Camping in my 100 year old Gum tree

This is the story of spending a night in a big old gumtree. Strapped to three builders planks- one of which had a large crack that I thought was spilled paint, I slept with one eye open, which was pleasant because I could see the view. Originally driven by the premise of backyard adventuring, using old climbing kit and dodgy ladders, a simple night out, 30-foot up, ended up being a reflection of how much I like trees, particularly the vulnerable Strzelecki gums I live among. Dinner, breakfast, bad coffee, podcast, and sitting on a park bench I should sit on more often, Big Gums is the story of a man who is no longer a boy, spending time with an endangered, iconic tree.
For all the latest on tours, Patreon, books and other Beauisms - linktr.ee/beauisms
Produced and Directed by
BEAU MILES
Produced and Edited by
MITCH DRUMMOND
Filmed by
MITCH DRUMMOND
CHRIS ORD
BEAU MILES
Final Sound Mix
JAMES DOBSON
Photography
PAT CORDON
--
Music (in order of appearance):
Peace be still by The Hunts
November by GRAD
We crossed paths by Ben McElroy
Crystalline by Leroy Wild
Walking in Forests by Ben Winwood
Invincible by ORKAS
Brown Hill by Muted
Monomer by Leroy Wild

[@SE4GY7]

This dude is seriously the coolest dude on planet earth.

[@charleshoughton100]

Spencer Denning gotta be top 10 for sure

[@rburke00]

Much needed content this day and age. Such a wholesome dude.

[@vibinoutside]

and one of the most underrated.. can't believe the channels below 200k subs..

[@joshuastrong2398]

I thought that was James Cameron🧐

[@JimHep]

Still one of my all time favorite youtubers. ✌️

[@Chipmunk194]

Beau's perspective continues to be the most refreshing thing to watch any day of the week.

[@badtrixxx]

0

[@tissuepaper9962]

Didn't realize you could book hotels on gumtree now.

[@benfox9382]

He used Air B N Tree i heard

[@makingmemark]

Nah, I know him personally and he always uses Treevago

[@michaeld2549]

👏

[@lucidrootsart]

I just figured that you can on tree-bay too.

[@Eric-469]

3 of these comments are absolutely next level

[@LawsonLindseyFishing]

i just absolutely can't get enough of your videos man

[@Iwasthewalrus]

You speak for many of us my friend.

[@tdb7992]

Beau is the kind of bloke that every Australian guy wants as his best mate. You make me appreciate my country more Beau. We truly do live in God's Country. I've just taken up hiking again after giving it a rest for a few years - I used to go hike in the Dandenongs but now I live in Perth, so I go down south to the old growth forests. I did a 28km overnighter in a stunning old Karri forest a few weeks ago and felt like a new man at the end of it.

[@fredfredrickson8892]

Sun Hat who is he torturing? this is just fun.

[@locohombre79]

TD B Not only Australian fellas, bud- I’m a bloody Pom, and I want him as my best mate too. Good on ya for getting back out there, all the best

[@jaju123456]

@@solchapeau6343 Pretty tame as far as torture goes tbh

[@fredfredrickson8892]

Sun Hat Maybe to you, that is type 2 fun to him and me.

[@AIIu_]

​@@solchapeau6343 Do you know why people do uncomfortable things? No one trains until they almost pass out or hike for days in inhumane environments just because they like being uncomfortable. It's the feeling you get after something you do that you normally wouldn't. No matter how "bizarre" it might be. That's stepping out of your comfort zone.

[@mrdjr6544]

33 days ago I started watching your videos. 33 days since I smoked, drank alcohol. In 33 days I've lost 25lb and can now run 10km. Thanks man!

[@sreno0207]

Congrats from western Pennsylvania!

[@crown8144]

Amazing!!! Well done I’m the same with alcohol! It was fucking up my life

[@mrdjr6544]

@@crown8144 Good luck, I hope you can do it. I'm still regularly running. I had a relapse on alcohol, a month of it, but I'm back, healthy. Onwards and upwards.

[@crown8144]

@@mrdjr6544 absolutely good luck. I can never go back. It would be a death sentence

[@wholesomejm]

Hope you mates are doing well

[@lewischristian1924]

This guy has quickly become my favorite "youtuber". He's so wholesome and fresh in a world of chaos and anxiety.

