My Very Own Ring!

  There is a Coastal legend called "The Ring in the Oak".  According to all that has been told, a Indian maiden from the Biloxi Tribe fell in love with a warrior from the neighboring Pascagoula Tribe.  Since these were rivals, the Chief of the Biloxi Tribe refused to allow a marriage to take place.  The young maiden begged so much that the Chief finally relented....a little bit.  "When a ring grows in yon oak tree, you may marry."  The story goes on to say that a terrible hurricane hit the area and when the winds subsided, lo and behold, a ring appeared in the tree. The Chief stood true to his word and allowed the marriage to take place.  As odd as it may seem, to this day there is a ring in that very same oak tree.  The tree has withstood all hurricanes even though it stands right near the beach. Also, as odd as it may seem, the legend has a few problems as the Biloxi Tribe and Pascagoula Tribe were not only allies but friends.  Still, it makes for a good story and the tale has withstood the test of time just like the old oak tree.  Tree experts have explained away the legend by declaring that the limb was damaged (split) by the storm and healed over to form a ring.  Probably....but you will never be able to convince any die-hard believers that their tree was not a miracle performed in the defense of true love.

  Late this afternoon, I was making my way back from the pier when I noticed our own "ring in the oak".  My ring is not a true ring....yet.  If the experts are correct, given a few hundred years, this ring will need a legend as well.  Just like the "Ring in the Oak" tree, the oak tree here was bent and twisted during a hurricane.  I first noticed the odd angle right after Hurricane Katrina.  Let nature take its course and in time, the tree limbs will grow together and form an unusual ring.  Mother Nature has a way of taking care of things.

  I guess now that I mention it, I really need to get started creating a fantastic legend to attach to my tree!  You know, it takes a while for legends to catch on with folks.  Perhaps it will not be some sappy love story but a tale of endurance or perhaps something mystical or magical like the Bayou itself.  That would be a fitting tale to give my tree!