Check this crooked tree out

[labradoodle of pa]

This tree grew like this it is at the Sinnemahoning State Park in Potter County Pa. Bob there is a sign pointing back a trail called the arch tree

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector, Waterproof Gold Detector, Pinpoint & Terrain Modes, Professional Metal Detector - Grab it through Amazon!

[Charlie P. (NY)]

I have mornings my back feels like that.

 

[mamabear]

what a great pic!! love the tree. love your avatar pic too. is that your dog? he is a cutie

 

[Old Dog]

Bob,

That looks a lot like a thong tree or trail tree.
They are pretty special and are a part of a rich American heritage, they are being preserved and protected more now, but it is a shame that so very many of them have been cut down because they were just in the way.

These are always nice to see.
Thanks for sharing !

Thom

 

[mamabear]

Thom, what is a thong tree? We have several of them here, & have heard that term before, but have no clue as to meaning. What is the history?

 

[Old Dog]

This link should help some I hope.

http://www.mountainstewards.org/trailtreeblog/?page_id=4

We all should do more to protect these landmarks of our history,
Before it's too late.

Thom

 

[Excavator]

I have mornings my back feels like that.

Amen! More like months like that for me!

Is the tree rooted where the forks are? Sort of looks like another tree fell on it early in it's growth. Or maybe it was tied down? Wild looking though!

 

[Old Dog]

EX,
It was tied down,
Hence the name "Thong Tree".

Some of these trees are several hundred years old.
Different shapes have different meanings.
I am sorry to say I am not as Knowledgeable about this subject as I would like to be.
But I did provide the link above to help in your search for more info.

Get with another member of T-Net 'By The River' or 'Smee',
These folks are more informed than I, and can answer the questions much better than I would be able to.

Thom

 

[Red_desert]

That is interesting...i think there may have been one in the woods where just moved from 2 years ago. Good sign of an old homestead? Certainly would indicate an older site...

 

[Old Dog]

Most of them are Ameican Indian trail trees.
They point to water, towards the main camp
and mark trails for the most part.

Thom

 

[Red_desert]

I just got done reading the article of the link you posted. Yes, they seem to have been Native American, to point to places off the main trail, such as water, hunting, medicine herbs, etc. Each one has a meaning.

 

[Old Dog]

RD,
See, LOL
I told you that link was smarter than I was.

LOL
Thom

 

[Excavator]

That's an interesting link Thom. I'll have to pay more attention to the next one I see, and not dismiss it as a 'casualty'.

 

[mamabear]

Thom, thanx for the great link. saved it & will be visiting it often.

 

[Old Dog]

Glad I could help.

Thom

 

[labradoodle of pa]

Reddessert there was a small settlement there called Forty Maples it washed away in a flood there is some old foundations still showing here and there I WILL GET SOME MORE INFO ON IT THE lADY AT THE Park said I could detect there but any artifacts be longed to the park Bob

 

[Old Dog]

Bob,
You can Honestly say that's fair,
I would hope that they would also make arangements to display the finds as well.
At least the stuff won't be rotting away underground and being wasted.

You can take photos and show us what you found.

Awesome tree by the way.

Thom

 

[labradoodle of pa]

Thom I plan on checking it out this spring before the grass and weeds get to high I would like to find something for them to put in the visters center Bob

 

[Red_desert]

That would be neat detecting there. They will most likely add your name to the artifacts found. At least a museum I donated to while on vacation in New Mexico did that once.

 

[Old Dog]

Kudos to you Bob,
And a bright spot for MDers everywhere.
Thanks for sharing this, what a rare chance to be the embassadore for Metal Detecting.
and to give treasure hunters a good name. Remember to ...
Record your finds ... when, where, how deep etc
always fill your holes
smile as much as possible

and last
photograph everything so we can see what you found
and you will have a record.

Congrats
Thom