On the Trail




 

 

Peacock in a palm tree

There’s a pine tree growing amid roadside weeds and windblown rubbish on Kanan Road, about two miles south of Agoura Hills. It’s a small, solitary tree, set apart from the planted groves that flank the roadway, and it has a natural, nearly perfect pyramidal shape.

Each year, someone wades through drifts of food wrappers and pop cups, runaway hubcaps and orphaned basketball sneakers to reach the pine and adorn it with Christmas ornaments. The whoosh of roaring traffic is close enough to make this a perilous effort to bring holiday cheer to a desolate spot.

The little pine is no rival for Westlake Promenade’s towering fir, clothed in gorgeous glimmer from base to crown. Only a few lower, road- fronting branches are actually decorated.

There are no lights, yet the tree bears a vivid complement of Yuletide trappings.

This year as I hiked up from my Seminole Springs home to check out the mystery tree’s display, I began composing a nature-themed rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” I had to sing at the top of my lungs to hear myself over the traffic’s roar.

“Twelve dolphins diving, 11 lizards lazing, 10 spiders spinning . . .” I had to pause for a breath before continuing.

“ Nine jays a’ squawking, eight hawks a’ soaring, seven whales a’ spouting, six fawns a’ playing . . .” Another timeout to breathe, then,

“Five cormorants!

“Four sparkling creeks, three mule deer, two balmy coves . . .

“And a peacock in a palm tree!”

As I sang, an itty- bitty “Smart car” pulled alongside and began pacing me cautiously. It was easy to guess this must be a heckler intent on informing me my ditty was not destined for airplay.

A deep baritone sang out the window,

“Five cormorants!” with apt phrasing. Then the voice called,

“Hi there, need a lift?”

When I turned to face the driver, I was looking at possibly the largest human who’d ever managed to stuff himself inside so teensy- weensy a vehicle. That he was wearing a full regalia Santa getup compounded my surprise.

Friendly folks often stop and offer me rides, so I accepted without hesitation. What a thrill to be chauffeured by Mr. Claus! Every single passenger car traveling north or south honked at us. Arms were outstretched in waves. Children squealed in their car seats. Smart phones were angled for a passing photo.

I asked where he was headed.

“Oh, around, you know, busy season,” he said with a laugh that rocked the entire car. “I heard your song. Can we sing it?”

His sonorous voice provided a most flattering rendition. I pointed out the pine in passing. It stood rain- battered yet resplendent against a backdrop of rugged slopes densely layered in native chaparral. A hawk wheeled above it.

The mystery tree-trimmer had draped the pine’s branches in metal beads, faux pearls, red and plaid bows edged in lace or gold thread, plus suspended one tiny felt stocking imprinted with a Santa face. There were big red and white plastic snowflakes and globes of all sizes in purple, chartreuse, blue, gold and multicolor designs.

My Santa-chauffeur tooted his horn then blew a kiss at that joyful oddity along Kanan Road.

Gloria Glasser is a freelance writer. You can reach her at ranchomulholla@hotmail.com.


CHRISTMAS CHEER—A single pine tree growing wild on the side of Kanan Road south of the 101 Freeway is decorated each year for the holidays. This year it is adorned with ornaments, garlands and a single stocking.

CHRISTMAS CHEER—A single pine tree growing wild on the side of Kanan Road south of the 101 Freeway is decorated each year for the holidays. This year it is adorned with ornaments, garlands and a single stocking.

 

 

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