tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51922503810579891702024-03-18T20:59:21.736-06:00In the Company of Plants and RocksHollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.comBlogger622125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-55052113845633873982024-03-14T09:47:00.000-06:002024-03-14T09:47:18.649-06:00South Dakota Tree-Following—Prairie Crabapple<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgH0FYICqDZz2ZOHNQIrNp6HNtm7A0kJrnVscTu5VviACgrwVEcLvYyU2dZKTjgQQrwVw0RdihqOWf93swrqkAjc57MNJdoBQjkLewiODyPIgPS3Mzj4Iep24WlxH3IWv54zENxbcLBdHBcqcQPKWIzyYC4IWAdUR74_2t-WKdOR2XCR2qXvgukCE91Klk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3420" data-original-width="2147" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgH0FYICqDZz2ZOHNQIrNp6HNtm7A0kJrnVscTu5VviACgrwVEcLvYyU2dZKTjgQQrwVw0RdihqOWf93swrqkAjc57MNJdoBQjkLewiODyPIgPS3Mzj4Iep24WlxH3IWv54zENxbcLBdHBcqcQPKWIzyYC4IWAdUR74_2t-WKdOR2XCR2qXvgukCE91Klk=w252-h400" width="252" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pyrus ioensis</i>. 1913, Curtis's Botanical Magazine. <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pyrus_ioensis_139-8488.jpg">Source</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>This month's tree-following report features another tree from South Dakota, part of my effort to learn more about the state's trees. There's a practical reason for this—I'm writing species descriptions and selecting photos for an online <i>Guide to Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of South Dakota</i>.<p></p><p>Having recently worked my way through the challenging Rose Family (see post about the <a href="https://plantsandrocks.blogspot.com/2024/02/fruits-of-rose-familya-cornucopia.html">diverse and complicated fruits</a>), a Rosaceaous tree was the obvious choice. I picked one new to me—Prairie Crabapple, <i>Malus ioensis</i> (formerly <i>Pyrus ioensis</i>).<br /></p><p>I also wanted to showcase photos from <i><a href="https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/">Minnesota Wildflowers</a> </i>(now includes all plants not just wildflowers). It will be a major source of photos for our guide as our states share many species. Almost all their photos are free for non-commercial use (that would be us!), there are tens of thousands to choose from, and the photographers are botanists who know what's needed for identification. The Prairie Crabapple is a fine example (photos below are from the website).</p><p>Prairie Crabapples grow as shrubs or trees to 6 m tall, and can form dense thickets from root suckers.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXfGCmSHxYzjLPw1aop6mQvu96tUC4AfQCCfioNwWERLpOPOBBZAOo3ZAEj60sgub8rzFCFSNM47xVs9dWbl42kpDs9Nvf9dtWCTaFCeeXU6QNWQMaunzMf53Q-ypBEEJYJbgH5gZE_87a5dS6-0AZgA237C7OqnGJMIIwKIGrkaeAMpAFGtOanKHrinY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1574" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXfGCmSHxYzjLPw1aop6mQvu96tUC4AfQCCfioNwWERLpOPOBBZAOo3ZAEj60sgub8rzFCFSNM47xVs9dWbl42kpDs9Nvf9dtWCTaFCeeXU6QNWQMaunzMf53Q-ypBEEJYJbgH5gZE_87a5dS6-0AZgA237C7OqnGJMIIwKIGrkaeAMpAFGtOanKHrinY=w400-h304" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Malus ioensis</i> in bloom, hence the pinkish tinted crowns.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipPIGcwJPTjDu1ljuOtww6-efrkGt20LiBAwDbyAHMk8fgvm5Xlbi_F9KjuCuzpSaphFuKCIag1v9TFUB-AD5uGMvxGltUvM-3OPBgKAacCVdK5-G3ohrn4XF-xYx4eDo04Zw4K863VYxZKEJMKAnEHU8MVdRbPHvQnKvemmLo-_NZLWOCrim7Pf9Brj8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="1090" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipPIGcwJPTjDu1ljuOtww6-efrkGt20LiBAwDbyAHMk8fgvm5Xlbi_F9KjuCuzpSaphFuKCIag1v9TFUB-AD5uGMvxGltUvM-3OPBgKAacCVdK5-G3ohrn4XF-xYx4eDo04Zw4K863VYxZKEJMKAnEHU8MVdRbPHvQnKvemmLo-_NZLWOCrim7Pf9Brj8=w313-h400" width="313" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prairie Crabapple leaves by <a href="https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/page/about-us">Katy Chayka</a>, creator and driving force of <i>Minnesota Wildflowers</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsw1tczesx2R2d07dPgg8kO2d6czwsrS0H-XxyRSM68fplE3aM1TBV1cAVbphauY127Y98OumrNhuHvvvaE96LGyl2EGK1Jm6Z9BjcEh0HlRQ5Y7dO8NswOjM32Tvec65Pba64R_5C2T99T6JSLvOYywPLxDVnHo8FGzplRM5ec7XiuEPHyBXoJdEL1dg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="1086" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsw1tczesx2R2d07dPgg8kO2d6czwsrS0H-XxyRSM68fplE3aM1TBV1cAVbphauY127Y98OumrNhuHvvvaE96LGyl2EGK1Jm6Z9BjcEh0HlRQ5Y7dO8NswOjM32Tvec65Pba64R_5C2T99T6JSLvOYywPLxDVnHo8FGzplRM5ec7XiuEPHyBXoJdEL1dg=w327-h400" width="327" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With maturity, bark develops irregular ridges or plates that peel away to reveal reddish inner bark.</td></tr></tbody></table>Prairie Crabapple flowers are typical of the Rose Family, with five showy-but-simple petals surrounded by five sepals. Inside the petals are numerous pollen-producing stamens surrounding a pistil containing ovules awaiting fertilization to become seeds.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5RZrYHNiFtIxKnca8AHnFSOv0owINE5OgNmeqba_PUk3JqMHCPcPrp81NtxJcfj_if_MmGbiLULTNlSYwEO027IDPv0SHdQ8lJaMlWYsSuOJCw05lUTb2UmJ7ti3YVkmgD69FEO8KhHaaioM8qNz-JQVBSP3hLCrKlzDLDgLZUK1mgw8B3ZCJnB4s1NI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1378" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5RZrYHNiFtIxKnca8AHnFSOv0owINE5OgNmeqba_PUk3JqMHCPcPrp81NtxJcfj_if_MmGbiLULTNlSYwEO027IDPv0SHdQ8lJaMlWYsSuOJCw05lUTb2UmJ7ti3YVkmgD69FEO8KhHaaioM8qNz-JQVBSP3hLCrKlzDLDgLZUK1mgw8B3ZCJnB4s1NI=w400-h349" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2CLxh8w7sgTK8MdhranLAm1eyCM1zKgCw14dJfc3BioMLw6Gqd9E7WF1jM7qK4QzA_aTlLfyQaVBWkyfxbaPW4Y6vdMOy3mBPQrt-swi4oxww_l2n5Epmvfm67jEdNoBKPeuBe2bdEgQjxIF7ORA-GOka2vBJSb2BxZkCk799QsyPofYMWVU9L2f8Mcw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1444" data-original-width="1086" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2CLxh8w7sgTK8MdhranLAm1eyCM1zKgCw14dJfc3BioMLw6Gqd9E7WF1jM7qK4QzA_aTlLfyQaVBWkyfxbaPW4Y6vdMOy3mBPQrt-swi4oxww_l2n5Epmvfm67jEdNoBKPeuBe2bdEgQjxIF7ORA-GOka2vBJSb2BxZkCk799QsyPofYMWVU9L2f8Mcw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower bud showing fuzzy sepals. These help with id.</td></tr></tbody></table>Botanically speaking this crabapple is "armed", in this case with short branches that become sharp-tipped. Technically these are thorns, which are derived from branches or shoots (vs. spines which develop from leaves, and prickles which develop from the outer layer of a stem or branch; there's a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorns%2C_spines%2C_and_prickles">Wikipedia article</a> devoted to this topic).<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmGtO58GWQAJHu7OF-nkVBjZ7JsuiOdz2-GEu-QZJndUR3AInvMqG09GNfYGvx6gkeZ-kpTt9ZyMY-PuUUb7jHHkDcWc51gnWZkNPAu02G89ZIF4fBj5jKAul6b2QeNtgcVtCqn12pdq14qLTkP_oD5xIwj-vWW0rLRSC5SRb-nEKiAAVgGZsmz10yobc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1090" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmGtO58GWQAJHu7OF-nkVBjZ7JsuiOdz2-GEu-QZJndUR3AInvMqG09GNfYGvx6gkeZ-kpTt9ZyMY-PuUUb7jHHkDcWc51gnWZkNPAu02G89ZIF4fBj5jKAul6b2QeNtgcVtCqn12pdq14qLTkP_oD5xIwj-vWW0rLRSC5SRb-nEKiAAVgGZsmz10yobc=w318-h400" width="318" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thorn developed from short flowering shoot.</td></tr></tbody></table>Fruits of crabapples are pomes, from Old French "pome" meaning apple. Those of Prairie Crabapple are only about 2.5 cm across. They are "edible but barely so" according to Katy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjixW8Ae0qtpjzBxkHa_xAhMA4mdeVCipU-ocXVUaklYTmrvzCPdfH-x6lGPcuBO1gbaapeCBxeQsQKwOgsIjFsyhJbaRpmmMVjWBX18ehdE1XNVd5YkwhsNGf7VJTAoEeND3qnM3pykKfCUu8pKFAOzbBg3Rbp8HiVBVYMpbVeVUT0RRGJE_klQkSETjw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1444" data-original-width="1086" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjixW8Ae0qtpjzBxkHa_xAhMA4mdeVCipU-ocXVUaklYTmrvzCPdfH-x6lGPcuBO1gbaapeCBxeQsQKwOgsIjFsyhJbaRpmmMVjWBX18ehdE1XNVd5YkwhsNGf7VJTAoEeND3qnM3pykKfCUu8pKFAOzbBg3Rbp8HiVBVYMpbVeVUT0RRGJE_klQkSETjw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div>I'm looking forward to seeing Prairie Crabapple in the wild, of course! But there's a problem. Though multiple sources report it for South Dakota, I found NO specimens in a search of <a href="https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/index.php">SEINet</a>, the online portal to digital herbaria across the country. And the South Dakota Natural Heritage Program, which tracks rare plants, lists it as "Reported for woodlands of e SD, no vouchers yet found." I may be off on a treasure hunt once spring comes.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL6aqosOJ6uOIbXhWG5-1nMsNj7cu6Fx_PLjl9DxQ3chPtXb0DCwubXptn22mT_KCDcKFF2gcE-E3aYNzYZ46a2ZVpnSAO3pd_bfhQxcs_kkVsYcMGisrmtjm_ZIBjyp-eBGkqbt2wk0Bmz-D8AzFgq52VggqpbHlhuhTb-D-oK4bvT-q6HhaDWeFtoo8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="919" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL6aqosOJ6uOIbXhWG5-1nMsNj7cu6Fx_PLjl9DxQ3chPtXb0DCwubXptn22mT_KCDcKFF2gcE-E3aYNzYZ46a2ZVpnSAO3pd_bfhQxcs_kkVsYcMGisrmtjm_ZIBjyp-eBGkqbt2wk0Bmz-D8AzFgq52VggqpbHlhuhTb-D-oK4bvT-q6HhaDWeFtoo8=w400-h278" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=MAIO">USDA Plants</a> shows <i>Malus ioensis</i> in Lincoln, Clay, and Codington counties in South Dakota. Unfortunately no evidence or sources are provided (arrows added).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxIDfbPtVSE4MyELDxE-GUsZA5WDzwwbsjUzjof2D8hDYuq7XZ-9vgAf37ooITLocCw8VVppNV5MGggUeBbU_4DZV2oQpAYttvA3zZeVNYTkK8AA3IUYle9aBcdrckx4sdljcNKB4vmyn9c1XuMJZr7KMfa2dathZQvkJm_yUbaQxmGZ3MLJRyxF4Zhbs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="253" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxIDfbPtVSE4MyELDxE-GUsZA5WDzwwbsjUzjof2D8hDYuq7XZ-9vgAf37ooITLocCw8VVppNV5MGggUeBbU_4DZV2oQpAYttvA3zZeVNYTkK8AA3IUYle9aBcdrckx4sdljcNKB4vmyn9c1XuMJZr7KMfa2dathZQvkJm_yUbaQxmGZ3MLJRyxF4Zhbs=w200-h175" width="200" /></a></div>This is my contribution to this month's gathering of Tree Followers, kindly hosted by <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/2024/03/07/tree-following-link-box-for-march-2024/">The Squirrelbasket</a>. Once again—if you're looking for a good time, I invite you to join us!<br /><p></p><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Sources</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Minnesota Wildflowers. <a href="https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/tree/prairie-crabapple"><i>Malus ioensis</i> (Prairie Crabapple)</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Flora of North America, <a href="https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/"><i>Malus ioensis</i></a>.</div><div><br /></div>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-317419804910731362024-02-25T11:32:00.003-07:002024-02-25T20:40:55.459-07:00Fruits of the Rose Family—a Cornucopia!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1gldXNkYhaEoucEfgf8Rt50Nj11Vy4CcjGJC3hzjrP2vVFveoJRRFXt2n0HWTqgkpW8WBqXTkT3wuMQWVHfJLxsL-ag29unUj-luuGevYi7CxxbXJaAmed_tZrBRJS80JHbJT78rPHZrEi4F9ku4TgulBjAu-i4C_uXbYnRPjrGD7RJD-CR3YfcI7uMA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2000" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1gldXNkYhaEoucEfgf8Rt50Nj11Vy4CcjGJC3hzjrP2vVFveoJRRFXt2n0HWTqgkpW8WBqXTkT3wuMQWVHfJLxsL-ag29unUj-luuGevYi7CxxbXJaAmed_tZrBRJS80JHbJT78rPHZrEi4F9ku4TgulBjAu-i4C_uXbYnRPjrGD7RJD-CR3YfcI7uMA=w400-h308" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many Rosaceous fruits are in this painting? Answer at end of post. (<i>Still Life with Fruit</i> by Severin Roesen, 1852; <a href="https://www.si.edu/object/still-life-fruit:saam_1981.114">Smithsonian Open Access</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><div>The Rosaceae is a large cosmopolitan family of plants, with c. 3000 species scattered across every continent except Antarctica. It's best represented in the Northern Hemisphere, mainly in temperate habitats. This is a family much loved by humans. Gardeners have grown the "queen of the flowers" (the rose) for at least 5000 years, and we've enjoyed the diverse delicious fruits even longer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Members of a plant family, even a large one, are supposed to be similar and often they are. For example, flowers of the vast majority of species in the Rose Family (excluding ornamentals) have five showy-but-simple petals surrounded by five green sepals. Inside the petals are numerous pollen-producing stamens surrounding one-to-many ovaries, each of which contains one or two ovules awaiting fertilization.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1Tr4wnXsJoanfpqiI7EZz_pVlfVcgpAS_RaPtKSKGak-SKQQzehttz-XzpobMZ3Yj7E1UD3fw1XKVDIDvsnlHIEknEmvdmwWu5uDavT_RN3B6c5nwOrgCyvroKvWyvvVwxIdT8Y25ie9_UCfnktaXYMjFpqGzXxKZg_F8Uaac0-i3Dc5sdPAJ7wpwUVs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1704" data-original-width="1706" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1Tr4wnXsJoanfpqiI7EZz_pVlfVcgpAS_RaPtKSKGak-SKQQzehttz-XzpobMZ3Yj7E1UD3fw1XKVDIDvsnlHIEknEmvdmwWu5uDavT_RN3B6c5nwOrgCyvroKvWyvvVwxIdT8Y25ie9_UCfnktaXYMjFpqGzXxKZg_F8Uaac0-i3Dc5sdPAJ7wpwUVs=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical Rosaceous flower: 5 sepals (green tips visible), 5 petals, many stamens (anthers at tips), and a cluster of numerous ovaries. (Wild Strawberry, <i>Fragaria virginiana</i>. