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.

5 thoughts on “To Endure”

  1. I recently completed a 3 week trip to the Southwest (from Oregon) and I also took many photos of these remarkable trees. I am enjoying your trip and re-visiting these landscapes and the brilliant blue sky.

    1. Have you posted any of your pictures online anywhere?

      I talked to a teacher from California who told me that if I liked these trees I would love the bristlecone pine trees at Great Basin National Park in Nevada. I plan on making that trip in the near future.

      1. I have not posted any. I need to put together an album online and if I do I’ll send you the link. I have also seen the bristlecone pines – amazing, ancient trees.

    1. Yes, it’s that sense of vastness that draws people from the city.

      But very few actually move there, even in retirement.

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