The Mystery Tree of Edisto Island, SC stands in the salt marsh just a few paces off of highway 174 directly across from Botany Bay Road. No one seems to know the origin of the tree or who decorates it, but its theme changes with the seasons. Patriotic in the summer, Christmas in the winter even pink hearts and cupids in February. The Mystery Tree has become a local landmark, and a symbol of Edisto’s laid back care free attitude.
Some say, however, that there is something more sinister afoot. The tree is a marker for, and reminder of the evils of slavery that occurred just down the road at Botany Bay Plantation. The gaudy decorations are there to chase away the evil spirits that emanate from that place.
Either way the tree, for many, is a reminder of the good times shared with family and friends at Edisto. Each time, as we make our way down the lonely highway to the beach, there sits the tree waiting to greet us with assurance that good times are just ahead.
This photo was captured just after sunset. The tree is lit with 2 SB-800 strobes, right and left. Both strobes were fitted with Honl full green gels. Color correction in Lightroom 3 shifts the color balance to match the green gel and gives the sky a magenta cast.
--Steve
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