PAGE THREE: The Forest.
Spring Range Bristlecones live in rocky ground above 9,000 feet, generally, and have few close White Pine neighbors. The division line between Whites and Bristlecones was generally quite abrupt, with a few exceptions.
The Bristlecone is a tree that grows in very difficult conditions, and thus grows slow. Younger trees were as much in evidence as remains of dead trees:
Through this skeleton, with one twisted but living branch, some Quakies were visible one ridge over:
In one place the trail to the north is quite well maintained so as to minimize impacts on this slope populated by old ones.
From the rise at the top of the stairsteps, the view of Mt. Charleston through a dense stand of Bristlecones was quite impressive:
The sight of a tree with dead and living branches was common, suggesting a tough life and a strong will to continue life. The next four shots are typical views on the west-facing slope of the northern ridge-crest that is home to the Old Ones:
The trail through the wilderness area runs through a very nice selection of trees.
One tree in particular caught my attention because of its complexity:
In fact, this tree was amazingly different from each angle, and we will spend some time in and around it in the next, and last, Old Ones page.