it get it down. It just keeps growing, keeps adding those rings, year after year, until it’s standing tall again.

So next time you’re out in the bush, remember – the trees around you have stories to tell. And if you listen closely, you might just hear a few good ones. Just like me, they’ve been through the wringer, but they’ve come out the other side with a tale worth telling.

Catch you on the flip side, and remember – when in doubt, just count the rings! Cheers!


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