[@3nt3_]

thanks for this "comment"

[@bullshitstomper9417]

Orange man good 👍

[@selfsameday7448]

U have seen his Beanie diet ?

[@djidlhnds168]

Every Beau Miles video is replete with humor, amazement, and something profound emerging from something simple. If more people saw life through his lens the world would undoubtedly be a better place.

[@Jarmezrocks]

These words sum everything up perfectly!

[@seanmackenzie9295]

@@Jarmezrocks legit aye

[@user-ez9bx1dm7r]

I'm so enamored with Beau's ability to appreciate everything around him and to soak up and enjoy his life to the fullest. He has such a wonderful attitude towards everything and even without watching this video I can tell it will be a wonderful experience.

[@hamburger-fries]

His wife is lucky. To get to hang out with such a refreshing and interesting person every day.

[@Patrick-jj5nh]

@@hamburger-fries I am sure he counts himself lucky too; she seems marvellous.

[@williamthegriffin6185]

Another William!! Hi

[@stevefox7469]

Well said..

[@hand__banana]

yep. incredibly wholesome couple.

[@starfleetbrat]

Ahh, The things a bloke does to avoid those night time nappy changes. ;p

[@PS-nm8wk]

My thoughts exactly, was surprised she let him off the hook so easily xD

[@1992ayjay]

"Had to come ten metres up a tree to sit on my park bench". I think this can be applied to everyone life at some point or another. We all forget about the simple things.

[@henrywalke9129]

I can't believe he's eating beans so soon after his eat his weight challenge

[@GuiiSanttoss]

That was, actually, a long time ago! So he had his time to miss beans again HAHAHAHA

[@joachimlundberg]

yeah that's funny, guess he just generally loves his beans?

[@laska907]

I cannot believe he slept on two planks of wood instead of a hammock 😂

[@GuiiSanttoss]

@@laska907 he actually couldn't find his Hammock, he said it on the podcast featured at the end HAHAHAH

[@nicholastown2779]

yeah hahaha...and in coffee.. my god. if i ate beans and coffee together i would seriously explode myself far far from the big gum into the clouds

[@arthurg1425]

Beau's a big child. He chaces his dreams and urges, he explores, he's stubborn, creative, imaginative, and sees beauty in many things. I aspire to be a child for the rest of my life.

[@calebalbiston8625]

Same here, he's great, doesn't give a crap what ppl think, I aspire to have ideas like him.

[@s10m0t10n]

Beau has a unique and wonderful optimism about anything that challenges him and, in his explanation of what is going through his mind and body, he challenges us all to see things in a different way. It's uplifting, entertaining, refreshing and endlessly interesting - I'm glad I found his channel.

[@BeauMiles]

that's a mighty fine thing to say, s10. I'm glad you did to. More to come my friend

[@EffortlessSwimming]

Office fit-outs, beans, trees...what other seemingly boring topic can you bring intrigue and wonder to? Love your work Beau. Always look forward to the next video

[@theclimate-positive-moveme2720]

That`s true, it`s the "viewangle" that counts...

[@toddyboy73]

As an Arborist for many years, when you're high up in the top of a gum tree, when the wind blows if you place your ear upto the trunk,it sounds like running water. Strange but beautiful.

[@Ghfvhvfg]

Its nice i know i hanged 25 meters high up in a chestnut tree its nice.

[@jakepinkerton9765]

Hitting like before the video starts because you know it’s going to be good

[@Bubz_mordhau]

yep

[@yoyo53552]

Too true

[@keepinitbeef2]

Bloody oath. Only downside is you do not get to hit it again once it is over!

[@marcohghar]

He is a damn legend, and we can't enough of his passion for life!

[@BENJamin4001]

I really hope you see this because you’ve inspired and encouraged me to get out of my house and spend more time out. I’ve taken up kayaking and biking and other hobbies and your videos and attitude about life have had an incredible impact on me. Love you beau! Keep being a beautiful human!!

