Even in this state, this tree has great character. Ponderosa Pines are a very fire resistant species. They do have their breaking point though.
A brush fire ravaged this area some 10+ years ago judging by the age of the younger trees around. There is a great deal of charred wood, stumps doting the trail as well as older fire damaged but still thriving trees. I am often amazed how resilient nature is.
So very grateful for all the wonderful comments on yesterdays post, who knew crazy worked so well.
@dustyloup No just a pile of pine needles, it is very close to the trail so I'm sure that birds wouldn't appreciate the noisy neighbors we hikers and mountain bikers tend to be. :-)
This tree reminds me if the ‘L'arbre d’Or', the Golden Tree at Tréhorenteuc, 30 minutes drive from Vignouse.
In September 1990, a great fire devastated the forest of Paimpont and especially the Val sans retour, raging for five days. Afterwards, during 1991-1992, thousands of volunteers planted more than half million new trees.
30 years later...it's starting to look like its former self although significant wild Winter gales brought down many trees, resulting in the paths being blocked.
Just my personal comment but I would love to see the same shot cropped tighter and without any forest on the left or right. I eye would be drawn even more strongly to look beyond the tree.
This shot really makes you look twice. You don't really register that it's a tree at first because the dark color makes you think it's rocks. Good shot!
@suez1e That would be interesting, actually I did crop this since I had had my phone with me on this hike. I might try again with another camera since I like this hike a great deal.
@pdulis Thank you, Flagstaff AZ. Brush fires happen with regularity here, no big ones this year, and today we got good rain so hopefully not anytime soon.
In September 1990, a great fire devastated the forest of Paimpont and especially the Val sans retour, raging for five days. Afterwards, during 1991-1992, thousands of volunteers planted more than half million new trees.
30 years later...it's starting to look like its former self although significant wild Winter gales brought down many trees, resulting in the paths being blocked.
@pdulis Thank you, Flagstaff AZ. Brush fires happen with regularity here, no big ones this year, and today we got good rain so hopefully not anytime soon.
@bubblequeen Thank you so much.
@haskar Textures in burnt wood are rather fascinating
@gardencat Those are pine needles and a pine cone but they can make good bedding for creatures.
@olivetreeann I hadn't seen that but I see your point. Burnt trees are somewhat common on the trails around here.
@robz The Ponderosa pine is a survivor for sure (except to the saw) lightening strikes are rather common in the summer rainy season.
@sdutoit Thank you so much.