Monday, April 21, 2014

Perseverance with Determination


Nowhere Series
Part 6
Red Rock Canyon


Walking over to a stand of cedars growing next to a canyon wall, my eyes focused on a lone cedar perched upon a large boulder.

There was no evidence of any soil that would support root growth.

Precariously Suspended
In fact it seemed to be slipping off it's island. Held on only by it's toes.

Gnarled Roots
This tree was alive and well with green growing from the upper branches. There was a mass of twisted roots that the large tree was sitting on. Many years had passed since this cedar began to grow. Erosion and time had erased most of the reasons for it being left alone to survive on this boulder.

A Lesson In Survival
If I was pressed for a theory, I would think that the tree had created it's own dilemma over the years. Probably had it's start when the boulder was a part of the cliff next to it. As the tree started growing it's roots, a small fissure provided a space that allowed them to reach soil. As the tree grew, along with the roots, a separation occurred along the fault, leaving the cedar to survive on it's own created island. Wind and water washed the thin soil from the top of the rock, leaving the exposed scene for us to admire today. Nice lesson on tuffness and the will to survive!

With this Post I will end the Nowhere Series. Sometimes going "Nowhere", will find oneself on a little unexpected photo shoot that was not planned!  

12 comments:

  1. wow! that is an awesome find! and a remarkable thing.

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    1. Mother Nature can provide some interesting sights for our minds to ponder on.

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  2. I saw a few tress like this on my weekend hike. They are truly amazing.

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    1. Thanks Randy. What a changing world we live in.

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  3. The roots look like some kind of alien creature trying to escape the light!

    Your series makes me want to grab my backpack and head out. My cabin fever is growing.

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    1. I feel your cabin fever. Unfortunately at this time I see no escape!

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  4. A most tenacious Cedar Tree indeed, nice group of pictures!

    I've really enjoyed your "Nowhere series" and look forward to seeing what interesting series you come up with next!

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    1. Thanks Paul. Your feedback is an inspiration!

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  5. This is an ultimate survivor in the wilderness. It just amazing to see how this tree could stand up for those storms over the years. Good find!

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    1. Mr. Q. I had the same thoughts as you concerning the wild weather we have in Oklahoma. That is one tuff tree for sure!

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  6. Survivors indeed. Happy you enjoyed my little get away!

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  7. The photos of this tree are truly your very own "works of art!" and the way you ponder and surmise what has occurred is as interesting as the photos. Nature is powerful and mysterious, and this lone tree is a symbol of tenacity under extreme circumstances. Reminds me of the way many humans survive under some of the worst possible living conditions (think Holocaust or the destruction of the Native American culture in too many places). So glad that you are posting and ruminating about nature and life!

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