[Pilt ei vasta võistuse teemale:  ajaloolised, teadaolevalt enne 20. sajandit kasutusele võetud looduslikud pühapaigad. Korraldaja. --- This picture does not match the requirements of the contest: historical, natural sacred sites, known to be used before 20th century. Team of Sacred Groves Photography contest 2016.]      

I came across this small cross at the base of an ancient Coastal Live Oak when I was walking to the top of the road at New Camaldoli Hermitage. The road leads to a spectacular view of the ocean and surrounding mountains. In the Catholic tradition, the wood of cross is venerated during Holy Week, and this ancient tree has lived on the coast long before monks ever offered prayers here. The cross is sometimes referred to as the Tree of Life, and in places like this, I can see why.