09/03/2026
Thereโs something about standing among trees that have been alive for more than a thousand years that makes you feel very smallโin the best possible way. ๐ฒ
High above South Fork, Colorado, at Crystal Lakes, I found myself completely mesmerized a few weeks ago by these ancient Rocky Mountain Bristlecone pines.
They grow where life isnโt easyโat high elevations, on steep, rocky slopes, through wind, snow, cold and years upon years of changing seasons.
And somehow, all of that hardship has made them more beautiful.
Twisted trunks. Weathered bark. Enormous old trees still holding their ground.
They feel almost soulful to me. Like they carry the memory of the mountain.
I love trees, but these stopped me in my tracks.
Hardy. Ancient. Beautiful.
What a privilege to stand among them for a little while. ๐ฒ๐๏ธ