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/plant_diversity/5069794262/">Matt Lavin photo</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table>Unlike the flowers of the Rose Family—so similar and so simple—the fruits are diverse and often complex, in fact notoriously so. For centuries botanists have tried to subdivide the family based on fruit type. They've always failed.<p></p></div><div>By definition, fruits are mature ovaries containing mature ovules (seeds). But there can be so much more—thick flesh, plumose tails, tough skins, rock-hard coats, accessory structures, and aggregation. The Rose Family includes all of these! Though this diversity frustrates plant taxonomists, the rest of us can enjoy it :)</div><div><br /></div><div>It would be foolish to try to cover the full range of Rosaceous fruit diversity. Readers would begin to fall away less than halfway through. Instead here are some favorites, starting with complicated and delicious types, and finishing with one that's quite simple and not at all tasty, but spectacular in its own way.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>But first ... do you know which Rosaceous fruit <u>type</u> is most widely consumed by humans?</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8GE2ncAKG_yVtFfmUEVu-o7BTwaVkHf2m1FQ7wIqedLNozSqcgOaVCvuunTLQ0hen_7K4M6-oUqsJIzRmvBL1bksHcW4ieAAS5aJ_FHDw7BsP952owyCmWQw9beJtxIot3cSRROjLUDZLEBetgMrvSgt-xmrGesc7zlMDLAeWw-iZsN2WRpxHjUa5gOY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1492" data-original-width="1118" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8GE2ncAKG_yVtFfmUEVu-o7BTwaVkHf2m1FQ7wIqedLNozSqcgOaVCvuunTLQ0hen_7K4M6-oUqsJIzRmvBL1bksHcW4ieAAS5aJ_FHDw7BsP952owyCmWQw9beJtxIot3cSRROjLUDZLEBetgMrvSgt-xmrGesc7zlMDLAeWw-iZsN2WRpxHjUa5gOY=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our favorite fruit in the Rose Family is a pome, from Old French "pome" meaning apple (<a href="https://durak.org/photos/seandreilinger/299306860/">source</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table><i>Malus domesticus</i>, the domestic apple tree, probably originated in the mountains of Central Asia. Now it's represented by thousands of cultivars grown in temperate regions worldwide. The apple itself is a pome, which botanists define as a fruit with "a central core containing multiple small seeds, which is enveloped by a tough membrane and surrounded by an edible layer of flesh." Technically speaking, the thick fleshy layer is an accessory structure.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Slicing an apple in half lengthwise shows how evolution elaborated on the basic seeds-in-mature-ovary structure in creating the pome.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzo52VPJ_y5FdnjS5QHkT_SDUMuGjPbZbeg4abx6vJFqjqqwW0o7qURvAbXb7bXxYjcnnOEJv64ycbidWGctRTe2IXOVr0X7ePG8Q3vYpjqMpuI-o0zHTR_VPJM2CTSb-u4DzXanaw-3cbNb31UK2tFsAfqDyoZTPXr0Mx6bbVxkLdkOdIGbzXetqOdTc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1672" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzo52VPJ_y5FdnjS5QHkT_SDUMuGjPbZbeg4abx6vJFqjqqwW0o7qURvAbXb7bXxYjcnnOEJv64ycbidWGctRTe2IXOVr0X7ePG8Q3vYpjqMpuI-o0zHTR_VPJM2CTSb-u4DzXanaw-3cbNb31UK2tFsAfqDyoZTPXr0Mx6bbVxkLdkOdIGbzXetqOdTc=w400-h288" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granny Smith apples. Photo by <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Granny_Smith_Apples.jpg ">benjamint444</a>, labels added.</td></tr></tbody></table>The pome is unique to the Rose Family, but not just to apples. Pears and quinces also bear pomes, as do many native species. Their pomes are small, but look closely—they are indeed tiny apples.</div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQh9rOMzCmQmidZh_oJdcrf-IYesX5VdfIUEi07aFysIhEPsNcL4F4bm60GvnY6oQiLYcvg4qhxrULWEmjR6Fj11ANY24tkiZW4POa3mUea-lN-osLRAhnr2z9o2ticmcgMhgLdXuDIV5LwSFqfSXsKtkmN9nsC-4uQmwnTudcWdn4gJSdAUnEBmBdCsg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1618" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQh9rOMzCmQmidZh_oJdcrf-IYesX5VdfIUEi07aFysIhEPsNcL4F4bm60GvnY6oQiLYcvg4qhxrULWEmjR6Fj11ANY24tkiZW4POa3mUea-lN-osLRAhnr2z9o2ticmcgMhgLdXuDIV5LwSFqfSXsKtkmN9nsC-4uQmwnTudcWdn4gJSdAUnEBmBdCsg=w400-h285" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pomes of four species of hawthorne (<i>Crataegus</i>), c. 1 cm diameter; by <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crataegus,_various_species,_fruit.jpg">Nadiatalent</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>Another popular fruit type with a delicious accessory structure is the drupe, also known as stone fruit.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgf-srwcDU8GY2y_j7kWHaSsib3jmLcZSsqxVTdDn9GbNlX21Hvd56zx3FR62RETgToxvPZoGf1fSJB7a82YZP59i8J_uZqDfPK010NIMGwWZFm1_3hzzlM8I2wAt6uTH2-PWRQ-4hCwpuknScx82sveuFwLTP7nA1xBF0yPFXeEsms7rydYk_b-3ORwMI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1468" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgf-srwcDU8GY2y_j7kWHaSsib3jmLcZSsqxVTdDn9GbNlX21Hvd56zx3FR62RETgToxvPZoGf1fSJB7a82YZP59i8J_uZqDfPK010NIMGwWZFm1_3hzzlM8I2wAt6uTH2-PWRQ-4hCwpuknScx82sveuFwLTP7nA1xBF0yPFXeEsms7rydYk_b-3ORwMI=w400-h299" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domestic cherry—one of many delicious drupes in the Rose Family (source unknown). </td></tr></tbody></table>The genus <i>Prunus </i>includes what appears to be a diversity of fruits: cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots, and almonds! But in fact they all are drupes, defined as "fruit in which an outer fleshy part surrounds a single shell (the pit or stone) with a seed (kernel) inside" (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drupe">source</a>). [Unlike pomes, drupes are not limited to the Rose Family. For example, olives and dates are drupes.]<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLjHh1J0jn5Y8wm4_V8ODiD3cIUYqBibZWRCpGvMeHO6O42Eui22VFIvRSY8NZPDlFWZzlHA_S3isVoK3R9bfwLz92CiIYhKkCbMKtBPGXOTclQ_E7wqeB0Uiqaoz0jGu7yP6fcJhzXiRfMC85EK4HcUNUtbWlRDDr3dEdvpSIlWJwaG-hjZdHYr0hkq0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2529" data-original-width="1963" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLjHh1J0jn5Y8wm4_V8ODiD3cIUYqBibZWRCpGvMeHO6O42Eui22VFIvRSY8NZPDlFWZzlHA_S3isVoK3R9bfwLz92CiIYhKkCbMKtBPGXOTclQ_E7wqeB0Uiqaoz0jGu7yP6fcJhzXiRfMC85EK4HcUNUtbWlRDDr3dEdvpSIlWJwaG-hjZdHYr0hkq0=w310-h400" width="310" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sliced peach reveals tasty flesh surrounding the pit. DG Passmore, 1895, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peach#/media/File:Pomological_Watercolor_POM00005183.jpg">National Agricultural Library</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwW5_FlWPvKPmZ1QH5pSkmcNFtv29QmXqrVXT_s5AanvWoD9IBOTuGpE4smrN66JFuDx5cJcfWuVxUyK4ch61UWNuHGyP46PMZiJNNmwG7Ht-3SOyDauyUm4JxzBNd_YB-_odJ-NjJk3SZ9gnCPTiPOzFFIXtz2zxdRFrkkv9GJEtglafvozMT0mrS1I0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1694" data-original-width="1451" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwW5_FlWPvKPmZ1QH5pSkmcNFtv29QmXqrVXT_s5AanvWoD9IBOTuGpE4smrN66JFuDx5cJcfWuVxUyK4ch61UWNuHGyP46PMZiJNNmwG7Ht-3SOyDauyUm4JxzBNd_YB-_odJ-NjJk3SZ9gnCPTiPOzFFIXtz2zxdRFrkkv9GJEtglafvozMT0mrS1I0=w343-h400" width="343" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The almond tree, <i>Prunus dulcis</i>, also bears drupes. The almond itself is a seed (<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prunus_dulcis_-_K%C3%B6hler%E2%80%93s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-250.jpg">source</a>; labels added).</td></tr></tbody></table>Drupes are well represented in the wild, for example our many species of wild cherries.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv8GwMRP_3cZGeGnkMkQ2B56Z-oMh4neby2EEx-_GCdw-NaGeJo7Btz4zbzHeMTj2TFxbkHQTm3Q19imxiR6_MgUwfRWY2y2hj92wSog5d4EwIlskOnLkKqqHOaT9YMHbZ0UXrr0rRjEiyEexmzjpWfAhRmbznhbT-ANZfY0LRXOZcla--3JMm2zfinrE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1827" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv8GwMRP_3cZGeGnkMkQ2B56Z-oMh4neby2EEx-_GCdw-NaGeJo7Btz4zbzHeMTj2TFxbkHQTm3Q19imxiR6_MgUwfRWY2y2hj92wSog5d4EwIlskOnLkKqqHOaT9YMHbZ0UXrr0rRjEiyEexmzjpWfAhRmbznhbT-ANZfY0LRXOZcla--3JMm2zfinrE=w400-h291" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harvest time! Chokecherries, <i>Prunus virginiana</i>, by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/plant_diversity/52344314627/">Matt Lavin</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7guWcdn7PvRFFw8mZIT2UBzykCMP0Uvdg5W2NAYL3aDpw8CDu1XDV-uW888xWeBD3ZQNYukgee5HAtlEiRx0AOItWEhURrhLfPd88Oket5CUZfCvt0inXm_qgmEPcE3pol-IMY8Sblss4C8zcJr21a-xyJpYZqWvzrvxPYw_4SNrh9B-ELSZm6s_7nsc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7guWcdn7PvRFFw8mZIT2UBzykCMP0Uvdg5W2NAYL3aDpw8CDu1XDV-uW888xWeBD3ZQNYukgee5HAtlEiRx0AOItWEhURrhLfPd88Oket5CUZfCvt0inXm_qgmEPcE3pol-IMY8Sblss4C8zcJr21a-xyJpYZqWvzrvxPYw_4SNrh9B-ELSZm6s_7nsc=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Thousands of drupes readied to make chokecherry whatever" says <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/plant_diversity/50267282246/">Matt</a>. Would that be jelly? wine?</td></tr></tbody></table>Now we advance to a higher level of complexity—a fruit that develops from <u>multiple</u> ovaries of a <u>single</u> flower. A tasty but controversial example is the strawberry (actually not a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berry_(botany)">berry</a> but that's not the controversy).<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQfOvPmaQUH3HkqRr-kL4-4phTkr8j76aGOQ6MG2zmsyJi8B4GPYNMK7aMtJRtt5jkOc58z_SdropwHoPmbTMEXyzWeA23LhgzQzcnVYp3bvpZuSwVwGiiZKxEn4mrdTCX0aKTNBWxmsLHvx9R6nyROqOadQFEJZ293KWFqzsgl7M881S2Aq6aXk3Cux8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1952" data-original-width="1405" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQfOvPmaQUH3HkqRr-kL4-4phTkr8j76aGOQ6MG2zmsyJi8B4GPYNMK7aMtJRtt5jkOc58z_SdropwHoPmbTMEXyzWeA23LhgzQzcnVYp3bvpZuSwVwGiiZKxEn4mrdTCX0aKTNBWxmsLHvx9R6nyROqOadQFEJZ293KWFqzsgl7M881S2Aq6aXk3Cux8=w288-h400" width="288" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Strawberry, <i>Fragaria vesca</i> (Jakob Sturm, 1798, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/biodivlibrary/50804828062/">BHL</a> via Flickr). Question added.</td></tr></tbody></table>Strawberry flowers are typical of the Rose Family (see above). But after fertilization, things get interesting. The many ovaries, each containing a single ovule, mature to become achenes—dry one-seeded fruits (<b>g/G</b> in illustration). At the same time the flower base (receptacle) grows, becoming a red mass of yummy flesh with the achenes embedded on its surface (<b>f</b> in illustration).</div><div><br /></div><div>Herein lies the controversy: What is the fruit of the strawberry? Is it the fleshy globe adorned with achenes, or the achenes themselves? Some botanists rage over this, insisting achenes are the true fruits (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fragaria#Description">in Wikipedia</a> for example). Others think this silly, and simply refer to strawberries as aggregate fruits (my preference).<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrY-DdAz1UNrRuSVVcA_CXUtbbunR8KXWTtKjAfeQo6QUVESMi8kDDycwcxcSXRLzboHCiM8Tq6dvcN5UkIug_r78OKSwbNoENA6ixD4Pb_mcD9-zPDLGHRIizTKWDDsy45hFZctdcBEHd1lQHx8j8b_x0S7jSTW16kgjxU35iFCBCYdSkLCB12NSlchA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1851" data-original-width="1851" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrY-DdAz1UNrRuSVVcA_CXUtbbunR8KXWTtKjAfeQo6QUVESMi8kDDycwcxcSXRLzboHCiM8Tq6dvcN5UkIug_r78OKSwbNoENA6ixD4Pb_mcD9-zPDLGHRIizTKWDDsy45hFZctdcBEHd1lQHx8j8b_x0S7jSTW16kgjxU35iFCBCYdSkLCB12NSlchA=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young strawberry, with styles still present on maturing achenes (<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/zolivier/7006688158/">Olivier</a> via Flickr).</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdTsWw9GTEVm5YFJ_ppzv4lc4PAQb0fOXI1DoXHgPzPU53qtkI2rvk9sHM8NcgkqnHIQd_nx2OHlOjab44eLGMhV3yjxFwztP6cJpnhNhqBLnbXcLTndndo3T88s2GZ9AhUd5vvu0Hi6nPkUyXGwLmAhQkaIiLBe8dzaA6Xmb6gOOC8qaV7ZtmDrwV2EM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1696" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdTsWw9GTEVm5YFJ_ppzv4lc4PAQb0fOXI1DoXHgPzPU53qtkI2rvk9sHM8NcgkqnHIQd_nx2OHlOjab44eLGMhV3yjxFwztP6cJpnhNhqBLnbXcLTndndo3T88s2GZ9AhUd5vvu0Hi6nPkUyXGwLmAhQkaIiLBe8dzaA6Xmb6gOOC8qaV7ZtmDrwV2EM=w400-h322" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Strawberry, <i>Fragaria virginiana</i> (<a href=" https://www.flickr.com/photos/rockynps/14803341880/">JW Frank</a> via Flickr).</td></tr></tbody></table>As promised, the final fruit is simple but beautiful—a single achene, specifically that of Mountain Mahogany (genus <i>Cercocarpus</i>). These shrubs and small trees of the arid American West are members of the Rose Family. But no matter how long one stares at their little flowers, it's hard to see roses.