Ancient
Bristlecone Pine Forest (10/13/2005)
I was pretty exhausted by the time I got to Bishop due to the long travel the previous day from the bay area to Lee Vining, and subsequent late-night/early-morning photo ops at Mono Lake. So I checked in to the local hotel and try to catch a nap in the middle of the afternoon. I soon realized that I could not fall asleep without that kind of habit. So I got up and drove to Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to save some time the next day.
This destination is a side trip from the fall foliage purpose. There was little colorful foliage to speak of other than green. The road was very windy and relatively steep. It took me a good hour or so before I reached Shulman Grove. The Visitor Center was closed just by the time I got there since the volunteer felt some altitude sickness. I had wanted to see the waterfall but could not afford the time since it was past 4 PM by the time I reached the trail head. So I settled on hiking the 1-mile Discovery Trail which was plenty long and high considering the altitude of over 10,000’ and my carrying a heavy tripod and camera bag. This was a good hike to learn more about this ancient tree, and I completed it in time before sunset.
This
species of bristlecone pine tree is unlike anything I’ve seen (from
the common ponderosa, to redwoods and giant sequoias) Whereas all the
other varieties show healthy growth appearance even for a three thousand
year-old giant sequoia, the bristlecone pine show all the signs of being
beaten by the weather. It was quite common to find a tree with more than
one trunk, but only one having signs of life. I learned from the information
at the site that the bristlecone has the ability to survive by killing
off any growth that it could not sustain over harsh winters and maintain
just slivers of barks and leaves for survival. Also, instead of shedding
pine needles often as in common pines, some bristlecone needles can stay
on the tree for some 40 years. Man, that’s a lot older than many
people I know.
I think this place deserves a dedicated 2-3 day stay – there is
a campground not too far from the visitor center. There were many things
that I missed, including a trip to the Patriarch Grove where I understand
that many great photos were made. I definitely expanded my knowledge,
although the long windy trip was more than I bargained for in the physical
condition I was in. By the time I got back to the hotel, I only had time
for a quick meal then headed to bed in preparation for another long day
going to Glacier Lodge and other interesting spots on the way to Lone
Pine and Whitney Portal.
Some pictures are posted HERE.
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