An Evening With The Bristlecones
Nature’s Oldest …and still growing
Pike National Forest sign at Windy Ridge
The caption on the sign greeting me, once I finally reached the parking area along the 4x4 road climbing up the mountain read:
”Clinging tenaciously to ridgetops and twisted by the winds, bristlecone pines are the oldest living trees on earth. The oldest trees are 4,600 years old and are found in the White Mountains of California. This means the pines were already 1,400 years old when the Egyptians were building the pyramids. The trees here on Windy Ridge are nearly a thousand years old. These gnarled patriarchs have endured strong winds, cold temperatures, drought and poor soils. Take a walk through these survivors and stand watch with them over the vast South Park.”
The Evening
Foreground: Bristlecone Background: Startrail
Prints Available
My office happens to have a section that would perfectly allow for the workstation that I had in my mind. I based my length measurements off of an inset area on an office wall and the depth off of my largest printer. All that was left was to double-check my measurements, determine what supplies would be necessary, and obtain those necessary supplies.
The ridges are filled with beautiful views
Between the many varieties of wildflowers that covered the grounds to the vast array of poses the bristlecones can be found and the many ridges that hold them, there are many sights to take in in the area.