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc0KNQUpfR3V3na2gcJ9tKKd8kU3ZjnEE_HkdMzqytsQ-_ryQdchLt9WJ0bm84-bK2C0vBnCd_DXpQpiD14gMktBignNcv-ubizIewuL_a7BkpP6xdQIwaxYl4k9UW_EMcyeDNbYy4BS9EJ9lI_bYdxY25-N08JgD4EqqqstERgj7gNzgit-BxYA9a0OM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1873" data-original-width="1870" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc0KNQUpfR3V3na2gcJ9tKKd8kU3ZjnEE_HkdMzqytsQ-_ryQdchLt9WJ0bm84-bK2C0vBnCd_DXpQpiD14gMktBignNcv-ubizIewuL_a7BkpP6xdQIwaxYl4k9UW_EMcyeDNbYy4BS9EJ9lI_bYdxY25-N08JgD4EqqqstERgj7gNzgit-BxYA9a0OM=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers of Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany (<i>C. betulifolia</i>) are just 5 mm across and have NO petals. The sepals form a cup with many stamens surrounding a single pistil (<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38213125@N00/4511363094/">Joe Decruyenaere</a> via Flickr).</td></tr></tbody></table>A Mountain Mahogany flower may be humble, but not the resulting fruit. The pistil and its ovule become an achene with a long persistent feathery style, ready to fly with the wind. En masse, these "seed tails" transform the plant that bears them.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg13nOAWxtOIt1SlAfuLIhrg27g0p2i_ussGE5zQI45KImGkgt4OkWIXpC-Md4soMD357OzNlz9nL1ibsWGR03HBcARPG8t6_otENbxpfYWEYE0sXjWGoTT9EvTidgznxXho8CFECTJAj3ZMAY1xqVwrX3BDq8yMR0J2ScryerllrXuwzqN2fCe0l1RzMk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg13nOAWxtOIt1SlAfuLIhrg27g0p2i_ussGE5zQI45KImGkgt4OkWIXpC-Md4soMD357OzNlz9nL1ibsWGR03HBcARPG8t6_otENbxpfYWEYE0sXjWGoTT9EvTidgznxXho8CFECTJAj3ZMAY1xqVwrX3BDq8yMR0J2ScryerllrXuwzqN2fCe0l1RzMk=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruits of Mountain Mahogany (<i>C. montanus</i>) preparing to launch; seed tails to 8 cm long (<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/plant_diversity/27660792115/">Matt Lavin</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicZRMSMXWORZt2isbMkxKc1Ftv0CiJmyaajm1pIdPTxXXC98HqoyeYLXoBB03ZRZ4tM7WDoDmcjxGVolncb0Csj0BvqHy5qZMVEo4orcHwpE_mecXXxHSpY1q-Qg-zIomn_uF5ovLWswhbrnIwRQBYwrkA-okRCUXQBQ5LtWLlR190mwfo_dqytl1MNMA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3193" data-original-width="4263" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicZRMSMXWORZt2isbMkxKc1Ftv0CiJmyaajm1pIdPTxXXC98HqoyeYLXoBB03ZRZ4tM7WDoDmcjxGVolncb0Csj0BvqHy5qZMVEo4orcHwpE_mecXXxHSpY1q-Qg-zIomn_uF5ovLWswhbrnIwRQBYwrkA-okRCUXQBQ5LtWLlR190mwfo_dqytl1MNMA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Mahogany transformed by seed tails. Achenes can be spectacular! (<i>C. ledifolius</i>,<i> </i><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/plant_diversity/9556278517">Matt Lavin</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table>Now we return to where we started—"How many Rosaceous fruits are in Roesen's painting?" The answer is "many" (exact number depends on your opinion regarding aggregate fruits). I found pomes (apples), drupes (peaches, plums, cherries, maybe nectarines), aggregates of drupes (blackberries), and aggregates of achenes (strawberries). Did I miss anything?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimn0O_z4pwBTGGVT8mKbcHzgQZJvAO30-wzcMTNNdo4hyAxGSxVO6nknk_ohJqwShBjRi53HYVJuKlP7xnjoPfO0GJZ1ut1KUiykSvGX2mF48pNMkjEiFJrNBiBIYXw85wgESOUyYBV308-9aRhKQVgYfQSX1WY2XLWr7HsgiCSiy18LCy3y0U53kOU8/s3000/StillLifeRoesenANNOTATED.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2308" data-original-width="3000" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimn0O_z4pwBTGGVT8mKbcHzgQZJvAO30-wzcMTNNdo4hyAxGSxVO6nknk_ohJqwShBjRi53HYVJuKlP7xnjoPfO0GJZ1ut1KUiykSvGX2mF48pNMkjEiFJrNBiBIYXw85wgESOUyYBV308-9aRhKQVgYfQSX1WY2XLWr7HsgiCSiy18LCy3y0U53kOU8/w400-h308/StillLifeRoesenANNOTATED.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This has been quite a long post, I agree. But I would be remiss if I were to omit Robert Frost's thoughts on the subject.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjauZjvpJjkjgZaSHwkfgZa18vyiXGXc2NroX4PzUbifr_kESRcR4SfwcW5Z-t79SJ2UGVafFR7SVK1_bLaufYerVJZ0ey2XbQTllq8ZjOqUgJJUpTbuuaRZB5YxCdM2E7wiv6vDQSPkXfRXqr-4ouAFTnahYVEBKp0qFcAwenOu4eJGwbJEiQkipQLFqw"><img alt="" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1182" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjauZjvpJjkjgZaSHwkfgZa18vyiXGXc2NroX4PzUbifr_kESRcR4SfwcW5Z-t79SJ2UGVafFR7SVK1_bLaufYerVJZ0ey2XbQTllq8ZjOqUgJJUpTbuuaRZB5YxCdM2E7wiv6vDQSPkXfRXqr-4ouAFTnahYVEBKp0qFcAwenOu4eJGwbJEiQkipQLFqw=w358-h400" width="358" /></a></div></div><br /><b><br /></b><div><b>Sources</b> (in addition to links in post)<br /><br /><a href="http://floranorthamerica.org/Rosaceae">Rosaceae</a> in Flora of North America, which includes a list of fruit types:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">"... achenes aggregated or not, follicles aggregated or not, drupes aggregated or not, aggregated nutlets, pomes, aggregated drupelets, or capsules; sometimes involving accessory organs, for example, hypanthium, torus."</span></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Haywood, VH. 1978. Flowering Plants of the World. Oxford University Press.<div><br />Judd, WS, et al. 2002. Plant Systematics, 2nd ed. Sinauer Associates, Inc.<br /></div></div></div><div><br /></div>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-9148654629287481342024-02-13T09:29:00.000-07:002024-02-13T09:29:07.861-07:00South Dakota Tree-Following—Plains Cottonwood<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhorsP2xr99KWLF7kKKFiPqKaRaWn91nAHI-QleYaPW-6DvTBAiYJ-o4KTAbyCuQr49RSHh0EZWG1uUP4_ok0WoepRH9IV1uImvJ2Z_pdZazQgT2-RL2FdfdlOmUNwchv9WShL2PNl1iH3ECcHVG3pTDBDAjHK2EmOgvfd0FsA_yt2TKIMhRD42VPryw4E" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1440" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhorsP2xr99KWLF7kKKFiPqKaRaWn91nAHI-QleYaPW-6DvTBAiYJ-o4KTAbyCuQr49RSHh0EZWG1uUP4_ok0WoepRH9IV1uImvJ2Z_pdZazQgT2-RL2FdfdlOmUNwchv9WShL2PNl1iH3ECcHVG3pTDBDAjHK2EmOgvfd0FsA_yt2TKIMhRD42VPryw4E=w400-h223" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"A circle of cottonwood-leaf toy tipis made by Indian children of Plains tribes ... These they made in numbers and placed them in circles like the camp circle of their tribe." (Gilmore 1919)</td></tr></tbody></table>Last month I launched a project to get to know the trees of South Dakota, starting with Black Hills Spruce, the state tree. This month I chose Plains Cottonwood, which was a strong state-tree competitor and rightfully so. Plains Indians relied on it for construction materials, fuel for heat, and winter food for horses. Fur traders built stockades and boats from cottonwood trunks. And as early travelers slowly made their way across the prairies, the occasional tree offered a welcome bit of shade. That hasn't changed.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtlLg6ZL0A5cvU-VlJgLRqZUQVP8bqoeOlz2RavJKAcHKjCYXCTiudaKZ7PhoAW-drg8Vbil7xivGCbcjjAR4gQBqRAoEoFACC-UTHZvVaSMeHf0WCU9XrfPiqu9lS7OJCpxPbXcEsmjIdMZR6mxxGtioHFy4L5RnOWjb2_Ttog7TW-sYaK64ZDMuZVpQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="794" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtlLg6ZL0A5cvU-VlJgLRqZUQVP8bqoeOlz2RavJKAcHKjCYXCTiudaKZ7PhoAW-drg8Vbil7xivGCbcjjAR4gQBqRAoEoFACC-UTHZvVaSMeHf0WCU9XrfPiqu9lS7OJCpxPbXcEsmjIdMZR6mxxGtioHFy4L5RnOWjb2_Ttog7TW-sYaK64ZDMuZVpQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plains Cottonwood, western South Dakota. I ate lunch in its shade every day during a grassland project.</td></tr></tbody></table>While looking for information, I came across a thought-provoking article: "Cottonwood Houses, Cottonwood Stars" (2014). Much of it is included here. Sometimes a look back shows what has happened since. Sometimes we can undo a bit of that.</p><p>In the early 1900s, ethnobotanist Melvin Gilmore visited with elderly Indians of the Great Plains, specifically those who had gathered native plants and still knew the old names and uses. He hoped to record this knowledge "while it may still be obtained, before the death of all the old people who alone possess it.” As it turned out, those old people were eager to share so that “future generations of their own people as well as the white people may know and understand their manner of life."</p><p>Gilbert observed and described construction of toy tipis from the broad deltoid leaves of Plains Cottonwood, <i>Populus deltoides</i> ssp. <i>occidentalis</i>. Ten years ago, I carefully followed his instructions:</p><p></p><blockquote>"They split a leaf a short distance down from the tip along the midrib; at equal distances from the tip they tore across from the margin slightly; then, bending back the margin above the rents for the smoke flaps, and drawing together the leaf-margins below the rents and fastening them with a splinter or a thorn, they had a toy tipi."</blockquote><blockquote><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7uaLDSkWdbrRQhIPQ1TohaMOgKAUozLa2fhkc6nDcbnXI2fsx7O9IRKqb3dUCqVZplzLLSLPiDG8ugVZLi1CePJ5ngunxsbQtAyemWKGYJxLTEamnR0bfKP65Uqyv_AmWAmj-jp6C78yP6wb58BoK44gn5gsIfSQ2TnnZ13zVI-xfjZoW6HkF0ax4gCc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4329" data-original-width="3208" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7uaLDSkWdbrRQhIPQ1TohaMOgKAUozLa2fhkc6nDcbnXI2fsx7O9IRKqb3dUCqVZplzLLSLPiDG8ugVZLi1CePJ5ngunxsbQtAyemWKGYJxLTEamnR0bfKP65Uqyv_AmWAmj-jp6C78yP6wb58BoK44gn5gsIfSQ2TnnZ13zVI-xfjZoW6HkF0ax4gCc=w296-h400" width="296" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoke flaps regulate draft and ventilate the tipi, especially smoke from the fire.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPNT3rMplZEHDdvEneS9SNnA548IMn0Cis49a96tIqTL94gdkcx1eo8YavcVGyTjXwX8yInzxqv7_lkJgWlTTcLwiZmKPDxM_4kEviSdnUiQaVCUNCAOoZr1DqRkc-MLhXIWC4FF4BxVWDrjxyYfskm-D656nuX81ThNE0UL3t7NkQ7ndvdwgVTzaS9g4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1770" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPNT3rMplZEHDdvEneS9SNnA548IMn0Cis49a96tIqTL94gdkcx1eo8YavcVGyTjXwX8yInzxqv7_lkJgWlTTcLwiZmKPDxM_4kEviSdnUiQaVCUNCAOoZr1DqRkc-MLhXIWC4FF4BxVWDrjxyYfskm-D656nuX81ThNE0UL3t7NkQ7ndvdwgVTzaS9g4=w400-h260" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My camp circle.</td></tr></tbody></table></blockquote><p>Another gift of the Cottonwood are the stars concealed in its twigs. Kathleen Cain learned this as a child in rural Nebraska, from her father.</p><p></p><blockquote>"You have to find [a twig] with a sturdy knuckle ... You have to cut cleanly ... One cut is best ... He turned the twig so I could gaze directly into its center. Running crosswise through the middle of the small piece of wood, the cut revealed a reddish-brown and nearly perfect five-pointed star." (Cain 2007)</blockquote><blockquote><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqL1Fsn2q5CFYmOxMT3Zp7CeOKNPLk-ZtohPmGz7_-GczpX0IpyeHOqn3B3wxnoEBocOUzTiIw0hDK2PP4z7Gqtl6Y3Wv1Y3hufzehI4qeZHO9u6HFX5ahKTUi8cjzaZOU5NBJtibkVjYlIbe6mtTZszSV8k-cRo_4PmweloueCE4euAKFB1mnCBTOBKc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="1584" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqL1Fsn2q5CFYmOxMT3Zp7CeOKNPLk-ZtohPmGz7_-GczpX0IpyeHOqn3B3wxnoEBocOUzTiIw0hDK2PP4z7Gqtl6Y3Wv1Y3hufzehI4qeZHO9u6HFX5ahKTUi8cjzaZOU5NBJtibkVjYlIbe6mtTZszSV8k-cRo_4PmweloueCE4euAKFB1mnCBTOBKc=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sturdy knuckle—the joint between two years’ growth. If you want to look for a cottonwood star, other species will work also. This is <i>P. acuminata</i>.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></blockquote><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi29eBSw-KcDnW4aZj6uaYrwDFhP0PDMOcSslTDwywC1MFD5g3gNMozKF_5HIpR81bDLqHYj553-UH173LdjBEFxAHvMk3FIfBkj7_CWivqQ1KYMMpq-9p5DClQlJHrYwymf0myRsomp9yzBJVuXFRbol7ZvrHhqUHVvnu7h_OWQIEcMVXNvs6MACVPD4w" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi29eBSw-KcDnW4aZj6uaYrwDFhP0PDMOcSslTDwywC1MFD5g3gNMozKF_5HIpR81bDLqHYj553-UH173LdjBEFxAHvMk3FIfBkj7_CWivqQ1KYMMpq-9p5DClQlJHrYwymf0myRsomp9yzBJVuXFRbol7ZvrHhqUHVvnu7h_OWQIEcMVXNvs6MACVPD4w=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cottonwood star is 6 mm across.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><blockquote></blockquote>As I learned from my cottonwood projects, being a child again is therapeutic. As if to drive the point home, this showed up in <i>The New York Times</i> today:<p></p><p></p><blockquote>"If I had influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over the christening of all children, I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life, as an unfailing antidote against the boredom and disenchantments of later years, the sterile preoccupation with things that are artificial, the alienation from the sources of our strength." Rachel Carson, <i>The Sense of Wonder</i><br /></blockquote><b><div><b><br /></b></div>Sources</b><br /><p>Cain, K. 2007. The cottonwood tree; an American champion. Boulder, CO: Johnson Books.</p><p><a href="https://plantsandrocks.blogspot.com/2014/11/cottonwood-houses-cottonwood-stars.html">Cottonwood Houses, Cottonwood Stars</a>. November 2014.