.
I set out early this morning from the east side of the Snake
Range, driving to a trailhead. Morning is the best time to take mountain pictures
and these, taken from the jeep, show it in full morning glory. The day would be satisfying just seeing this,
but much more was in store. 
Up through the forest to the ridge, and shortly after starting up the ridge, the trees suddenly vanished. I have never seen a timber line more abrupt. Trees cease at 10,700 feet, because they can’t survive the winters any higher.
From here on the only vegetation is colonies of matted green
and thorny little plants. They grow
flowers so tiny that I couldn’t get a good picture, and they grow where
everything around them is rock. I found
no soil and wonder how they do it. 
These rocks are broken with sharp edges, and they roll about underfoot. It has to be a careful spirit that takes a person here, attention to every step.
 |
| Final approach to the summit |
I can’t call it beautiful up here on a pile of rocks. This peak was beautiful seen from below, but
reaching its summit is strenuous and without enticing scenery. Still, it is wilderness and wild and free
from the civilized world.
Looking down form the top to the place where I took the picture from the basin seven thousand feet below. And looking farther through the haze, I see several of the lower ranges in the Basin Range
Hi Sharon, I always find remote places fascinated by the beauty of peace and nature, and sometimes wishing when my time comes to depart this world, that it would be in a remote area away from civilization.
ReplyDeleteDear Unknown. That's a very nice wish. I only wish I knew who you are.
DeleteI am Carlos
DeleteWelcome Carlos, I might have known.
DeleteHello dear friends soon as I started reading this I thought of Meher's story of Muchalinda a mighty serpent with 7 heads that spread its hoods like a halo over the buddha for protection. Cambodian. It is at Pacific Asia museum. The halo looks like barren mountain peaks ...snake mountain...i wish you such protection and inspiration! Amazing that you are doing this. Your tiny brave flowers may be this : acmispon brachycarpus? Like you they adapt to many barren habitats... thinking of you blooming there. Thank you for finding a way to be happy. It is your way. To do something you love. I am glad you have Michael keeping track of you. Thank you for sharing with us on your way! Love, Kathabela
ReplyDeleteKathabela, I wish you yellow flowers where you bloom, the ones that make it where others can't. It is your way. Doing what you love.
DeleteDear Sharon,
ReplyDeleteI applaud your solitary quest into wilderness. You truly embrace each moment and practice mindfulness. Your photographs are equisite as always. The filter of morning light. The freshness of a new day as you approach a mountain peak full of sharp obstacles under foot. Like life, sometimes. So glad of your sure footedness and steady gaze. Thank you Sharon, for bringing us along.Stay safe, and strong as I know you will. Love, Kathy
I love bringing appreciating vicarious partners like you, Kathy, on these treks. And you have your own treks there in the forest, the lakes, and in strolls along the river with herons and friends.
DeleteI loved visiting Great Basin National Park a couple of years ago. I went because of its dark sky and my birthday meteor showers (the perseids). When we hiked in the Wheeler Peak area we only went up to the Bristlecone Forest.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I went to the bristlecones today, hiking from the end of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. The Old Ones, they make it where others can't and for longer than any others.
DeleteThank you for another adventure down the Rabbit Hole with all the splendid photos of Wyoming and fascinating technical information. Enjoy- Joan
ReplyDeleteThank Joan, I love it when you follow me down holes ant up mountains.
Delete