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!