</p>Gilmore, MR. 1919. Use of plants by the Indians of the Missouri River region. Bureau of American Ethnology.<p>Johnson, W. Carter, and Knight, Dennis H. 2022. Ecology of Dakota Landscapes; past, present, and future. Yale University Press (in print and ebook format).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMHs804XqwyKINr96L6SyZ53kTXrUmKOSjj3kOatHXiBv03qC7VE-Kf3n0KTio7ah4MjJ2LBe_5-xEGG0QPyknEyM6MTS9sudcAZ4XvW_1cQR53Tw5LSsh_SW10a-ZLLaqNz1v68_dzxGyXHaHM4zQxdA02pev3AdkyZcrOQUQqGQE38bkDMvUmbCOoo/s252/treefollowing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="252" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMHs804XqwyKINr96L6SyZ53kTXrUmKOSjj3kOatHXiBv03qC7VE-Kf3n0KTio7ah4MjJ2LBe_5-xEGG0QPyknEyM6MTS9sudcAZ4XvW_1cQR53Tw5LSsh_SW10a-ZLLaqNz1v68_dzxGyXHaHM4zQxdA02pev3AdkyZcrOQUQqGQE38bkDMvUmbCOoo/w200-h185/treefollowing2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This is my report for the <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/2024/02/07/tree-following-link-box-for-february-2024/">February gathering</a> of tree followers, kindly hosted by <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/">The Squirrelbasket</a>. If you'd like to join us, you can <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/tree-following/">learn more here</a>.<p></p>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-18085810742668787512024-01-30T17:14:00.001-07:002024-01-30T17:14:18.943-07:00Scaling a Dome of Broken Glass<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiEtOfYcekhIfT7WCtT4K3j0KAIGWOJL1ANT1HYHwfuEZLIzm_Q4pUKULRiWasEMRARJYCURZ3GZVRt7G0dRW4rvhhVZ2G4AnlgKyKufVRs1uq52FbECcw3DXvQQ6NiT3Dh7l0b1e_rUa76EUcBAHXdfp3-FBFdCnl9P997TWh7BDHOhvXi1t-lEUbRIs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1280" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiEtOfYcekhIfT7WCtT4K3j0KAIGWOJL1ANT1HYHwfuEZLIzm_Q4pUKULRiWasEMRARJYCURZ3GZVRt7G0dRW4rvhhVZ2G4AnlgKyKufVRs1uq52FbECcw3DXvQQ6NiT3Dh7l0b1e_rUa76EUcBAHXdfp3-FBFdCnl9P997TWh7BDHOhvXi1t-lEUbRIs=w400-h250" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View south from top of Obsidian Dome; Glass Creek Dome mid photo, Sierra Nevada on skyline.</td></tr></tbody></table>After <a href="https://plantsandrocks.blogspot.com/2024/01/visiting-mono-craters-with-israel.html">touring the Mono Craters</a>, accompanied by the spirit of pioneering geologist Israel Russell, I drove south on US 395 to see more of eastern California's volcanics. This time I was led by Robert P. Sharp and Allen F. Glazner, authors of <i>Geology Underfoot in Death Valley and Owens Valley</i> (1997, first edition).</p><p>I was intent on visiting a rhyolite dome or coulée (lava flow), landforms that had puzzled Russell during his fieldwork in the Mono Basin in 1883. "These outbursts of acidic lava are in strong contrast with the overflows of basic rock with which geologists are most familiar ... [which] are frequently quite liquid at first, flow rapidly, and reach a distance of many miles before congealing sufficiently to check their progress." Not so the Mono coulées. They barely reached beyond the foot of their cones.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgybowonRiGHyrIcM9XVZOLTE8I3i1h-1TuTCIXKt2k0ufvKUfqxgLW4DikXMOeAxn4HsXPVtS0Wc2QmeGHtxzaON-PbcpP6lpvVdbaUAfIYK4e1TZuCoJeq03HgVFN7uW36i_Thv79tMFpMaAI0J2JF5Uxcuyhy2rxn8pHfRSYEscMYxN2imRAmKiPcto" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="598" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgybowonRiGHyrIcM9XVZOLTE8I3i1h-1TuTCIXKt2k0ufvKUfqxgLW4DikXMOeAxn4HsXPVtS0Wc2QmeGHtxzaON-PbcpP6lpvVdbaUAfIYK4e1TZuCoJeq03HgVFN7uW36i_Thv79tMFpMaAI0J2JF5Uxcuyhy2rxn8pHfRSYEscMYxN2imRAmKiPcto=w400-h386" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mono Craters, added arrows point to coulées—short thick lava flows with rugged surfaces and steep sides (from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mono%E2%80%93Inyo_Craters#/media/File:Mono_Craters_airphoto_by_Von_Huene_032079.jpg ">USGS 1971</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table>Russell rightly concluded the lava had been extremely viscous and therefore flowed very slowly. He considered these coulées unusual, perhaps unique. Surely geologists would be eager to study them. "When the valley in which these craters are situated becomes more familiar to tourists and geologists, they can not fail to be widely known as typical illustrations of mountains formed of acidic lavas." And so it came to pass.</p><p>Time has proven Russell wrong in thinking the Mono coulées unique; similar flows have been found around the world. But he was spot on about geological interest. Rhyolite volcanoes are relatively uncommon, so their abundance in eastern California makes the area attractive to volcanologists. Especially intriguing is their youth. M<span style="text-align: center;">ost erupted in the last 10,000 years, several in the last thousand</span>. And they may be only sleeping.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuvZhVbcV2CnIMiUml4igiHD2tFRtXk6UPDzblYy_qKgflPxvdDwJz4xch2jfUrxNGbfMU2I_higNw7oHA8JL8NpGMxR3z6UJhBGqo9Kf96E675Eg_LZirdRINQPt9L7Oh8c3DTqqr9QAk25zgU_FE8rwRckPspeTZhXqbsIRSJ5IH3M3UHUXtHB3-irg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3170" data-original-width="2161" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuvZhVbcV2CnIMiUml4igiHD2tFRtXk6UPDzblYy_qKgflPxvdDwJz4xch2jfUrxNGbfMU2I_higNw7oHA8JL8NpGMxR3z6UJhBGqo9Kf96E675Eg_LZirdRINQPt9L7Oh8c3DTqqr9QAk25zgU_FE8rwRckPspeTZhXqbsIRSJ5IH3M3UHUXtHB3-irg=w273-h400" width="273" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Between Mammoth Mountain and Mono Lake "virtually every hill is a young volcano" (Sharp & Glazner 1997; <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mono%E2%80%93Inyo_Craters#/media/File:Mono-Inyo_Craters_satellite_image-annotated.jpeg">NASA photo 2000</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table>Rhyolite domes and coulées are not easy to examine, as Russell explained. "The extreme ruggedness of the coulées is due to the fact that they hardened at the surface during the time they were still moving. The crust thus formed became broken and involved in the pasty material beneath in a most complicated manner. ... Even at the present day, after many blocks have fallen and the formation of a talus slope has commenced, the climber finds it extremely difficult to scale these rugged and broken escarpments of glassy fragments."</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihd23EHCb5RTf-VzBF-ia7Y451OQ5jVhbRVJnbYFSXdKMFfNyQgvc_g7lbAuVxP5qW0oXKKAhZj_mtVnysrsp1r47koVbMwIRiU9gTwfn3Ne82acvNXkdjTfvEaK-4QiyoaW3clyBqjbpueQypKFuaKxPm3aeE4iolyNVg6DOw_S1LIatoMZcTqbOcG90" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihd23EHCb5RTf-VzBF-ia7Y451OQ5jVhbRVJnbYFSXdKMFfNyQgvc_g7lbAuVxP5qW0oXKKAhZj_mtVnysrsp1r47koVbMwIRiU9gTwfn3Ne82acvNXkdjTfvEaK-4QiyoaW3clyBqjbpueQypKFuaKxPm3aeE4iolyNVg6DOw_S1LIatoMZcTqbOcG90=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flow front, North Coulée, Mono Craters.</td></tr></tbody></table>However not far from Mono Craters is a dome that can be scaled without difficulty. On the west side of Obsidian Dome a road ascends the rugged broken escarpment to the top. A locked gate limits access to all but foot traffic.<div><br /></div><div>The Obsidian Dome volcano erupted in 1350, just 633.5 years ago (associated tree mortality <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/long-valley-caldera/science/long-valley-caldera-field-guide-obsidian-dome">occurred in late summer</a> of that year). Lava slowly oozed from the vent and flowed outward, forming what looks like a giant cowpie 1–2 km across and 50–100 m thick, its surface rough with jumbled blocks of volcanic rock. Aside from its shape, Obsidian Dome is similar to the Mono Crater coulées that Russell found so striking with their steep sides and rough surfaces. "Obsidian Coulée" is actually more appropriate.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHkMw54sdvXMVcmOXjfJWMaY0-y5O0JlOWqJa5hE_JLj9_FgkxdAzcoviYYeuZ-dqcDyWc1033vAJOk50R7jhrIzPcJjg-A9GL4GkZ37cZj7TNTqKwSMHXSTFTUl1yJCPnnfKWIvGaOEKgSEMgqGhUzTo0NVI0AmMZzpt9V49b7K_RuvTJqU9UTiQqksg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="1723" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHkMw54sdvXMVcmOXjfJWMaY0-y5O0JlOWqJa5hE_JLj9_FgkxdAzcoviYYeuZ-dqcDyWc1033vAJOk50R7jhrIzPcJjg-A9GL4GkZ37cZj7TNTqKwSMHXSTFTUl1yJCPnnfKWIvGaOEKgSEMgqGhUzTo0NVI0AmMZzpt9V49b7K_RuvTJqU9UTiQqksg=w400-h356" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obsidian Dome, the cowpie coulée. Google Earth 2019.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja1vsf9PfX1n-s8RNnuJ5GOIINOzXu8IqX8aM3VdOuctDVq18aLv0YpwsrYQCCPHWMxyhvbdifOtRv6Dx76GXjz-h-0QdTrTJ2ti8sVedHAUyN1TvsUuZiJqXCrc5y5l00RU7Dli_FoXrXdrTwgk7dwEahj-7ArU-UzQqlQPJSpe44lOv3CwUPN4GnXNk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="1818" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja1vsf9PfX1n-s8RNnuJ5GOIINOzXu8IqX8aM3VdOuctDVq18aLv0YpwsrYQCCPHWMxyhvbdifOtRv6Dx76GXjz-h-0QdTrTJ2ti8sVedHAUyN1TvsUuZiJqXCrc5y5l00RU7Dli_FoXrXdrTwgk7dwEahj-7ArU-UzQqlQPJSpe44lOv3CwUPN4GnXNk=w400-h337" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking ± northeast at Obsidian Dome; blue line is gated access road. Gray area is an old pumice quarry, the reason for the road. Google Earth 2019.</td></tr></tbody></table>Obsidian Dome and its road are featured in the geological vignette "Ominous Ooze" in the first edition of Sharp and Glazner's guide. I like the first edition very much. It provides more detail in descriptions and discussions, for example nine pages are devoted to Obsidian Dome vs. only three in the second edition. I found it especially helpful in appreciating the varied and beautiful rocks on display—all rhyolite and yet so different!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTWIGq4-3HAhPk-TlDV0ys7H-54v6DVql2YwByDJvrjKD_Z3Gai12FqZw3ffTl8lQNU32HHPeLFJFVzj-txxWEKmCw2buZT011GqwuFOGwobr9fYCzMtIn6HG18RMDEHovKSRoMxj99yLb5n4NdFq9IO8v_Ms6X58qaDbQLhEkxUrvoTm1Jrr8uCnEqJY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTWIGq4-3HAhPk-TlDV0ys7H-54v6DVql2YwByDJvrjKD_Z3Gai12FqZw3ffTl8lQNU32HHPeLFJFVzj-txxWEKmCw2buZT011GqwuFOGwobr9fYCzMtIn6HG18RMDEHovKSRoMxj99yLb5n4NdFq9IO8v_Ms6X58qaDbQLhEkxUrvoTm1Jrr8uCnEqJY=w400-h362" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Formidable slope of broken glass, slightly worried field assistant for scale.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGBj9_zzjv3vPxYmln3PhSND5Stox7mXDBpPlkreHQMI3uobk1mFuaFtGg2R80_r3Xvcx3kFvfK_p-7LngnQur1B0QGFJ5ZajUcEorgxG5bb5dF2RWdP5l2Kq4PAx6W500jR7QhXqsTLskkO9uUOWkD-hRljs5Ma1TodyAGFDaEGKzIqXklGyl68Oz4nk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1280" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGBj9_zzjv3vPxYmln3PhSND5Stox7mXDBpPlkreHQMI3uobk1mFuaFtGg2R80_r3Xvcx3kFvfK_p-7LngnQur1B0QGFJ5ZajUcEorgxG5bb5dF2RWdP5l2Kq4PAx6W500jR7QhXqsTLskkO9uUOWkD-hRljs5Ma1TodyAGFDaEGKzIqXklGyl68Oz4nk=w400-h281" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But the ascent turned out to be a stroll :)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUvykGFfwspWIn6pSe9zaqp9ajOldnvMm8J-Wyzoe-ZLZh1ygyRAlZkBdbYD8vvqY1PL5xz3kZVwn1SceZNGCOs58JunKSAOnnfpyFbD_2MYyyIN1NDV20HlTs9tYnDLRZJQJByQjHwkIswkIhkhfWC_baFjBf8Ua8ZCSSVBdkvqDkvtOfhd4p_Fr-RvI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUvykGFfwspWIn6pSe9zaqp9ajOldnvMm8J-Wyzoe-ZLZh1ygyRAlZkBdbYD8vvqY1PL5xz3kZVwn1SceZNGCOs58JunKSAOnnfpyFbD_2MYyyIN1NDV20HlTs9tYnDLRZJQJByQjHwkIswkIhkhfWC_baFjBf8Ua8ZCSSVBdkvqDkvtOfhd4p_Fr-RvI=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chunks of black glass were beautiful to the eye but challenging for the camera's light meter.</td></tr></tbody></table>"Glass" and "glassy" often appear in descriptions of rhyolite volcanoes. Accustomed as we are to the transparent stuff, this can be confusing. Broadly speaking a glass is a non-crystalline solid that cooled so quickly from a liquid state that crystallization was impossible. A <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass#Reputed_flow">myth persists</a> that glass is actually a super viscous liquid that flows at the scale of centuries (for example in old window panes). This has been discounted. But the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_transition#">transition of glass</a> from liquid to solid remains an unsolved problem in physics.<br /><br />Whatever the exact nature of glass, the volcanoes that extruded these domes and coulées were well equipped to produce it. The magma was >70% silica; at such a high concentration silica tetrahedra (molecules) bind tightly to each other, making super viscous lava. Not only did it barely flow, it was so viscous that other kinds of atoms couldn't move around and bond with their brethren to form crystals. When crystal-poor lava such as this cools rapidly, for example by being carried to the surface in a volcanic eruption, obsidian and other forms of volcanic glass result.