Summer at Midnight. It's a quiet and clear night in mid-June, there's a slight breeze and the weather i would guess at 75. The air is still warm from the days heat. Driving through the deep woods, with all the windows down and the sunroof open, my hair is blowing in the breeze. I always try to get lost in these woods, but always manage to find my way. Everything is perfect. The air smells of fresh dirt and pine. I look up to notice how indefinably beautiful the stars are tonight. There's no one around for miles. I pull over to the side of the road. Rubber tires rolling over pebbles on the side of the road create quiet crackling sounds. I turned the car off. All that can be heard is the overwhelming sound of thousands of crickets. I feel almost as if I am disturbing the peace with my existence in the area. I get out and slowly walk over to the familiar area. A very old oak, a selfless statue patiently braving the test of time. This is one of the most serene places I have ever been. On a hill, it's overlooking a beautiful valley. I used to just sit there for hours. lying with my back between 2 giant roots. The occasional gusts of wind blowing the leaves peacefully was almost meditative.

Not just any oak tree. A witness tree that survived one of the bloodiest of all battles during the Civil War at Devils Den between July 1-3, 1863

Photos: Tim Waltman