Above Tree Line

Ever get so high the trees disappear?

In Rocky Mountain National Park where these were taken, that's somewhere in the neighborhood of 10,500 feet high. Or at least above sea level.

Above that it doesn't get warm enough for long enough for trees to grow, aside from the occasional krummholz eking out an existence in some little bit of shelter.

It's a special place, with an almost mystical feel to it.

Fierce and unforgiving, but with it's own special sort of beauty.

Mother Nature's always quick to remind you who calls the shots around here.

Lightning loves you above tree line, not the place to be when a storm comes calling.

Despite its harshness it is far from lifeless. Everything just has to cram it all in during a few short summer months or migrate to lower elevations.

My native mountains were too old and worn down to have a tree line, so it wasn't until I was out in Colorado that I encountered it.

Was hooked immediately.

Things are simpler there.

More pared down to essentials.

Maybe it's just the thinner air.

Tends to be more clouds than crowds.

And they make much better company.

Even the elk say so.

Got to be careful though, sometimes the views will take your breath away.

The wind will do more than that.

Best place to see snow in August.

Best place to die of hypothermia in January.

A place to be alone with your thoughts.

Contemplate the world and your place in it.