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF9VMzED4UBUm0lDLJpLvhXyqKR10jdLjmORaqDZfQo6snexapcI1_KtFSvC44bY_ZL87xGFEkfzTByal6G-HPA0X2z5KR3H4FZWVR5XvO3Hij4qvPV8dJZ3r2gubvafvDWJvTRlukFNprrRPCUrykC2_mZhmSeXIlLjot9EVb01-6rKsojgimprXg_WE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1099" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF9VMzED4UBUm0lDLJpLvhXyqKR10jdLjmORaqDZfQo6snexapcI1_KtFSvC44bY_ZL87xGFEkfzTByal6G-HPA0X2z5KR3H4FZWVR5XvO3Hij4qvPV8dJZ3r2gubvafvDWJvTRlukFNprrRPCUrykC2_mZhmSeXIlLjot9EVb01-6rKsojgimprXg_WE=w200-h198" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tiny silica tetrahedron plays a big role in volcanoes (<a href="https://opengeology.org/Mineralogy/1-introduction/">source</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoh-ifMD51ClJayu03Rb1X0Zyzno5hX0MGf27VAVgj7JWOP45EDkIjds09B5Pvr2zowaIfpwyCtwa9t5MKgem8QH7aMymFad7QPkVtdPpLI7cZQqye7PoSCC-8W0L6fFHXzAikETRB5jS7hDbi4FbwKHZx8jGCXeOC6DZ8D1Nya7mi1G8N8pyr1ADR6yo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoh-ifMD51ClJayu03Rb1X0Zyzno5hX0MGf27VAVgj7JWOP45EDkIjds09B5Pvr2zowaIfpwyCtwa9t5MKgem8QH7aMymFad7QPkVtdPpLI7cZQqye7PoSCC-8W0L6fFHXzAikETRB5jS7hDbi4FbwKHZx8jGCXeOC6DZ8D1Nya7mi1G8N8pyr1ADR6yo=w301-h320" width="301" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obsidian with scattered small crystals in a matrix of glass.</td></tr></tbody></table>At the base of the coulée and along the road to the top I saw lots of obsidian with bands of pale pumice—also a glass but filled with bubbles. Perhaps it formed from frothy lava during a more explosive phase. These rocks were especially beautiful with their varied combinations of banding, curves, and swirls.<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjt0zJbSd_EF36xRN_xkvfkJXPj3nhVyn8Ar3tTk6F__eENnKuGb3L0aKBjy8td83KWyZf3XJ8v5M_nT79tbeSBUJslznHrE2IRMoaJeTchzfoHe7G_SxKHnvx4QUkIeyhp3DR_z2Ahzswd_Cx24hwGmvH7_a2cWXFSgMPwc72lfVFl5AAqG9gtPZ2t3qE"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjt0zJbSd_EF36xRN_xkvfkJXPj3nhVyn8Ar3tTk6F__eENnKuGb3L0aKBjy8td83KWyZf3XJ8v5M_nT79tbeSBUJslznHrE2IRMoaJeTchzfoHe7G_SxKHnvx4QUkIeyhp3DR_z2Ahzswd_Cx24hwGmvH7_a2cWXFSgMPwc72lfVFl5AAqG9gtPZ2t3qE=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHLUdDtLel0f5rgpQ0sSx-qrMqvERWf3De5ZNWl5s4HfUbpDNDIdlvbnmM_FeSVA2cYBmLkMXslHT9i75hV260SJwiditY_2Pgz82Bh4ZqaPm_bF2Ivfj6rDjTW6V95echOv9pQ3wOm1AgjMXMoph-XrTQLnLUJLyeW02ebWVbTv75Z23VKzDIJJoFR2U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHLUdDtLel0f5rgpQ0sSx-qrMqvERWf3De5ZNWl5s4HfUbpDNDIdlvbnmM_FeSVA2cYBmLkMXslHT9i75hV260SJwiditY_2Pgz82Bh4ZqaPm_bF2Ivfj6rDjTW6V95echOv9pQ3wOm1AgjMXMoph-XrTQLnLUJLyeW02ebWVbTv75Z23VKzDIJJoFR2U=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKcHaKyY0zrUfE3LxeZtz3okAEWA8mAsQd-uC2pwRC6BE99CBXNzFmDj71UingOTL8eWorK67046G3wZPTOKcjt_TAzfSeC1mc0WZPxNgrqWsb4OELYqCT8lc1D7ILmMXJxPgAmsXSyyLrj2WoGWiOQEMtbTllXpa1R-A83L47dRiN3q6Grt1ySXNe74A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKcHaKyY0zrUfE3LxeZtz3okAEWA8mAsQd-uC2pwRC6BE99CBXNzFmDj71UingOTL8eWorK67046G3wZPTOKcjt_TAzfSeC1mc0WZPxNgrqWsb4OELYqCT8lc1D7ILmMXJxPgAmsXSyyLrj2WoGWiOQEMtbTllXpa1R-A83L47dRiN3q6Grt1ySXNe74A=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLGDTAThfWjYDuzXnVJ6vks1yXm0SH20CLfIAloAScB01kB0lMdCh_BHbFmfGDs1hNK8tpO5NlOQhGbrBpgJ0o3mP0HTDiXKWcTcfbwk_zFXi8qE9PW5Wcpmz65_0-fy7P_vdAP5Zmoh1mFnmV8a0dOTWSv33Fc_XPnNqRGMrlmH2zZsWGhh-ST80xVYk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLGDTAThfWjYDuzXnVJ6vks1yXm0SH20CLfIAloAScB01kB0lMdCh_BHbFmfGDs1hNK8tpO5NlOQhGbrBpgJ0o3mP0HTDiXKWcTcfbwk_zFXi8qE9PW5Wcpmz65_0-fy7P_vdAP5Zmoh1mFnmV8a0dOTWSv33Fc_XPnNqRGMrlmH2zZsWGhh-ST80xVYk=w400-h300" width="400" /><br /></a></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaoAqZzK9JkM3Mkh8UCzbfF0kBysM5S8cK0yRAdZqYszIcispGWm1ArRnmGlEmh5S0ZtPwUoCofDD0p6SMAlFCAoy0lTA9kgIqV_nUSRWKxsGT7hntmRjBuFlbbS0Fh9sgAKtDwft9rR2xuyiHfGbLh-ukxywsgxFXpA_LywGd21gtRFo2yy_sFd2SkY8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaoAqZzK9JkM3Mkh8UCzbfF0kBysM5S8cK0yRAdZqYszIcispGWm1ArRnmGlEmh5S0ZtPwUoCofDD0p6SMAlFCAoy0lTA9kgIqV_nUSRWKxsGT7hntmRjBuFlbbS0Fh9sgAKtDwft9rR2xuyiHfGbLh-ukxywsgxFXpA_LywGd21gtRFo2yy_sFd2SkY8=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What happened here?!</td></tr></tbody></table>Amid the shiny black broken glass, and sometimes bonded to it, was dull pinkish orange and gray rock that seemed out of place. It turned out to be one of the more interesting finds of the day—stony rhyolite, which has the same chemical composition as obsidian but is crystalline. Even more intriguing, given enough time obsidian will become stony rhyolite.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those atoms that initially were stymied in their attempts at crystal formation don't give up! It may take a million years but eventually they find a way through the silica tetrahedra, meet their brethren, form crystals, and convert the non-crystalline obsidian to stony rhyolite.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZwoP9Zv5bjx1mzY28ynlKWO37KQ2dpAo97V4RBLyWPDk75-IsZdCdGER0YMtpnIRW_13-zMotQdU2--WdyX608TFAJ_DPAduw-a6uoNtjT8d5RU4XTpGnhhw-8Wb9kpR8uH9R0kKZxy_IO5OC7A_VZX40zy2rOvY6rG8B-l13tlg8-t8-EdZF9lvS49w" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZwoP9Zv5bjx1mzY28ynlKWO37KQ2dpAo97V4RBLyWPDk75-IsZdCdGER0YMtpnIRW_13-zMotQdU2--WdyX608TFAJ_DPAduw-a6uoNtjT8d5RU4XTpGnhhw-8Wb9kpR8uH9R0kKZxy_IO5OC7A_VZX40zy2rOvY6rG8B-l13tlg8-t8-EdZF9lvS49w=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stony rhyolite can be as beautiful as obsidian.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyYh6gltFQGNvkMgZmBaByBsCJRsOYJ8WRLUQMqIeZ61BIXh0nCCMwnrXmrgCo4QoYuqUqb_drRQbyJY0ls7NGkFS7cFVNePbr475EjOiXbSdn88vzOqUKOUIh8weqBqL3B6u_U861J60Mw94F0vj8tpcK-GbIeJrDlBGd6ib8WXnfBgNI83oifFnKidA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1280" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyYh6gltFQGNvkMgZmBaByBsCJRsOYJ8WRLUQMqIeZ61BIXh0nCCMwnrXmrgCo4QoYuqUqb_drRQbyJY0ls7NGkFS7cFVNePbr475EjOiXbSdn88vzOqUKOUIh8weqBqL3B6u_U861J60Mw94F0vj8tpcK-GbIeJrDlBGd6ib8WXnfBgNI83oifFnKidA=w400-h278" width="400" /></a></div>But why is there stony rhyolite on Obsidian Dome, which erupted just 633.5 years ago? The explanation may be water. Water vapor can facilitate crystallization by breaking bonds in the silica tetrahedra, making the lava less viscous. Perhaps some of the magma contained enough water vapor to produce stony rhyolite right away (Sharp & Glazner 1997).</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The hike wasn't long, but there was so much to see! Finally we reached the top. The landscapes were surreal.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbnyiN06m91MxDNudgmZBvq7TtyFBxIn0YCWAzKMCoOZ6AFM423kOoTiF7QFARqBPgw-YUfoZyenkVwQWirmAOJvUrvCuvlrEWaZaz1A6028sO8jRC8mJjyy76nDUhAooS3gf3lK2w_uIU-QV0f8CLvfP9npXqcKBMbYXiqMl-x94a3a0uxqURoFuUqZs=w400-h266" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkmIs487JpU33b7LDevhjlX9ijmNxQnEv7EXP5TcvdXK6SPcvIYJpNJr1TW1fxkr92TY3pxTRGuqzpt72eoGPmGm8WFhCWFDrOTnL0kSpSaC-YgQVwlPXWEq3-YwnM73xr9lor7D7hlHTMw67jRBKWSBGyXa-LQObx0uAzTzK1sE2NX8aDm6ES8xxlDc8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkmIs487JpU33b7LDevhjlX9ijmNxQnEv7EXP5TcvdXK6SPcvIYJpNJr1TW1fxkr92TY3pxTRGuqzpt72eoGPmGm8WFhCWFDrOTnL0kSpSaC-YgQVwlPXWEq3-YwnM73xr9lor7D7hlHTMw67jRBKWSBGyXa-LQObx0uAzTzK1sE2NX8aDm6ES8xxlDc8=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDkJ5Bo3jm9Tok9isSNw40L_KBCXCGKot7dm1comRL-H4kgOlC6SYVwTGwi_dn1PS5XYATXLlywECDbcDdS7Vm3GCFvsWqKKyuAt9vpp0G0MiTC6MUNlT1E6kd-uAOYQmlyJXxMl02V1gxO57TTl8Aaq9IoViu-kUhUWSFD00wEVqgCbxwze7esdR4Png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDkJ5Bo3jm9Tok9isSNw40L_KBCXCGKot7dm1comRL-H4kgOlC6SYVwTGwi_dn1PS5XYATXLlywECDbcDdS7Vm3GCFvsWqKKyuAt9vpp0G0MiTC6MUNlT1E6kd-uAOYQmlyJXxMl02V1gxO57TTl8Aaq9IoViu-kUhUWSFD00wEVqgCbxwze7esdR4Png=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coarsely vesicular obsidian, part of a squeeze-up (<a href="https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/long-valley-caldera/science/long-valley-caldera-field-guide-obsidian-dome">read more here</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Sharp and Glazner end their vignette with the difficult but unavoidable question—why are these volcanoes here? Volcanologists have made some progress in answering it. They've even drilled deep into Obsidian Dome, thanks to the road to the old pumice quarry. But that's the subject of a future post, after our next visit.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-uKelDhieWdxnFnxTc_2krrpo_iaUbd-dKP20aQzIEG81Fb5MnA5yVZyea1Fl1aA9IRXA9BETu6oLiOf5unjrL-KYTZWBfvvij8eTY-KYqDO3jIasR8ozLakzYAa5CLXrTQbwFemOsaum4Me33VTz_MUXx9bmZRbevgLX5NfAYR-wdk8VmUyoqBsLA-c" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1654" data-original-width="1884" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-uKelDhieWdxnFnxTc_2krrpo_iaUbd-dKP20aQzIEG81Fb5MnA5yVZyea1Fl1aA9IRXA9BETu6oLiOf5unjrL-KYTZWBfvvij8eTY-KYqDO3jIasR8ozLakzYAa5CLXrTQbwFemOsaum4Me33VTz_MUXx9bmZRbevgLX5NfAYR-wdk8VmUyoqBsLA-c=w400-h352" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Inyo Dike, suspected source of Obsidian Dome and its neighbors (Reches & Fink 1988).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p></div><div><b>Sources</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div>Fisher, RV, Heiken, G, Hulen, JB. 1997. <i>Volcanoes: crucibles of change</i>. Princeton U Press.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reches, Z., and Fink, J.H., 1988, The mechanism of intrusion of the Inyo dike, Long Valley caldera, California: J. Geoph. Res. 93:4321–4334. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1029/JB093iB05p04321">https://doi.org/10.1029/JB093iB05p04321</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Russell, IC. 1889. <i>Quaternary History of Mono Valley, California</i> in USGS 8th annual report (If the <a href="https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/ar8">USGS PDF</a> is slow to load and read online, try <a href="https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/001520503">HathiTrust</a>.) Russell's report was printed separately in 1984 by Artemisia Press, Lee Vining, CA (out of print).</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Sharp, RP, and Glazner, AF. 1997 (4th printing 2003). <i>Geology Underfoot in Death Valley and Owens Valley</i>. Mountain Press. <b>NOTE:</b> A revised second edition was published in 2022 (Glazner, Sylvester, & Sharp). Based on the areas I've visited, it seems more science light. But of course maps and illustrations are far better. Perhaps buy both.</div><div><br /></div><div>Vogel, TA, et al. 1989. Petrology and emplacement dynamics of intrusive and extrusive rhyolites of Obsidian Dome, Inyo craters volcanic chain, eastern California: J. Geoph. Res. 94:17,937–17,956. <a href="https://agupubs-onlinelibrary-wiley-com.libproxy.uwyo.edu/share/DPHIUQRKRSGKDDIR73BS?target=10.1029/JB094iB12p17937">PDF (Open Access)</a></div><div><br /></div></div>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-48025456181472991972024-01-12T12:26:00.000-07:002024-01-12T12:26:43.168-07:00Visiting the Mono Craters with Israel Russell<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXDUZz40z0Q405f8qyb0Fm1uiKemPyfbevwIZT_jtMzWWHEv13WJ_WD4PsRpOLQeQpl77ly5hs7wDgod6wY1BFLYMSnf65KrWmojk_6n4uuTY7ZroK0c8mrxllUGud6v2aoTEafmTni31Htn4BpVheV9ftCjDVpwoDiZunnkHdj_oQ-mAnUQnxgjLmEtQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1739" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXDUZz40z0Q405f8qyb0Fm1uiKemPyfbevwIZT_jtMzWWHEv13WJ_WD4PsRpOLQeQpl77ly5hs7wDgod6wY1BFLYMSnf65KrWmojk_6n4uuTY7ZroK0c8mrxllUGud6v2aoTEafmTni31Htn4BpVheV9ftCjDVpwoDiZunnkHdj_oQ-mAnUQnxgjLmEtQ=w400-h160" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see wreaths of vapor? Or the lurid light of molten lava? (<a href=" https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7381881">D. Mayer photo</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table>Last September I toured the Mono Basin in the company of the great pioneering geologist Israel Russell, author of <i>Quaternary history of Mono Valley, California</i>. He wasn't there in person of course, having left this world more than a century ago. But I had read his report. Russell was an able writer and contagiously enthusiastic about his subject, so his spirit was very much with me.</p><p>The Mono Basin lies in far eastern California between the east slope of the Sierra Nevada and the California–Nevada state line. Israel Russell first visited in 1881, in the employ of the US Geological Survey. His stay was brief, being incidental to reconnaissance of Lake Lahontan, the great Ice Age lake. Even so, he became sufficiently acquainted with "the more prominent features of Quaternary history" to know he had to return.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFl_UKVVHqHCgK_-bFh2cKOu5oqsUhKG27z1vUJhYt0frP_zJK5y1GLzYQUJqZD1ScODrPiqm-dSn-1FeyTIlzCzN8ZLPlsTMIoR6jZ2Nt7IIixAptu4iCjkHcWELlQWnW8s7_x_FxXcjfyl-m2Zm8NCzT9L6HvnEW3InMsEzNYcw2Xn4NJZZzfFupd-s" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="1495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFl_UKVVHqHCgK_-bFh2cKOu5oqsUhKG27z1vUJhYt0frP_zJK5y1GLzYQUJqZD1ScODrPiqm-dSn-1FeyTIlzCzN8ZLPlsTMIoR6jZ2Nt7IIixAptu4iCjkHcWELlQWnW8s7_x_FxXcjfyl-m2Zm8NCzT9L6HvnEW3InMsEzNYcw2Xn4NJZZzfFupd-s=w298-h400" width="298" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pleistocene–early Holocene lakes of the Great Basin (Russell 1889). Red box marks glacial Lake Mono. It was later renamed Lake Russell (1).