Tree Tales: The acacia tree proves to be a tasty treat — for giraffes

“Jambo.” One soon learns this word upon visiting the grand country of Kenya in Africa. It is their main greeting and basically means “hello.” Kenya is an exciting country where most people speak Swahili. There are vast ongoing dirt roads that wind through the country, giving the visitor an up-close experience in seeing wild animals.

Luke Thompson is an amazing photographer and a few years back, he ventured onto some of these wilderness roads on a guided tour. He was joined by some friends from New York and he created a fantastic adventure through his camera, that I was recently privileged to view.

I’ve always wanted to write about the acacia tree, but have not had a good picture to use, until now. Luke captured a long, slender neck stretching up to enjoy the delicacies of this special tree. An almost-as-long tongue extends around the leaves and firmly tugs, until a mouth watering, tasty morsel gives way and ends up in the mouth of the gentle giant known as a giraffe. One of the things that is so interesting about this tree is the thorns that grow on the branches and twigs. The giraffe doesn’t even flinch while dining on these sharp, sticky protrusions. The mouth and tongue of the giraffe manages to chew and swallow without doing itself any harm. This animal is truly a remarkable creation.

Another interesting fact about the acacia tree is that it is the wood that Noah was instructed to use to build the enormous ark before the great flood. The blueprint, so to speak, is clearly laid out in the book of Exodus, mostly in chapters 25 through 38. Fascinating reading! Thank you for this awesome picture, Luke.

Luke has many more fascinating pictures of animals and many grace the walls of his new home, which he now shares with his new wife. Just one year ago, April 28, 2013, Luke married Jennifer Fields, the girl of his dreams. Jennifer is also a world traveler and they now travel together. In fact, they recently took a trip to Australia and New Zealand.

I thought it would be fun to take a whirlwind travel review with them. I’m always up for a good adventure and I never get tired of animals and trees. So, after a 20-hour flight they landed in Brisbane. From there, they spent two days in the city of Sydney. I have always loved the name Sidney, I had a little red car once, that I named Sidney, and I have a friend that had a Sycamore tree in their backyard named Sidney, too. I think it would be a good name for a cat, but that’s another story.

Leaving Sydney behind, some time was spent at sea, where the couple indulged in delectable food and relaxing massages, including being completely wrapped in seaweed. Jennifer admitted, though, it was not smooth sailing the entire time on the sea, when the waves were tossing them about.

So when back on land, they explored more in the city of Auckland, New Zealand. They visited Sky Tower, which is known for its glass floor. They were dazzled by giant sting rays at the aquarium, as they glided effortlessly through the water. Next was the island of Tasmania, home of Steve the kangaroo. This is where Luke had the pleasure of feeding an ostrich by hand. He admitted it was a little painful. The huge birds are not very gentle as they thrust their beaks into the palm to pick at the food. Of course, Jennifer wanted a picture, so Luke bravely endured the ordeal again, as he held his hand out to the hungry bird.

They told me of visiting a cave in Tauranga, while in a kayak to see the famous Glow Worms on the walls. They learned that New Zealand’s greatest export was timber. Apparently, the soil and weather is so good there that it only takes the tree 10 years to mature, as opposed to 50 years over here in Oregon.

They shared more stories and pictures and I actually spent two hours in their home, fascinated with it all. I enjoyed my trip and learned quite a few new things, too. Yes, this earth is full of awesome creations and it seems more are being discovered all the time.

I would like to give a big thank you to J. Sterling Morton, a conservationist, who managed to have one million trees planted in Nebraska in 1872. His vision of saving trees and planting more continues today with the Arbor Day Foundation. Plant a tree for someone you love. Life is an adventure and may we all live long and have prosperous lives like the tree. Oh, and to Jennifer and Luke Thompson, happy first anniversary!

Vonnie Maple: 815-291-8055; ym61032@hotmail.com.