[@rua4644]

Its silly but I cried a little at this video, I’m a horticulture student and trees r my passion and it made me so sad to listen to beau talk about the declines of the trees but at the same time I thought the video was brilliantly done and showed such appreciation it made me so happy. This is a dumb sappy comment but I don’t really care thank you beau

[@voltrzx]

props to the cameraman being in the tree as well

[@baldychy11]

Our house is shown in this video. We spent 3 years at VCAT fighting a development that impacts the Strezlecki Gums adjacent to McNeilly Road Drouin. Friends of Drouin Trees also supported our.push with Council to minimise the development impact.on these trees. Sadly, We were unsuccessful. Keep up the good work Beau!

[@marisastoneobrien7834]

That is a bummer. WE need all the trees.

[@adamn4406]

Good on ya for putting up the fight. Sadly, money speaks louder more times than not. Shame

[@andrew4363]

I can see your final task from “mile an hour a different type of marathon” was err successful. (For anyone who doesn’t know the final task in that video was make a baby.)

[@enclave2k1]

ezpz 4 minutes tops.

[@toomuchiridium]

That was really sweet :)

[@WeirdSeagul]

I've been around the world A couple of times or maybe more I've seen the sights, I've had delights On every foreign shore But when my mates all ask me The place that I adore I tell them right away Give me a home among the gumtrees

[@MutualGambit]

Beau's films are the best youtube has to offer.

[@CalvinSavesThePlanet]

Even living on the other side of the globe, the same common threads exist. The northeastern United States has been logged nearly completely, with only a few pockets of true old growth left. Even what we think of as wild was once torn apart by the opportunistic and shortsighted behaviors of man, today, yesterday, or 300 years ago. Beau is a true adventurer, and a true inspiration.

[@reinier20004life]

There was a short film about that in VIMFF, where a beautiful valley of trees has been logged for the last centuries (which is a shame), but which also provided opportunity for the families living there and outdoor enthousiasts. It was an interesting narrative although mainly a climbing film. Would still recommend though. The name is "on the verge"

[@CalvinSavesThePlanet]

FlyingStrike I will check that out for sure! Thanks for the recommendation.

[@adamn4406]

I would love to see more of this type of film about NE USA. Got any recommendations?

[@paddlefaster]

The man, philosopher, adventurer and legend with another wonderful video. I always look forward to them.

[@sumukhapk4136]

Beau, man, there is so much depth in those voiceovers. Also, when Helen Said “I’m not even going to try” (when someone asked if she doesn’t persuade to get you down), but she was right there sort of “being with you”, that’s some BEAUtiful love there! (I’m sort of the crazy person who actually might sleep on a tree one day, so this really struck a chord)

[@50GallonDrum]

You're living an amazing life when being 8 km offshore in a canoe (2:06) is a tiny sidenote to a story. Great story as always, Beau.

[@Jistarii]

Been awhile! Glad you are back making vids

[@darcyl.5893]

More like bean awhile

[@BrendanEvan]

Darcy L. I see what you did there.

[@TheKnaeckebrot]

probably bc of Fatherhood ... a whole adventure on its own ^^

[@_michael.orourke_]

0:57 "Even if i'd walked onto the property that day and planted the joint out, nowhere near in my lifetime am I going see trees like this, that big." Well said. Save the trees and they'll live a lot longer than we will.

[@arcreehysteria9805]

This video is an ode to respect, ecology, adventure and childhood

[@stardustjustlikeyou]

Your ability to make mundane things seem novel is truly inspiring.

[@ZacDeclerck]

This needs to be aired on Gardening Australia

[@Mad4400]

I can only imagine Costa's enthusiasm introducing the segment.

[@HollyHargreaves]

Totally. Beau would make a great presenter on GA or Get Away

[@ReeMeePlee]

You have a daughter! So you really did make that off your check list when you ran your marathon in a day

[@RMJ1984]

He really proves that anyone can do an adventure, it doesnt have to be this grand, expensive or complex thing. An adventure can be anything you want. It's truly inspiring.

[@will44bott]

You continue to make me question the way I lead my life and I love it.