</td></tr></tbody></table>In the fall of 1882, after finishing his Lake Lahontan project, Russell traveled to the Mono Basin for further study. But he was too late; "the storms of winter compelled a postponement of the undertaking." The following summer he returned with topographer Willard Johnson, who completed a survey of the Basin, and JB Bernadou who made field sketches and assisted in various ways. <i>Quaternary history of Mono Valley</i> was published seven years later, in the 8th annual report of the USGS (2).<br /></p><p>In his report Russell invites the reader to travel with him "in fancy" from the mining town of Bodie down into the Basin, along the shores of "intensely alkaline" Mono Lake, and then up to the crest of the Sierra Nevada and the summit of Mt. Dana. I joined him just south of Mono Lake, at the north end of the Mono Craters.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"between the observer [in the Basin] and the steep face of the Sierra there is a range of volcanic cones that attract the eye ... These are the Mono Craters. So perfect are their shapes and so fresh is their appearance that the eye lingers about their summits in half expectation of seeing wreaths of vapor or the lurid light of molten lava ascending from their throats." (All quoted text is from Russell 1889 unless otherwise cited.)</p></blockquote><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsRhNAE_oTFRoxRdoe5L3pXI8GzGo32jXiWAW1h3s5PiKARIOtuOdqhKhABaNmFfv9JO-TtOjyVGF5iQTZ6sbZiT8_lYFmdhN_HBypg5Y8ULewTuZUCOavKN46zoqilKx9k6lkHn7X1IpztdCarc4H3GLH742nKx-n9iuSqa5KWJb1V16KolxnfLhA4mI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="852" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsRhNAE_oTFRoxRdoe5L3pXI8GzGo32jXiWAW1h3s5PiKARIOtuOdqhKhABaNmFfv9JO-TtOjyVGF5iQTZ6sbZiT8_lYFmdhN_HBypg5Y8ULewTuZUCOavKN46zoqilKx9k6lkHn7X1IpztdCarc4H3GLH742nKx-n9iuSqa5KWJb1V16KolxnfLhA4mI=w400-h318" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mono Craters, looking south. Panum volcano at north end, Sierra Nevada in distance. <a href="Looking south along the Mono Craters chain. Panum volcano at north end, Sierra Nevada in distance. USGS.">USGS 1971</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>Russell knew the Craters were volcanic, but some of their features were strange. "The Mono Craters are composed entirely of ejected matter. Lapilli (a general name for small rock fragments thrown out by volcanoes) form the most conspicuous portion of the cones. There are also several coulées of volcanic rock which flowed out in a molten condition and consolidated on cooling." It was the coulées that puzzled him (3).</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhngfcOMiNMGpsRWwahV7QldhPYu1HJbAymtET9d_sj08o9b2GzweNDGfZ0AH6Abdpvm7pRDnDVcvtQQtATi5JDRLpZZ0y7Zh8EBERAgsZUF-B2KOMxxXSrig1c3aEILc532tGiFmh8-IVk4Wl_URoDsiVFpxdYIVS4KUXCf0Nn28hVhDUkfYwniFCZPoY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1943" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhngfcOMiNMGpsRWwahV7QldhPYu1HJbAymtET9d_sj08o9b2GzweNDGfZ0AH6Abdpvm7pRDnDVcvtQQtATi5JDRLpZZ0y7Zh8EBERAgsZUF-B2KOMxxXSrig1c3aEILc532tGiFmh8-IVk4Wl_URoDsiVFpxdYIVS4KUXCf0Nn28hVhDUkfYwniFCZPoY=w400-h250" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obsidian Coulée rises steeply behind Russell's mule—"the most practicable method of carrying forward work".</td></tr></tbody></table>The Mono coulées were clearly lava flows, but they were very short, quite thick, and made of rhyolite. "These outbursts of acidic lava are in strong contrast with the overflows of basic rock with which geologists are most familiar ... [which] are frequently quite liquid at first, flow rapidly, and reach a distance of many miles before congealing sufficiently to check their progress."</p><p>In fact these coulées didn't flow very far at all, rarely beyond the foot of their cones. And they were 200–300 feet thick, with steep sides and fronts. Russell rightly concluded that the lava had been quite viscous.</p><blockquote>"One of the most striking features illustrated by the lava streams of the Mono Craters is that the molten rock came forth in a viscid or semi-fluid condition and cooled rapidly. ... The extruded lava was apparently sufficiently heated to be pasty or semi-fluid, but the temperature was not raised high enough to produce what is usually termed fluidity and thus permit rapid flow."</blockquote><p>The Mono Craters also include plugs and domes made of rhyolite. Russell considered them "incipient coulées which were congealed before a definite flow in any direction had been established." He was right about this too.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPTWgYbrqjnSjiTSl3TmCxUz6MRwjNpoTUIAjfkX3atvCW_OFdz5xUltCJzcX2Zm3-mp92YWMadEE_UkLbwPuH-vZ_8sZE5V8kFtmFA_EZbKHWH0CcAqT3MLwSAgLbdjgPMV1zOLa8Ujzj-dkYdIcP6I5R4TgyyNSLZOH80QFPbYnHyEzLElOABq6lHHw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1666" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPTWgYbrqjnSjiTSl3TmCxUz6MRwjNpoTUIAjfkX3atvCW_OFdz5xUltCJzcX2Zm3-mp92YWMadEE_UkLbwPuH-vZ_8sZE5V8kFtmFA_EZbKHWH0CcAqT3MLwSAgLbdjgPMV1zOLa8Ujzj-dkYdIcP6I5R4TgyyNSLZOH80QFPbYnHyEzLElOABq6lHHw=w400-h241" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking east at steep fronts of several Mono coulées (Russell 1889).</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisplBXZ4HxxO7rMUd8ejBFLf2cgsqGVFGyVmVQITp5qxub8jRAYD4wJXuQszLUKtzPPdCtH3pFrHb5aNE3CzAseyLT5BY6ApUwTu_3ED0OtO4LsQUFFgK7W1Eq0vc_Xo8vjZAlpyXbgN-9GkLSzVIOzVE4rnunoAZrW6giMAzILo3rzezb9H00Crj8gZU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1280" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisplBXZ4HxxO7rMUd8ejBFLf2cgsqGVFGyVmVQITp5qxub8jRAYD4wJXuQszLUKtzPPdCtH3pFrHb5aNE3CzAseyLT5BY6ApUwTu_3ED0OtO4LsQUFFgK7W1Eq0vc_Xo8vjZAlpyXbgN-9GkLSzVIOzVE4rnunoAZrW6giMAzILo3rzezb9H00Crj8gZU=w400-h288" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same coulées from Nature Trail stop on US 395. High point on left is Crater Mountain, a rhyolite dome.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhBb3gycosFc73jyIJ7n5cfYdiFIcvMqUbJYBJsOqyKnbwvIpcc1YEwaGq2CLEYdovRTtYDwMC6UOgiWUjexiB5RlSjHfdkn9zP66GMIEZMtl6lfu6RBB_U9bvMUQwEkx64HSQ3hIgHws-hzsAmeoJllwrErSmlYnAqJfvQZCQgnHAokCZe7fY6iMBeK8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="1280" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhBb3gycosFc73jyIJ7n5cfYdiFIcvMqUbJYBJsOqyKnbwvIpcc1YEwaGq2CLEYdovRTtYDwMC6UOgiWUjexiB5RlSjHfdkn9zP66GMIEZMtl6lfu6RBB_U9bvMUQwEkx64HSQ3hIgHws-hzsAmeoJllwrErSmlYnAqJfvQZCQgnHAokCZe7fY6iMBeK8=w400-h285" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Coulée from south shore of Mono Lake; left end was the front of the flow.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZKLh_cLPSxT0p31PQvZA7T2D_WCMBqia1FO66WBv1OG9Yr9FqB4fUuuEDxoDYSTLdIOn-VRn9tiRipqFkzFBTLDxWHM9uelCEtBHw_RkMFF4KlYexkry74SUxiwNXq_oc2XlJo_t8-lMVPqOQKQZpsIn1lMxlJhprt7azGhSBTI9wDzPlrFpaOPMgzo8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZKLh_cLPSxT0p31PQvZA7T2D_WCMBqia1FO66WBv1OG9Yr9FqB4fUuuEDxoDYSTLdIOn-VRn9tiRipqFkzFBTLDxWHM9uelCEtBHw_RkMFF4KlYexkry74SUxiwNXq_oc2XlJo_t8-lMVPqOQKQZpsIn1lMxlJhprt7azGhSBTI9wDzPlrFpaOPMgzo8=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Coulee at a worthy geostop on CA 120. "Even at the present day, after many blocks have fallen and the formation of a talus slope has commenced, the climber finds it extremely difficult to scale these rugged and broken escarpments of glassy fragments."</td></tr></tbody></table>Today we're taught that magma viscosity is a major factor in its behavior and the resulting landforms. We also learn that viscosity varies with silica content (e.g., Fisher et al. 1997). For example magma containing < 55% silica flows easily, making the familiar "basic" lava flows Russell mentioned. At the other end of the spectrum, magma with > 70% silica flows with great difficulty if at all, and is too viscous even for gases to escape. Instead pressure builds until the magma explodes. Hot incandescent ash races across the landscape searing everything in its path before finally stopping and cooling to form massive beds of welded rhyolite.</p><p>As Russell noted, the Mono coulées are rhyolite, high in silica. So why did silici magma ooze out instead of exploding, as we're told it does? Russell didn't have to struggle with this question because so little was known about volcanoes then. It was something for future geologists to puzzle over, and Russell was optimistic they would.<br /></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">"The range is unlike any other known to the writer, and, so far as can be judged from the reports of explorers, is the only one of its kind in the United States. When the valley in which these craters are situated becomes more familiar to tourists and geologists, they can not fail to be widely known as typical illustrations of mountains formed of acidic lavas".</p></blockquote><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsSafm8wk8Q01xiWnUmMQKgJlVjjBqKLxCrOqXcJd5xM98uTwZ23QVgyUsycbgPc0iQp92yjbFltzxY5oBhVmJuX8QvSj_Q-3eX_p__bcTjtizF9CjMkvs6AmRmmL0QAAW-n3rdTE6-nBwc00NVEd1xBb2ZCeoRCnlGnPeXD7vjxYedCed1vZsJ2L4acM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1578" data-original-width="1270" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsSafm8wk8Q01xiWnUmMQKgJlVjjBqKLxCrOqXcJd5xM98uTwZ23QVgyUsycbgPc0iQp92yjbFltzxY5oBhVmJuX8QvSj_Q-3eX_p__bcTjtizF9CjMkvs6AmRmmL0QAAW-n3rdTE6-nBwc00NVEd1xBb2ZCeoRCnlGnPeXD7vjxYedCed1vZsJ2L4acM=w322-h400" width="322" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mono domes and coulées "formed of acidic lavas" (Marcaida et al. 2019),</td></tr></tbody></table>If Russell's spirit indeed visits the Mono Basin, it must be a happy one. From the time <i>Quaternary history of Mono Valley</i> was published, "Geologists have been gripped by Mono dome fever ... the chain well deserves the attention succeeding generations of geologists have lavished on it." (Sharp & Glazner 1997).</p><p>Those feverish geologists have shown unequivocally that the Mono volcanoes are young. The first may have erupted as early as 90,000 years ago, but most are less than 10,000 years old. In that short time at least 28 rhyolite domes and coulées have emerged (Marcaida et al. 2019). Those in the middle of the chain are oldest. The youngest (and my favorite) is <a href="https://plantsandrocks.blogspot.com/2023/08/panum-volcano-just-baby-but-what-life.html">Panum</a> at the north end, a mere babe just 700 years old.</p><p>But the question remains: Why did silica-rich magma ooze out of the Mono Craters instead of exploding? A common suggestion is that Mono volcanoes erupted in two stages. In the first, small fragments (lapilli) are ejected and deposited to form a crater-like cone. Some magma remains in the chamber, specifically magma depleted of explosive gases and still hot enough to flow. In the second stage, "a mass of thick, pasty [rhyolitic] glass oozes up within the crater to form a dome ... The dome may grow so large that it fills its crater and occasionally breaches the ring of explosion debris to flow away as a stream of molten glass, a coulée." (Sharp and Glazner 1997). Wouldn't that be great to see!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyLTlE3OrOhVg6dhAZ6rb6Y3YY7y7Wbh_-_afiDoaaJUkU8vGeKtcxiyNpiHfbeL8DX9086AuUEY_QA0h_zoBI4pL31rHdZqpMYKh1lzd8Sl-2rmUNuuM9gLgzh_jQWzUDMjJBwv7kP8atgONNUOlUWrGLXmweg6BJD6qRtBbf_4KP0idMLEyLbxrqqU4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyLTlE3OrOhVg6dhAZ6rb6Y3YY7y7Wbh_-_afiDoaaJUkU8vGeKtcxiyNpiHfbeL8DX9086AuUEY_QA0h_zoBI4pL31rHdZqpMYKh1lzd8Sl-2rmUNuuM9gLgzh_jQWzUDMjJBwv7kP8atgONNUOlUWrGLXmweg6BJD6qRtBbf_4KP0idMLEyLbxrqqU4=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny dome inside Panum crater, perhaps an "incipient coulee". Is it still flowing?</td></tr></tbody></table>As volcano guidebook authors must, Russell addressed the unavoidable question: Are the Mono volcanoes extinct or only sleeping? </p><p>He explained that some are quite young, having erupted after geologically-recent events. "Their last eruption took place after the glaciers had retreated up the cañons of the Sierra. They also are, in part, more recent than the ancient beaches to be seen about the border of the valley, which record former high water stages of [glacial] Lake Mono."</p><p>The Mono Craters may have erupted recently geologically-speaking, but for most of us, ephemeral creatures that we are, they're relics of the past. Russell ended his report by tackling this misconception. