Thanks ftc - amazing (> maybe the oldest living thing in Europe <).

Years ago, I trekked up the mountainside of Yakushima Island in southern Japan - it took me all day through steamy sunshine and tropical downpours but at the top of the island are some of the oldest life forms on the planet - huge cedar trees dating back some 5,000 - 7,000 years ( http://373news.com/2000yakushima/yakusimE.htm )

I'll never forget being in the presence of those silent travellers through time...