LIVE OAK

It may not be exciting to you but for a fan of sailing ships Live Oak is of importance. It may well have been the best of all material for the structural part of a ship. The USS Constitution's original frame was Live Oak from St. Simon's Island in Georgia. What made Old Ironsides "ironsides" is the ship's frame not the outer planking. The crookedness of the tree provides "natural knees" that are far stronger than fitting two or more pieces of wood to accommodate the curves of a ship's hull.

In addition to the functional aspects of the wood, a stand of Live Oak, especially when decorated with Spanish Moss, is one of the great natural settings. 

These photos are not the best illustrations of the trees or natural knees but being just outside the trailer it was convenient while enjoying a G&T in 75 degree temperatures in November.