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><blockquote>"The [Pleistocene–early Holocene], as compared with the present, appears to have been a time of greatly expanded water surface, increased glacial action, and more energetic volcanic activity. In making such a statement, however, it is evident that <i>we are comparing the events of a day with a whole volume of history</i>. Could we look into the future with as much accuracy as we are able to review the past, it would be evident that changes are now in progress that in time will equal the apparent revolutions [of the past]." (emphasis mine)</blockquote><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEHLriIKzM6Xri_6e4umKGVq1jtyXULcrjCp_i6DofY8BEq8X790ez4aQAKCYjQCUym-jqzLme41op6AkaEG955zfBJchugcXLmTbwDWxrSrbVyJX0GRfh0b5kVH-iPYTBMeIgRMDRe9snN_XLoMEEXBnomFsXapZQBmeZ5H87A5WwH0RfZoniYRDBcPg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1554" data-original-width="1258" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEHLriIKzM6Xri_6e4umKGVq1jtyXULcrjCp_i6DofY8BEq8X790ez4aQAKCYjQCUym-jqzLme41op6AkaEG955zfBJchugcXLmTbwDWxrSrbVyJX0GRfh0b5kVH-iPYTBMeIgRMDRe9snN_XLoMEEXBnomFsXapZQBmeZ5H87A5WwH0RfZoniYRDBcPg=w259-h320" width="259" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Israel Russell (<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Israel_Russell.jpg">source</a>). "his physique gave to the eye little suggestion of that capacity for sustained effort and endurance without which his more strenuous exploration would have been impossible." (Gilbert 1906)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Notes</b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">(1) There also is a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glacial_Lake_Russell">Glacial Lake Russell</a> in Washington, also named for Israel Russell.<br /><br />(2) Many readers have been captivated by Russell's writing. Early residents of the Mono Basin liked it so much that they paid for a separate printing of his report, to use to attract tourists (Gaines 1984). It was reprinted in 1984 by Artemisia Press, but again sold out. I found a used copy online.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">(3) "Coulée" is a Canadian French word derived from the French "couler"— to flow. Beyond that, its meaning varies widely. Coulées can be lava flows, like those of the Mono Basin. In eastern South Dakota coulées are draws, usually narrow with steep sides, where water flows or has flowed. In Washington (state) coulées are huge channels <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/152173/scars-of-ice-age-floods">scoured into basalt bedrock by Ice Age floods</a>.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Sources</b></p><p>Fisher, RV, Heiken, G, Hulen, JB. 1997. Volcanoes: crucibles of change. Princeton U Press.</p><p>Gaines, D. 1984. Mono Lake's Poet-Geologist. Preface in 1984 reprint of Russell's 1889 report (see below).</p><p></p><p>Gilbert, GK. 1906. Israel Cook Russell. J. of Geology 14:663-667.</p><p>Marcaida, M., et al. 2019. Constraining the early eruptive history of the Mono Craters rhyolites ... Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 20, 1539–1556. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GC008052">https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GC008052</a></p><p>Russell, IC. 1889. Quaternary history of Mono Valley, California in USGS 8th annual report (If the <a href="https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/ar8">USGS PDF</a> is slow to load and read online, try <a href="https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/001520503">HathiTrust</a>.) Russell's report was printed separately in 1984 by Artemisia Press, Lee Vining, CA (now out of print).</p><p>Sharp, RP, and Glazner, AF. 1997 (4th printing 2003). Geology Underfoot in Death Valley and Owens Valley. Mountain Press.<br />A revised second edition of this guide was published in 2022 (Glazner, Sylvester, & Sharp). Based on the areas I've visited, it seems more science light and the tours more cursory. But of course maps and illustrations are far better. Perhaps buy both.</p><p><br /></p>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-82322636605860637032024-01-08T14:14:00.000-07:002024-01-08T14:14:05.144-07:00Tree-Following in South Dakota—Black Hills Spruce<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaImcqvpLsx6ZnV9DrJEaJ8hiK4NcWVQz7EeUpYEvkY5EChZ_82_6d8LDsaAHcKleO1Wlqmz3uegHeVfwHdExU7vzILwQllkDMcLrqLQy8A0POyzCs6LltWPLd4SGEJNw0brzxLcEFQqQCWbtHxIE-vUfPLXxDUT0vAeGUCkm6bfJcqiJTRkJUg-57JAU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1350" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaImcqvpLsx6ZnV9DrJEaJ8hiK4NcWVQz7EeUpYEvkY5EChZ_82_6d8LDsaAHcKleO1Wlqmz3uegHeVfwHdExU7vzILwQllkDMcLrqLQy8A0POyzCs6LltWPLd4SGEJNw0brzxLcEFQqQCWbtHxIE-vUfPLXxDUT0vAeGUCkm6bfJcqiJTRkJUg-57JAU=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Hills Spruce in the Cathedral Spires high in the Black Hills (State of South Dakota photo).</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">It's time for a <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/2024/01/07/tree-following-link-box-for-january-2024/">January tree-following</a> report but I've given no thought whatsoever to a tree for 2024. However I'm thinking a <u>lot</u> about trees for an online guide to South Dakota plants, hosted by the Rocky Mountain Herbarium at the University of Wyoming (a guide to Wyoming plants is also underway). Being keen to learn more about my arborescent friends, I decided to feature a different tree each month. Like our online guide, the posts will be photo-rich!</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm starting with the Black Hills Spruce—South Dakota's State Tree. This spruce and the Ponderosa Pine are what make the Black Hills black.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxbkMRagFF1noQ4ZbX4DSUqIQ45_Dl8ITGLg4Ik1FSCQxfZtwPzOKzcwiSyFaXgUQyCb4bPeBOCbwwZjsduBtDZsj0lJhDGj4PROWnxAMGaU64_E3EQItjUw3J3EyiMhUZO-JkMXWJ4s5GEfyY9yxglHPNAhi1vmowrd0kEGfsadJZubDAeJnhNzFB--E" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="720" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxbkMRagFF1noQ4ZbX4DSUqIQ45_Dl8ITGLg4Ik1FSCQxfZtwPzOKzcwiSyFaXgUQyCb4bPeBOCbwwZjsduBtDZsj0lJhDGj4PROWnxAMGaU64_E3EQItjUw3J3EyiMhUZO-JkMXWJ4s5GEfyY9yxglHPNAhi1vmowrd0kEGfsadJZubDAeJnhNzFB--E=w400-h368" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Black Hills stand out against the surrounding prairie thanks to coniferous forests. Google Earth; no date.</td></tr></tbody></table>The scientific name for Black Hills Spruce is <i>Picea glauca</i>. Some readers, for example in Wisconsin and Minnesota, are now thinking "Whaaatt??!" Yes, you're right. <i>P. glauca</i> grows in your states as well as across Canada and beyond. Outside the Black Hills it's called White Spruce.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcIqMc06UnvOXRESrPx04c52e9QQI2q1d3opJz31kB3ghNtrxdJ0bgQWFQnUwvfpwLXc_XOX8tvZZ-XO2L-v6HV73TN0EprNjNEeHbKlOsASm_RhbLW1VkWoSOSqL7KyYJIFI30KvlDFXgx7t3eNHKgu_xyaF4Ub57NFzlS2otPBv6dIc8Kr6sqZM59kM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcIqMc06UnvOXRESrPx04c52e9QQI2q1d3opJz31kB3ghNtrxdJ0bgQWFQnUwvfpwLXc_XOX8tvZZ-XO2L-v6HV73TN0EprNjNEeHbKlOsASm_RhbLW1VkWoSOSqL7KyYJIFI30KvlDFXgx7t3eNHKgu_xyaF4Ub57NFzlS2otPBv6dIc8Kr6sqZM59kM=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Native distribution of <i>P. glauca</i>. The disjunct green spot in western South Dakota is the Black Hills. USDA Plants Database; <a href="https://treelib.ca/search">TreeLibrary</a> photo (arrow added).</td></tr></tbody></table>There was a time when Black Hills Spruce was recognized as <i>P. glauca</i> var. <i>densata</i> for its tendency toward denseness—denser stands, denser darker needles, and more compact growth form compared with White Spruce elsewhere. But these differences are subtle and not consistent. So the botanical variety was abandoned in the early 1970s. However '<a href="https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=252801">Densata</a>' remains a popular cultivar.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5TwVLMKoy2ltcGLcFdqgj43g3nRU8FMn_aSLO_3HLBo95pm8rJREfZBBo2FWcD73YWDExvCmgX0bSJbYYqRiuMYuKrtE0--VWd4eYUTH1wTFoihLn5BiM-xyBY9a9wXSxlL2DohIdfQB1IOBrnxmTX248ekbww_pd49DEn8jGDpgZHAR43zK4bvoLMV4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="593" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5TwVLMKoy2ltcGLcFdqgj43g3nRU8FMn_aSLO_3HLBo95pm8rJREfZBBo2FWcD73YWDExvCmgX0bSJbYYqRiuMYuKrtE0--VWd4eYUTH1wTFoihLn5BiM-xyBY9a9wXSxlL2DohIdfQB1IOBrnxmTX248ekbww_pd49DEn8jGDpgZHAR43zK4bvoLMV4=w316-h400" width="316" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>P. glauca</i> 'Densata'. Black Hills Spruce is considered a superior ornamental tree. <a href="https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=252801">Source</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>Are you wondering why a taxonomically-controversial tree native only in the far western part of South Dakota is the state tree? Well ... South Dakotans have wondered too. In fact the Black Hills Spruce was hardly a shoo-in for State Tree, for the reasons mentioned above. There was a lot of support for the cottonwood, which grows widely across the state. Others favored junipers, more often called cedars. A committee looked into both but decided to go with the Black Hills Spruce. It was designated State Tree in March of 1947. <a href="https://danr.sd.gov/Conservation/Forestry/TreesofSouthDakota/SouthDakotaStateTree/default.aspx">More here</a>.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course I will include the State Tree story on the Spruce's webpage, but mainly we want to help users with identification. In this case, id is easy. There are only six coniferous tree species in South Dakota. Of these <i>Picea glauca</i> is the only one that has solitary needles. Our other coniferous trees with needles—the pines—have them in bundles of 2–5. Common Juniper, <i>Juniperus communis</i> var. <i>depressa</i>, has solitary needles but is clearly a shrub not a tree. (Outside North America Common Junipers are often trees, as I learned from <a href="https://www.erikagroth.se/">Erika</a> in Sweden.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For a detailed "description" of White Spruce, see the photographs below. We are so fortunate to have <u>many</u> great photos available for educational and non-commercial use. I don't miss the "good old days" of hefty technical manuals, nor trying to describe plants and their parts with words only.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Unless noted otherwise, photos below are from the wonderful <a href="https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/tree/white-spruce ">Minnesota Wildflowers Information</a> web site (includes all Minnesota plants now, not just wildflowers). It's a major source of information and photos for our project.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-O33jbdUhxWzpvwDgIEQzfc_uIH0c6oVbbQftCu95FeCP3vdc8VabjamjrKLirUVOxK4OTlTem-e8V1evd5U5rFwUE0xqW-p_K98qXnxMNs0U0zhxN7QMnsS4Sz3_usMAnaWYFacan5AQG8ai0qCGBDCLtBLUb3KxrdVcGIqfISL4tYr3__nyIU51CoY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1596" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-O33jbdUhxWzpvwDgIEQzfc_uIH0c6oVbbQftCu95FeCP3vdc8VabjamjrKLirUVOxK4OTlTem-e8V1evd5U5rFwUE0xqW-p_K98qXnxMNs0U0zhxN7QMnsS4Sz3_usMAnaWYFacan5AQG8ai0qCGBDCLtBLUb3KxrdVcGIqfISL4tYr3__nyIU51CoY=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spruce needles are solitary with no sheath at the base. Needles of <i>P. glauca</i> are about 2 cm long and often closely spiraled on the branch. Brown structures are buds—the beginnings of young shoots.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlvmkSVpvXi08NbNBxNGXcTKxq5j93dXQ56eN_FH6Ve4XlS6t8UTtz35nZJRSPCcKiZcpMyePVrNsD6HFYiVccPMxYrDMmK0pEh3jx60zLIQMeE8JPBXDA--bkSrT6ePFHyS9GamBipy95nffrKpD_cmI1sjA_XEvj0TH9LPjmdHKuVrhgtWlCkzPFKKY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="952" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlvmkSVpvXi08NbNBxNGXcTKxq5j93dXQ56eN_FH6Ve4XlS6t8UTtz35nZJRSPCcKiZcpMyePVrNsD6HFYiVccPMxYrDMmK0pEh3jx60zLIQMeE8JPBXDA--bkSrT6ePFHyS9GamBipy95nffrKpD_cmI1sjA_XEvj0TH9LPjmdHKuVrhgtWlCkzPFKKY=w400-h274" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In spruce, pollen and seeds are produced in different cones on the same tree. Male cones are smaller. These are <i>P. glauca</i> pollen cones in spring. <a href="https://treelib.ca/search">TreeLibrary</a>, Susan J. Meades.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvowmmFhRI_JcHyVE3pLh2xntMnjLULGSUh3o-lUBuF341bLO8NgtD7RZMKGkDDd36aDtf9yfzndHXLyysP-FOC4a8VZtuSjHMjHfOsN1ZF0rSAPnoRYkqYw5El0J8ZzdFLTU3qNp2lPPO2E0uONRU6j9V-cPQzoztL9c1_UqxwwHYK22YrGmJLqcHiJc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1592" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvowmmFhRI_JcHyVE3pLh2xntMnjLULGSUh3o-lUBuF341bLO8NgtD7RZMKGkDDd36aDtf9yfzndHXLyysP-FOC4a8VZtuSjHMjHfOsN1ZF0rSAPnoRYkqYw5El0J8ZzdFLTU3qNp2lPPO2E0uONRU6j9V-cPQzoztL9c1_UqxwwHYK22YrGmJLqcHiJc=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mature <i>P. glauca</i> female cones are reddish- or purplish-brown and can be as long as 7 cm.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsrYJk1EIYgyqUqhRk-8a6Nk5eC_VHaYWNZRwsWLP4J9WvxdmeVni_AaGxNcsiqCDnZBvvvL3ioHOpePf5aIxzbegzwx2lnsrP0t4PfidrnvxaiVgv0uA44-lyEAJdcd8OeE7yUlMEQjsYW7mKGdsuHAr9FngdObbF9wgii5uvb_ZdyBxi-sTy7i9pHFk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1082" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsrYJk1EIYgyqUqhRk-8a6Nk5eC_VHaYWNZRwsWLP4J9WvxdmeVni_AaGxNcsiqCDnZBvvvL3ioHOpePf5aIxzbegzwx2lnsrP0t4PfidrnvxaiVgv0uA44-lyEAJdcd8OeE7yUlMEQjsYW7mKGdsuHAr9FngdObbF9wgii5uvb_ZdyBxi-sTy7i9pHFk=w302-h400" width="302" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When immature, female cones are a beautiful purple!