We were assigned to do audits for two of the branches in our district and we went to Cosenza to do the first one, on the way home we decided to stop at a place we have noticed on our way. It is called the 'Giant Tree Reserve'. We thought it would be a lot of hiking and a large area to hike in. The place was not where we thought it would be; it was only a 5 to 10 miles away from the freeway. The reserve is on the east side of a hill and reminded us of , 'Ross Creek Cedars" in Montana. There seems to be a good deal of underground water in the reserve but not surface water. The trees are smaller than the Ross Creek trees however they are in the same age range 350 to 400 years old.

 This was a pretty place of calm and silence, but not very large, we walked 30 minutes on the paths, taking time to look and think!

 This double tree looked like Disney had seen it and made a cartoon out of it.

 This tree is a little deceiving because you can put 10 people in side the cavity of the tree. 

 We walked up this dirt road to the reserve and it looked like we had entered someone farm!

 We thought Laura would love this door!

 This is a Oak tree-- all the reserve trees were pines.

 We drove down the freeway until we found another dirt road, walked down that road and had a picnic. It was natural and peaceful. We saw these interesting plants , they look like a thistle but with this big yellow flower coming out of the center!

 This sight could be just about any where in the west!  BUT NO,  it is ITALY!

 I liked the sign ---- It is a very good year!!!

Our RS group today, Our numbers really thin out when noon hits! They leave to go make their big lunch "pranza" for the day! The sister two from me , wearing yellow and black, her mother made that beautiful table covering! Can you imagine the hours of labor on that!
Transfers are this week and we will lose 2 of our missionaries and gain 2 greenies fresh out of the MTC---  Losing and gaining is always a mixed bag of emotions!!!!