[@GoScience123]

Most of the time id never want to live how beau lives running for miles a day eating only beans for a month but right now in 2020 I would kill for a tree in the middle of nowhere to chill in

[@quintin5724]

Beau doesn’t just tell great stories - he goes out there to live them. The amount of time, energy, and dedication that goes into making a video like this continues to amaze me. Thank you for telling beautiful stories and providing new perspectives on life. Keep up the great work. :)

[@Abandonedadelaide]

The Australian David Atten Borough of Australian gum trees

[@shrzhstgrjgcdhhbhokb]

This video touched something inside me. I think it's notiving that I'd lost something in a way. It's not that I don't love big trees anymore, I still do and I regularly visit some in my area but what I am missing is really this sense of adventure, of climbing a tree, doing something "nonsensical", enjoying and living a moment. I hope that when I grow older, I will be able to remind myself to be a bit like Beau. Thanks for giving us this piece of... Life I suppose.

[@mr.wardensworkshop1579]

Beau inspires me to make mini-documentaries too. I'm working on my first one. We'll see how it goes.

[@Peter-ri9ie]

Cool man! 🙌🏻 Let us know how's it going! 👍🏻

[@thosoz3431]

We're lucky enough to have trees like that on our block in the Dandenongs. In really high winds it sounds like roaring of the ocean. It takes me sailing. As the neighbors cut the big trees one by one, the impact of the wind increases. On quiet nights, the owl talks to those that are listening.

[@AVdubs1]

I think I've figured it out. Beau is basically the Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown of outdoor adventure. Parts Unknown has episodes about something simple and overlooked like Indian food or Sizzler and then exposes this deep underbelly of the soul of the food and the culture that embodies it. I feel like Beau does a very similar thing for otherwise overlooked outdoors topics, like making a paddle out of scrap wood or eating only beans for an entire month because he read a line in a Steinbeck novel. It may at first glance sound trivial, but I'm always astonished with his ability to articulate a perspective that has a way of making you see the beauty in anything.

[@jimsum]

I had never put those two together but it makes total sense when I read how you see the connection. Both incredible story tellers and students of their worlds.

[@matthewbentham5666]

I think it is marvellous that Beau makes films, not videos. For every video of his is pure art.

[@greatsouthernoverland]

Ive felt calm around big indigenous trees all my life, we live in the most amazing country:D Thanks for sharing your thoughts fella!

[@lawrencemayne1906]

as opposed to the imported foreign gumtrees? Are there imported gum tree specie ?

[@greatsouthernoverland]

@@lawrencemayne1906 We have all sorts of big trees in Aus fella, not just Gums and some are introduced:D

[@declan7164]

Yeh it’s awesome cause I live less than 20 mins from this place

[@danielcalamari1741]

You know it gonna be quality content whenever Beau Miles uploads

[@joachimlundberg]

So true, I try to encourage him on here. Let us ask him in unison: Hey Beau, could you please make more awesome movies for us?

[@O_Dingo77]

My youth was spent on the back of a golf course. I used to spend countless weekends perched up high in one of these gums for hours on end. Many a nap, many a whistling convo with the birds. I wish for every child to have this experience.

[@aaronnunn5240]

Tree climbing is a lot like sailing, l have been an Arborist for 25 years and now a sail boat owner for 7 years. I also grew up nearby at Wesburn! The big gums helped me to discover the energetic connections of our universe.

[@vopenacattleco]

I'm in Oregon and I love to look out and think that you are up on your gum tree bench reading a good book. Walden comes to mind. Great video. Thank you for sharing. Cheers

[@williamthegriffin6185]

A fellow Oregonian! Nice😎

[@see8331]

When I saw the park bench being hoisted up, man that cracked me up 😆 Who else would think to pull a park bench up a tree. You see beauty in everything and I love that, and you're so inspiring and you actually motivate me within minutes of watching your videos. I went on a bloody long walk after watching one. You have a curious, adventurous and beautiful Soul Beau. Keep on rockin ya best life bud 🤘

[@carysfaerie]

Never a dull moment for Helen! I can’t believe he hoisted a bench up there lol Trangias are the best!

[@lukewarm2075]

You will never grow old, you will stay young forever, lucky May with a fun dad for life.

