Ancient Bristlecone Pines

When I visited the Bristlecones a few years ago I sat and looked west across the valley. A storm was brewing. This was in February and I didn't want to be stuck up there at the end of the road. While I watched the storm I realized that just over the ridgeline of the Sierra Nevadas and a little bit south I had seen the Sequoias a few days earlier. What a contrast...in such a short distance. The largest and oldest living things on the planet. Being able to touch them both is a very humbling experience. If arborists have a 'Mecca pilgrimage' this is something to consider doing at least once in a lifetime.
 
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If arborists have a 'Mecca pilgrimage' this is something to consider doing at least once in a lifetime.

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Totally agree Tom
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"Methusela" tree comes to mind (rest her soul), as her sister "The Witch Tree" on the North shore of Lake Superior.

Humbling and then some. To touch them, even just awe in their presense. When I stumbled upon the Tane Mahuta on North Island, there in a commanded clearing, I literally fell to my knees and the tears wouldn't stop. Wasn't just me and the fatigue and stress of the trip gettin' there...other people I noticed fell to the same majesty.

The effect I believe can be held and carried away, shared again at some other point, some other magnificent encounter. Wisdom in some way, somehow, is concentrated in these beings that hold many times more experience than we could ever hope to, even if writing it or carving a monument in memory of it. There's no "once removed" element in these giants of survivals' stories laid out before us as they continue to florish in spite of us.

How 'bout a web-tour of these saint's? Anyone done that?
 
In the summer of 2007 I worked in California. On the way home to Wisconsin I visited the Redwoods again, I had been there many times before, then drove to Yosemite to see the Sequoias for the first time. Then I exited the park out the east entrance and drove past Mono Lake. I never realized until now how close I was and how easily I could have visited the Bristlecones, surely as worthy as the Redwoods or Sequoias. Crap. Next time I will get there.

Thanks for posting this. I am doing the entire google earth tour of the Bristlecones as we speak.
 
An Arborists 'Mecca pilgrimage is a great idea. After all, these trees may not be around forever.

Taking a trip to the White Mountains is truly awe inspiring. Even if you just go to the most visited places, you won't miss out.
I recommend it to anyone.
 
For another nearby superlative comparison see Mt Whitney, highest point in Lower 48, 14,505 and Death Valley, 282 feet below sea level, 134 degree hottest temp record...76 miles apart.
 
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