Near Pemberton, the 61 metre ‘Gloucester Tree’ is apparently the world’s tallest fire-lookout tree. So I sent Andy up it – just to make sure. 
We thought Denmark on the south coast would be a good place to stay for a few days, since it’s close to the National Park stuff that would remain open over Christmas. We chose a campsite on the waterfront that also had a pub within walking distance (hooray).
But first, more trees. The Giant Tingle tree is over 450 years old and has a 24 m diameter trunk. They have no tap root, so even if the heartwood is damaged by fire or disease the tree continues growing.
There used to be another giant nearby, but it was killed by over-zealous tourists. During the 60’s no holiday album was complete without a shot of the family car parked inside the Tingle. Trouble is, the tree’s shallow root system was compacted by the traffic, and it eventually popped its clogs.