[@ryannicholls3372]

Hey Beau, I’m actually a student from Monash Peninsula studying Physio. I found your videos accidentally but relish them now. Just a sense of positivity, peace and disconnect. Finding meaning in stuff people overlook. Keep up the excellent work.

[@beaksofeagles]

Aussie Bush Rule: Never camp under a big gum tree. Beau Miles: Stuff that, I'll camp up in one.

[@PhilipCsurgay]

How come that is a rule?

[@Tidehunterfishing]

They call them widowmakers. Gums can drop huge branches without warning wind or decay.

[@iamdave84]

I'd still rather sleep under a gum than a Bunya tree!

[@beaksofeagles]

@@iamdave84 Hmmmm...Bunya nut-fall is only once every 3 years. Gums drop 24/7/365.

[@iamdave84]

Interesting @@beaksofeagles, I didn't know that. Thanks for the info.

[@AdventuresInSkateboarding]

This reminded me that there no greater gift than seeing life through the eyes of a child. A tree fort will provide that lens.

[@carsonmiller8894]

These definitely are films and not videos. My definition of a film is you walk away from a film feeling more sophisticated and smarter. And every video that this man creates makes you feel that way 👍

[@noveullotus]

As a lifelong city-dweller, I feel like I vicariously learn to appreciate nature and living through Beau's films. Thank you Beau!

[@gusgould4420]

This hits home real deep, coming from a farm where there’s barely any trees, and there’s people knocking over 150-300 year old oke trees just so they don’t have to turn off their tractor gps

[@EdwardsOutdoorAdventures]

My compliments on finding story to tell - simple, funny, with heart strings.

[@davidblake8612]

We need more charismatic people like this in the world advocating for trees.

[@j.thorgard]

Watching in Ryanston next to a Strzelecki Gum out my window. By looking at how things work, like trees we learn a little about how we work.

[@tough5125]

Let’s have a moment to appreciate this wise Lad.

[@jefferyjeffers1703]

I think we can all BMB. In a day and age of the Internet and social media. Life is moving to fast and we never stop to appreciate where we are. So let's all Be More Beau.

[@maksillorenzo9480]

I smiled so much while watching this. So charming and peaceful.

[@mwb5987]

Everything you make is just simple and clean and perfectly genuine love watching your videos anything I can do to support just let me know so glad theres people like you out there mate.

[@thetrainman548]

Well, that's another banging vid!

[@Willv4]

Beau's video's are ( in my opinion ) what KZbin was made for , you watch them and just feel better and love life just a little more , Beau , keep it up, I love your video's, I only wish you done more , greatest respect from sunny Scotland

[@PainRom]

When I watch you videos, I feel homesick.

[@santao1560]

This guy brought a whole ass bench up there with him... Mad😂

[@cumbeldore420]

I wish these videos wouldn't end.

[@MrJspits]

Love this quote. 'There's this bloody crazy mentality: let's chop down the oldest, most culturally significant thing in the area, so we can put three more houses up. Drives me bonkers.' More of you please.

[@SomeJustice19k]

Wtf.... I read this comment and then he said it two seconds later.

[@rasmuskurten8455]

Beau, just simply thank you for the most wholesome approach to life. You truly inspire me. It's therapeutic to watch you videos (as cliché as it might sound). Thank you and keep it up!

[@conservat1vepatr1ot]

Cliche doesn’t mean bad ;). I wish more people were aware of this approach to life. He is genuinely amazing.

[@MrAwesomestar7]

For some reason I want to be outside now after watching this. Definitely going for a run now

[@duffy1298]

This guys outlook helps me appreciate the little things. Man. Well done

[@oldgergg]

One of the best, most down to earth, most in touch with the earth, most incredible dudes ever. Everyone needs to watch this guys

[@rockmunkey1981]

Bought back memories of a few years ago when myself and friends were living off grid. I spent 5 months sleeping outside, only 2 nights were in a house and the most shelter I had was a tarp. I built a few portaledge type platforms during those months. A portaledge is a platform with six attachment points that connect up to a single anchor point. You just need to put a sling around a limb and clip in with a carabiner. It wasn't very portable mind! One morning I was having a coffee in the tree and a friend was visiting. He said "I bet you have a lovely sleep in that old tree", and that was when a penny dropped. I really did have a peacefully restful nights sleep in that old Oak tree. We guessed it was around 300 years old. I watched the buds come, the leaves unfurl and then grow from my bed. The breeze on my face, the rustling of the leaves, the swaying in the breeze and the swinging of the ledge. It was a very, very, very serene place to sleep.

