Our favorite tree

If you live in Almaden in South San Jose, chances are you know this exact tree. In Guadalupe Oak Grove Park, at the top of a hill, it’s every kid’s favorite tree. Mine have climbed it since they could climb stairs. They still love it, so every time we do this hike, we pause here. And every so often, they hang out in the tree long enough for me to sketch.

I’ve drawn this tree over the years, and in many seasons. Mostly dry seasons, because, up until this year California had it’s worst ever years of drought.

When I did this sketch last year, I thought the tree might not make it through one more year without rain…

But I was so wrong. And here, in stark contrast to those previous drought-year sketches, is this one from the weekend…

Our tree is back!