Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

I have wanted to come here for a long time, and I finally made it today.  It's not easy getting up to the top of this mountain to see the Bristlecones.  The road is not for the weak (well, I am weak, but I went anyway).  I realized something today; if I can drive up this road to see these trees, I can do anything!  After seeing and walking among them, the drive was well worth it.  I'd never do it again, which is why I took a million pictures - so I would remember that I did it once. 

Bristlecone Pines are among the oldest living organisms on Earth and are only found in six states - California being one of them. The oldest living tree is called "Methuselah" and is 4,765 years old; nearly 1,000 years older than any other Bristlecone alive today.  They don't tell anyone where the Methuselah tree is for fear that someone would damage it.  (Can't say as I blame them; humans can be so stupid!) 

These trees mostly grow at an elevation of 10,000 feet and usually on the sides of cliffs - it is unusual to see them at low elevations.  I was honored to walk amoung these ancient beauties today - despite having to gasp for air every now and again!

 

Note the moon at the top of the pic.

 

Oooooh, that bench was SO nice to rest on.  The trail is all uphill.

 

The rings tell the age of the tree.

 

A doggie was keeping me company!  (He had an owner.)

 

Finally!

 

These trees are just SO beautiful!

 

I needed proof I was really here!

 

I saw a little coyote on the way down the mountain.