[@reubenpatience9977]

Thanks Beau I love your short films. Please continue to be an inspiration. I'd love to see a film on your plans for the forest and a big push forward on that project.

[@hedynoble7712]

I have a passion for gums also. I first experienced them when I lived in Oz for a couple of years. When I came home I planted a gum tree in Miami and it grew sooooo fast and beautiful. Tricolor bark. I felt bad when I sold my house to leave it . You land is beautiful and looks like you are really enjoying it with your family. Thanks for the videoo.

[@SchnelleKat]

Videos like these help me disconnect from the world as we have been now for some time. Wish times were simpler like the past decades of our Ancestors.

[@jaymeesheppard3452]

I’ve been watching you a couple of days now, and so far you’ve made life as a Dad that little bit easier. Thanks man - Ben

[@benspartanxc5569]

Man Beau, you are one of my favorite people on this planet. Everything about your persona and videos made my day.

[@mattneal1987]

“Me first Tomato up a tree!” 😂 - Beau, your a bloody legend mate. Thank you for your content and your outlook on life. Big fan of all your videos watching from Milton Keynes, UK. Gunna go look at a big Oak...

[@bennychan3355]

No gum but a fair few rounds about in MK I've heard.

[@svettnabb]

Imagine how good a place the earth would be, if everybody was like Beau. That is a place I want to live.

[@rowanbass7990]

You know I watch a lot of KZbin channels but I dont think there is a single one who's makes me more excited for a new vid than this one

[@epikkusuika]

I’ve never clicked on a video so fast, I love these videos!

[@georgedavidson2024]

Beau mate, I discovered your channel yesterday, and I gotta say it's such a breath of fresh air. Your passion for your land, for THE land, for your family and just for life in general is so inspiring. As a young fella who's trying to work out what I want to do and where I want to go in life, it gives me comfort to see blokes like you, who clearly have that sorted already. Thank you, thank you, thank you for putting these videos out there in the world.

[@evancollins7591]

That was great. Love the park bench up the tree.

[@kylehaley5433]

Glad to see I'm not the only nut on 5 acres full of trees and a house that needs work. You are not alone. Nowhere else I'd rather be right now.

[@daveash]

I wish you could visit us on the central coast NSW 😂 I’m trying to grow a urban forest on a hill lol

[@Svartez]

This was beautiful, I love trees

[@giles6183]

I've lived in the UK now for quite a while and my favourite thing is when I step off the plane and smell the eucalyptus trees. Nearly makes me cry.

[@reedbender1179]

Tarzan and Helen...love your work mate ! 😎

[@user-sr3ux2qp9t]

Beau your content is some of the best and most wholesome I've seen on this platform, and I applaud you for that. From your videos it has made me long to adventure, especially in my backyard. I'd love to see the world through your eyes, and these videos help me do that, you seem to have found a way to see the world through the eyes of a child. Thank you, keep up the good work mate.

[@agftun8088]

Helen , bless her , this is why i married her " shows mustard " dude youre so sweet for this world

[@Grendeleve]

one thing that you have made me realize about Canada is how people here rarely chop trees. I could go 5 mins out and find a huge forest of trees over 30m. Your videos have inspired me to start running more and enjoy the nature while it lasts. thanks

[@PaulRichards78]

The trees are our Elders The wisdom holders Amazing as ever Beau I have an affinity with trees So completely get it

[@TomAlger.]

BEAU YESSSSS

[@fredfredrickson8892]

Whats the podcast called Beau? Would love to listen. Thanks to Mitch for filming and stuff you guys make amazing films.

[@stefonboghossian3299]

as a tower crane operator i gotta say im impressed on the way you rigged that bench to hoist up on that pulley.

[@elusion23one41]

I get that home sick feeling sometimes too when I smell eucalyptus.