The difference between a conifer and a tree is that it produces seed-bearing cones. And these Sequoias are conifers that took thousands of years for them to grow at the dizzying heights we see.
Tag Archives | forest
Boole Tree
The Boole Tree is a lone survivor within the Converse Basin area of Sequoia National Forest. Surrounding it are the numerous exploited Sequoia’s that was logged many years ago.
Fallen Monarch
Sequoia’s have an incredible resistance to fire and disease, but even with time, they are susceptible to death by toppling over due to their own weight. Sequoia’s have a relatively shallow root system.
Evaporation
As the morning mist of Yosemite Valley burns off the trees on the forest floor, you can not help but half expect to smell the odor charred bark or smoke. Here we stand in the presence of three states of matter. Here we see their transformation. It’s evaporation.
Hidden Places
Sometimes, while on the march to your chosen place and destination, there are these wilderness pockets open to curiosity. A clearing among many that aren’t all that remarkable, but significant nonetheless. Largely because of what grows there. What nature is doing there and how it contributes to life by shaping the character of the forest. Each hidden place in full view is a canvas filled with meaning and beauty.
Distant Prize
While under tree cover, or at lower elevations along the terrain, you can’t really always see your destination. From navigation and planning, you improve the possibility of reaching your prize. Yet the best perspective is to keep in mind that the trip is about the journey and the time to get there. As much as it is about the destination to mark a meaningful achievement. Your wilderness experience is what you make of it.
Path
The way to go is obvious. Even though the way to go is very far out on a remote trail, it genuinely feels like you’re going somewhere. What’s on the other side of the path isn’t really as relevant. As compared to where you’re at at the moment. Step by step all but missed getting where you’re going. Only to look back and see where it is you’ve passed. And what it is you’ve missed.
Towering Pillars
“The true ownership of the wilderness belongs in the highest degree to those who love it most.” -J. Muir
Sometimes taking the time for full immersion into the forest is all it takes to get your mind clear. To be in the moment and to dwell in the area that is just refreshing. Step by step through the enormous trees that tower before you along the way. To see, touch, and smell them is a unique experience for those who love such places the most.
Obscurity
Sometimes finding your way through an obscure direction takes guesswork. This photo was taken several miles out on a trail that faded in and out along the way. With enough persistence and curiosity, the effort can completely pay off without having to turn back or check the maps. You just have to pay attention to what the forest and wilderness are telling you.
Hidden Path
After a while, the trail you’re on can become hidden or less obvious to follow. When that happens, I generally mark where I am at and begin to explore around to see if it becomes obvious again. That comes with more risk, but it generally works great before I have to give up on the trail completely.
Fallen
Sequoia’s fallen without erosion or decay reminds me of how recent they have toppled. Still protected by their thick bark and tannin surface, their eventual disintegration will be weather, exposure, critters, and wildlife. When looking far across this remote meadow, it is easy to see the fallen Sequoia as commonplace.
Prominence
The character and reach of the Sequoia really make the forest by how they stand in their prominence. It is not enough to merely witness them in their stature but to feel and experience their being by all your senses. By sense of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch.
