Tree + cake

Today I was part of a very special gathering where I learned why the tree(s) in my photograph are a favourite of friend P. Quite some time ago, a mature oak tree fell over but continued to grow, although some of its branches were immersed in the nearby river. Very closely alongside the oak, appearing as if it is sprouting from the oak, a rowan (mountain ash) reaches for the sky. These very different, yet closely entwined trees, (see extra) are growing in a spot that is special to P’s family, and has become even more special since her daughter-in-law S died last October. S was of Indian decent and she and P’s son produced two beautiful mixed-race children a few years before S died from cancer. The entwined trees are symbolic of the loving marriage  between two young people from different backgrounds. Taking the intertwined symbolism even further, we ate a very tasty chocolate and vanilla marble cake with our tea.
Tea + cake is a series of gatherings organised by Mull Native Woodlands Group and each gathering is unique, celebrating in some way why a particular tree is important to a local inhabitant of Mull.