Sierra Juniper (Juniperus grandis), in Juniperville, it’s incredible how many different forms they can take, direct neighbors, likely kin, same conditions, with completely different characters, and stories to tell.
A number of six-foot-plus diameter Western Whites (Pinus monticola) ensconced in high groves (8,600′)
Boom, that was quick
Virga falling, and vertical development building from west slope solar convection, quite the show from my comfy perch, though it does appear to be slowly headed this way, as advertised. Maybe one run, then run, today. At least on skis, I can get off the mountain in a hurry if need be. I love seeing the shadows caressing the terrain, the way I aspire to skiing.
likely Cushion Buckwheat (Eriogonum ovalifolium var. nivale) hard for me to say for sure without seeing it blooming
Twenty minutes later it’s progressing nicely. Time to go. Glad I didnt go all the way up to tag the summit proper. I usually just climb to the top of my ski run, which sometimes even saves me from getting rained on.
Shorter than it looks, bigger around than it is tall
Sitting at the lake below, I spotted a couple coyotes making their way across the ice. They surely smelled my track coming through the outlet a few hours ago, and knew a storm was fast approaching, but were not acting wary or hastened in the least, taking their time, right out in the open, spread out as they went sniffing about their business. It must be tough making a living around here, but dwelling at one with the utter beauty, like contemplative monks, must have it’s rewards.
Sierra Juniper (Juniperus grandis), Cupressaceae family
At the lake below, I sat down where I could see the distant horizon looking SW upstream for a while, trying to decide. I had one skin on, preparing to go back up from rote, when I saw a lightning flash in front of me, then boom from 13 seconds away, 2.5 miles? too close. I took the skin back off, and headed down canyon. It was starting to spit rain and hail on me, skating halfway across the lake.
Still getting pelted with light rain and hail, finally put my shell on
Sierra Juniper (Juniperus grandis), Cupressaceae family
No picnicing zone. Wet slide today released in this common spot, off the bare slabs that get wind loaded at the top of the outcrop, likely caused by today’s warming and light precipitation. I always eye this zone carefully and steer clear of the reach of avalanche debris when conditions seem conducive.
American Parsley Fern (Cryptogramma acrostichoides)
Mountain Alder (Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia, Betulaceae) catkins and cones, blooming early, before leafing out, to aid in wind pollination. Alders have nitrogen fixing root nodules hosting symbiotic bacteria, which convert atmospheric nitrogen to a form plants can utilize. Better living through cooperation