To Endure

As a well-documented tree-hugger and lover of bonsai, I was fascinated by the trees I saw in Canyonlands National Park, particularly those in the northern portion of the park.

It’s surprising a tree could survive with so little moisture, but it’s miraculous how they spring directly from the rock itself.

Having grown up with the giant Douglas Firs and Redwoods of the Pacific Coast, I’m not used to seeing trees hug the ground like this, apparently attempting to avoid the high winds buffeting these cliffs.

The twisted, distorted trunks testify not only to the harshness of the environment but to the hardiness of the trees,

rivaling the very rocks in their endurance.