Fully extended upward over a range of many years. The growth of a stand of Sequoias that together proclaim their being. Their beauty and statue command an observer to take notice in comparison to the rest of tree life in their immediate vicinity. A stand of Sequoias to visit at peace. To contemplate, to read, to photograph, and to pray at a place most welcome.
A common view depending upon the day or season. The contrast and character of upward tree growth. A seemingly infinite range of diameters, shades, and shapes. All unique where the trees are as people by where they stand yet different by what they do.
Big Baldy outcropping in Sequoia National Park. The prominent mountain formation en route to the summit of Big Baldy. Where the tree-line and its alpine features are at a relatively uniform elevation. With granite formations that do not support as much vegetation while having significant reach or stature. Very little ground cover with talus and scree spread out here and there.
A series of photos that are of Redwood Canyon. A forested loop route in between Sequoia and Kings Canyon. A lovely area worth exploring with full effort and an open heart. With much to see and do while giving care to location, direction, and the weather. For safety and best use of time to get the most of the experience.
A finite number of Sequoia trees exist as they grow in the wilderness that hosts them in just the right conditions. While not as plentiful as the sands on the shore of any sea, they are limited nonetheless as a life-form. A purpose that at least testifies of their enormity relatively speaking. Their unique character, shape, and bearing stands out much more prominent as a comparison to other tree creatures of the forest. A lion of the forest, so to speak. Not as a predator, but as a king of the conifer species.
Asymmetrical balance of light cast upon a lake and its sky above. With reflections of color, shapes, land, and sky, a visual message appears to tell us a story of beauty and peace. A natural setting to contemplate, be at rest, and consider what is just beyond the horizon before us.
Castle Rock stands in prominence across from Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park. High above the Kaweah River, it is a visual formation that stands out and comes into view for miles. Aesthetically, it presents a character and vertical profile that attracts climbers and explorers from all walks of life.
Sometimes you come upon someone or something that stands out. To make an impression, to influence, or to say something of meaning. By its own being, by what it does or what it says, there is a clear purpose. Creation, as it exists, gives full awareness of life, its source, and what it supports.
Off-trail direction and course. Limited visibility on each path over a long distance. Intercepting a trail here and there. Fog density varies, but that adds to the mystery of where you are and where you’re going. Where the atmosphere is still and thin, there is a quality about the area very unique compared to seasons more familiar. With a still quiet, soaked forest floor, a fresh wet scent, and a stinging cold biting at the nose.
Even under grey skies, the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River gives a most beautiful view of the natural order. After decay, forceful winds, raging storms, and harsh exposure, every element comes to settle in a most restful way. Where there are peace and perfect solitude, or where there are uncertainty and restoration. Where the heart grows full by closely listening to what such a place would say.
The initial growth conditions of this forest group were just right to support the early development of these conifers. Sequoias are conifers because their cones bear seeds which in turn can generate new growth. For these living beings to continue their growth over such a large period of time really says quite a lot about where they were and what lies beneath them.
Quite often when you break trail, you navigate through the brush, over the boulders and make your way to areas that invite you to set up camp or just remain awhile. Here I was out on a heading to Aster Lake below Alta Peak in Sequoia National Park. The peak in the distance is Alta Peak.
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