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuAo8kV_1CtNKMNiKq6cU2H-2mExZRiGNPN3Y81CduGmOQ-xGA7AZR65WWkhoRmotIOx-ePcU-HIPnWv93ZGJ0GHMlFyoassf_BTLiyoeUVY5AMzL73BwV7BktdcnkE5FOcpGDcwYqMESZLxP5q9_NR1X-wcgXTPBCB1mlRj7-zptd6NkwI9Xvu5YsEEE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1082" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuAo8kV_1CtNKMNiKq6cU2H-2mExZRiGNPN3Y81CduGmOQ-xGA7AZR65WWkhoRmotIOx-ePcU-HIPnWv93ZGJ0GHMlFyoassf_BTLiyoeUVY5AMzL73BwV7BktdcnkE5FOcpGDcwYqMESZLxP5q9_NR1X-wcgXTPBCB1mlRj7-zptd6NkwI9Xvu5YsEEE=w241-h320" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winged seeds, ready to fly.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHCqMFB45ImiyLai1wdNIxuPuSE9KOghiT8PjIjGxqu6zOXTgFE-pzotsOXUFvXK_w0zAM3RMSQ6uIytll99f6RgIZkih8vgJZ_c4tFKRSMzLBarDrEYhSVV-o71Q6WSNbHPYNcR-VQt2hNQU2LTyUbBV2PSfa_zUsIyIFNqUSqsY8QpXeAEzBmdV0fuU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1426" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHCqMFB45ImiyLai1wdNIxuPuSE9KOghiT8PjIjGxqu6zOXTgFE-pzotsOXUFvXK_w0zAM3RMSQ6uIytll99f6RgIZkih8vgJZ_c4tFKRSMzLBarDrEYhSVV-o71Q6WSNbHPYNcR-VQt2hNQU2LTyUbBV2PSfa_zUsIyIFNqUSqsY8QpXeAEzBmdV0fuU=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>P. glauca</i> bark is thin, gray, and scaly.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9pP6HfCqupokPHP408NVF2RZmWZmxzSKfiz3YnAW1IMppwTMnKAgkCmBIj8UgHxPwVYAynLe8vBBoGqrOD3ekSFEE4cTRjBl2h7TCy8xiyONS-_GXdd44mYK8jD6xO65vZi8mgqNgxZWqxR3j7qZiqxDqq5QftM6oGEWf6mKe1k_tFoDK9ITOazK61Mg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1441" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9pP6HfCqupokPHP408NVF2RZmWZmxzSKfiz3YnAW1IMppwTMnKAgkCmBIj8UgHxPwVYAynLe8vBBoGqrOD3ekSFEE4cTRjBl2h7TCy8xiyONS-_GXdd44mYK8jD6xO65vZi8mgqNgxZWqxR3j7qZiqxDqq5QftM6oGEWf6mKe1k_tFoDK9ITOazK61Mg=w400-h219" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cozy cabin among Black Hills Spruce. Rubber stamp art by <a href="https://plantsandrocks.blogspot.com/2023/06/goodbye-jan-connlegendary-rock-climber.html">Jan Conn</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This is my January 2024 contribution to the <a href="https://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=squirrelbasket&postid=06Jan2024&meme=12481">monthly gathering</a> of tree followers kindly hosted by <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/">The Squirrelbasket</a>. Consider joining us!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bKlik5V6jb-PWLaXq0xMlRN0PDmx13TjXqFG7Gx9rr8y9EZzC_3VhRJutbzLvwN3gWsrpgaaNOeRtsYrslU26eU5f4wBl2O7WeRKrerdqN5GyAPOmJRr8HZo9hFVcjTXyVJLcMiSjWfSGGn1UOKufnj7DyASWjsgMWnAIGNsFOayiLc_QY2UxP7O01Y/s252/treefollowing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="252" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bKlik5V6jb-PWLaXq0xMlRN0PDmx13TjXqFG7Gx9rr8y9EZzC_3VhRJutbzLvwN3gWsrpgaaNOeRtsYrslU26eU5f4wBl2O7WeRKrerdqN5GyAPOmJRr8HZo9hFVcjTXyVJLcMiSjWfSGGn1UOKufnj7DyASWjsgMWnAIGNsFOayiLc_QY2UxP7O01Y/w200-h185/treefollowing2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><p></p>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-38206106418382134022023-12-24T20:46:00.005-07:002023-12-25T10:50:37.669-07:00Merry Red & Green to All!<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBDVXzXpa-MhYjEDGtOemroglpmZOL_hu5Xfo0BUGJYHcOUg6IltdZBXn7NiS5SQEUbu81Mp2LgLP0uueYt7_4ECR3UaXNjxrLWIlUnlrWJiOM8fRcfyGjjaWgmp6et7jC0FzXcJs_JJZZvCXSr0hYGD0uV3_BF33uotEkuGLDiJhtftkpaQ00kEPuWzw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1155" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBDVXzXpa-MhYjEDGtOemroglpmZOL_hu5Xfo0BUGJYHcOUg6IltdZBXn7NiS5SQEUbu81Mp2LgLP0uueYt7_4ECR3UaXNjxrLWIlUnlrWJiOM8fRcfyGjjaWgmp6et7jC0FzXcJs_JJZZvCXSr0hYGD0uV3_BF33uotEkuGLDiJhtftkpaQ00kEPuWzw=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Baneberry, <i>Actaea rubra</i>, Wyoming.</td></tr></tbody></table>How did red and green become our Christmas colors? Maybe you're thinking, as I did, "From holly, of course!" But recently I learned otherwise. Though holly has long played a role in winter celebrations, dating back to solstice gatherings of our pagan ancestors, it wasn't until 1931 that red and green became THE colors of Christmas. No longer could Santa wear blue, purple or whatever. He had to dress in red, specifically Coca-Cola red.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_-4xSSOAMt3FzO7VcCSUkcZf7RuXKgd8VyUA_7YVhQyrjvwFEg4IjOTm7D4r14XwrEXjvzExkBawnxkGPrBYFGAyL2mwBzw-ct9tWmMCDguUfYVyZBaPPYhCNX_szIfN1snQC3ZFvHr3X2phjVL_sRZEb669RftvBxGet0ZJmDdkxEok9C-6BKYtuwzM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="986" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_-4xSSOAMt3FzO7VcCSUkcZf7RuXKgd8VyUA_7YVhQyrjvwFEg4IjOTm7D4r14XwrEXjvzExkBawnxkGPrBYFGAyL2mwBzw-ct9tWmMCDguUfYVyZBaPPYhCNX_szIfN1snQC3ZFvHr3X2phjVL_sRZEb669RftvBxGet0ZJmDdkxEok9C-6BKYtuwzM=w372-h400" width="372" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haddon Sundblom's 1931 Santa in Coca-Cola red (<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/coolz0r/312768485/">Miel Van Opstal, Flickr)</a></td></tr></tbody></table>This wasn't the first time Coca-Cola hired an artist to create a Santa Claus. But this particular one "solidified in our collective imagination the red of Santa's robes [which matched the Coke logo] with the green of fir trees and holly and poinsettia that we already had in our minds." (<a href="https://www.npr.org/2016/12/20/506215632/how-red-and-green-became-the-colors-of-christmas">More here</a>.)</p><p>I'm fully part of that collective imagination—red and green <u>are</u> my Christmas colors.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-XmLK1q-y9AEMjLMTP4uS7PbvJu1KxEEydJGABKQxNt2gnwh85V1CWRun8b83MxUncGOPBFLFcirGA8zh5SPT5JCRTGee5BQb9J2lH_2IgIpwYNPm5UaTGE9ltpMZd_xdE3-Y5-OtmoT3pegwQ98aZ-SlsiFsbvJ_-HBkyNU0EYFDVgxd_rx6gshe9hE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-XmLK1q-y9AEMjLMTP4uS7PbvJu1KxEEydJGABKQxNt2gnwh85V1CWRun8b83MxUncGOPBFLFcirGA8zh5SPT5JCRTGee5BQb9J2lH_2IgIpwYNPm5UaTGE9ltpMZd_xdE3-Y5-OtmoT3pegwQ98aZ-SlsiFsbvJ_-HBkyNU0EYFDVgxd_rx6gshe9hE=w313-h400" width="313" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Leaf Maple, <i>Acer macrophyllum</i>, California.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKeKkcIBVuM0oMCV4NgLAX-qxpR4_06eT868q7IiZdIok5FYfsAz8WC2vdKBMQL3B5u0X6k-UCRcy0qH78yp7EidqOZS5YEqOc315aZtjZoPc3LefuOkQLAnmbcU81Co6L0V1X3CyBZ9h2C6jgzsJBuUzFmD4AqBhCtKelFoxfUkWgcFq6Mq-2bYCWShw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="972" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKeKkcIBVuM0oMCV4NgLAX-qxpR4_06eT868q7IiZdIok5FYfsAz8WC2vdKBMQL3B5u0X6k-UCRcy0qH78yp7EidqOZS5YEqOc315aZtjZoPc3LefuOkQLAnmbcU81Co6L0V1X3CyBZ9h2C6jgzsJBuUzFmD4AqBhCtKelFoxfUkWgcFq6Mq-2bYCWShw=w303-h400" width="303" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugar Maple, <i>Acer saccharum</i>, Sica Hollow, South Dakota.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmi7aFAmNGo1uBUEt_ld3HISfSEwuJ479pZVeDnKBdAGKdshVhztvbIbVW00Rq4e8NHjcd22oYkwimNfvAV5WJMR9l0-y-S1rY0wpefKX8glxq2jIq5a3IUk9tlntlLBB3YbTiAhqPCDQJxc4_IiQ5x5_M-9zqtfZWVWzsdc5V9mQEd19zUlOCO2MiBxI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmi7aFAmNGo1uBUEt_ld3HISfSEwuJ479pZVeDnKBdAGKdshVhztvbIbVW00Rq4e8NHjcd22oYkwimNfvAV5WJMR9l0-y-S1rY0wpefKX8glxq2jIq5a3IUk9tlntlLBB3YbTiAhqPCDQJxc4_IiQ5x5_M-9zqtfZWVWzsdc5V9mQEd19zUlOCO2MiBxI=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paintbrush parasitic on Sagebrush, Wyoming.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPK0HPObL88Cd4-30AX3vBs0XNKRIZKGoD78e3FIqzAKWKsyI-UEO2LDV45laJLHvuEsntQQZ_EUjTlCkt29L9ls0ApQWm8VNSsGx34LCjx7qMFNzkRpeaFfh22k39GpE2g4pPyIymEW5-yUDJf0dd9z4pAvZ02fz-LNOgYxz5y3dh2_HXAdXPcVgKDeU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1024" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPK0HPObL88Cd4-30AX3vBs0XNKRIZKGoD78e3FIqzAKWKsyI-UEO2LDV45laJLHvuEsntQQZ_EUjTlCkt29L9ls0ApQWm8VNSsGx34LCjx7qMFNzkRpeaFfh22k39GpE2g4pPyIymEW5-yUDJf0dd9z4pAvZ02fz-LNOgYxz5y3dh2_HXAdXPcVgKDeU=w400-h345" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cobra Lily, <i>Chasmanthe</i>, from Ronn in California.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmxcw6aRspRX78UtcZ24M6GW-y6wYjokCswN4L7h9E4FOvINdVyrXjiMcPS9X1Fwun_7cDyI1DvdydlqyvnRIWSZQcRLnA-C9bB0GkC6gEtm9febrf0ouuS1rx0iKEERa6htzb3X-UDNUOfWzCAUj3_7cvAtg0zcVElic6FWpuetSBbz25r8B23-ZnSCU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="958" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmxcw6aRspRX78UtcZ24M6GW-y6wYjokCswN4L7h9E4FOvINdVyrXjiMcPS9X1Fwun_7cDyI1DvdydlqyvnRIWSZQcRLnA-C9bB0GkC6gEtm9febrf0ouuS1rx0iKEERa6htzb3X-UDNUOfWzCAUj3_7cvAtg0zcVElic6FWpuetSBbz25r8B23-ZnSCU=w280-h400" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planta Claus brings lots of sugars and oxygen ... to those who've been good of course.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBzfkaMZ-ZVwjnhRtutbxJQ8vvIEJuSU0PjkBAXaEE6IzUkBJD4UQGOJzSPadMoUzUQ-Q2fjaL6XbwV-3HBoKXQ2lnQQEGME9C4pJn0r-4tClZLu7vseyS95ZrNjEXBY8pDfJtDLsFeHTSsnbpoRnvrt1OHkux1oRd_dm1PfTVVnZUVySYLaiuHAJdShI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1653" data-original-width="2016" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBzfkaMZ-ZVwjnhRtutbxJQ8vvIEJuSU0PjkBAXaEE6IzUkBJD4UQGOJzSPadMoUzUQ-Q2fjaL6XbwV-3HBoKXQ2lnQQEGME9C4pJn0r-4tClZLu7vseyS95ZrNjEXBY8pDfJtDLsFeHTSsnbpoRnvrt1OHkux1oRd_dm1PfTVVnZUVySYLaiuHAJdShI=w320-h262" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See you next year! Hollis & Emmie</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-36580941913978862722023-12-09T14:03:00.000-07:002023-12-09T14:03:30.650-07:00Junipers in December & Views from Above<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhztWnzWp15Adz-x86rgts0xaLzomjSGUON-xPQTdJX14P4LARgVGN4j4T5TsT_tO-rirdLp5Cx6xe30w9JElmnHc1dnoMJ-Newn50vShGovZh0C80zF_1FA4VwKrLD9KwDsbik66JP1qcKd0tXJWR2dpHfdsb7InPgqTtN9penuSRGbYInbXxA4HfzSl4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhztWnzWp15Adz-x86rgts0xaLzomjSGUON-xPQTdJX14P4LARgVGN4j4T5TsT_tO-rirdLp5Cx6xe30w9JElmnHc1dnoMJ-Newn50vShGovZh0C80zF_1FA4VwKrLD9KwDsbik66JP1qcKd0tXJWR2dpHfdsb7InPgqTtN9penuSRGbYInbXxA4HfzSl4=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail 1 dusted with snow.</td></tr></tbody></table>Once again we ventured northeast of Laramie to visit the <strike>two</strike> three Rocky Mountain Junipers we're <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/tree-following/">following</a> (I added the Fallen One several months ago). It was cold and windy and snowing lightly off and on. But it felt good to get out of the house! And it's time to acclimatize—they say this will continue for awhile.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifiMRSaTRoy61l5zf_qBsWZY6X2UYf0SpusdvMzx_oLPnJyOE93d_qW6VSuGLi07xvxBzLDBxh-93ToWUgea_4r0qaPSWugOb4WTkVl6tp6yAUu9GTCQ5VChiy9zCkjU05LKvxDhrmAzoAvFi4dHcZ0D5zyMBGxj_iW4gWvPkR1AuBY3H9GU5gzR4a6a8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifiMRSaTRoy61l5zf_qBsWZY6X2UYf0SpusdvMzx_oLPnJyOE93d_qW6VSuGLi07xvxBzLDBxh-93ToWUgea_4r0qaPSWugOb4WTkVl6tp6yAUu9GTCQ5VChiy9zCkjU05LKvxDhrmAzoAvFi4dHcZ0D5zyMBGxj_iW4gWvPkR1AuBY3H9GU5gzR4a6a8" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it. "Northern" tree on left. Field assistant on limestone for scale.</td></tr></tbody></table>Of the two standing trees, the northern one has a good crop of berries on the east (leeward) side. I saw none on the west side. The southern tree has no berries. Perhaps it's male (Rocky Mountain Junipers are usually dioecious, trees are male or female).<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZs4jcGccJJlakqqwMkpJ2ceQGZg4RfygVe6nWQI3yN_p5_VqwPWipGD3-cbRePhulxanZhh0Hszldtcmf3Xz7vU8MqLDGOKMX9afDMLHXKDYvf_vR8bkfLZKGdh3jBc2bI1WHXb_NNCp4NOkGQ0F0HDOw95tgmkdq_1nwGnlJP_DhgQEgPiYseEMhBPo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZs4jcGccJJlakqqwMkpJ2ceQGZg4RfygVe6nWQI3yN_p5_VqwPWipGD3-cbRePhulxanZhh0Hszldtcmf3Xz7vU8MqLDGOKMX9afDMLHXKDYvf_vR8bkfLZKGdh3jBc2bI1WHXb_NNCp4NOkGQ0F0HDOw95tgmkdq_1nwGnlJP_DhgQEgPiYseEMhBPo=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East side of juniper, protected from the wind and laden with berries (dark spots, click image to view).</td></tr></tbody></table>Next I checked the third tree, the Fallen One. It's clearly female, with a very healthy crop of berries.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic180AezT7q77mH6lO6d7J8mUU6fdfEe952SVZ8HiN7g3TFE4v12wBe-N1YLlxz5Oy7O0-GlL8_2fOA9UiaFbKC7dE3fuVphMu4lWX7ylsSnUJF_jW2bJwY4bnoOYeUxovIRabWwzMPlUH_VLEi95Mkhxi26z87KNe3u27eC9jJMpDxfvTKIeCWIZBoIY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic180AezT7q77mH6lO6d7J8mUU6fdfEe952SVZ8HiN7g3TFE4v12wBe-N1YLlxz5Oy7O0-GlL8_2fOA9UiaFbKC7dE3fuVphMu4lWX7ylsSnUJF_jW2bJwY4bnoOYeUxovIRabWwzMPlUH_VLEi95Mkhxi26z87KNe3u27eC9jJMpDxfvTKIeCWIZBoIY=w400-h306" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fallen one in distance.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyWwgSUfCGOuTO6H_FhgITWNnfPjK1fOPBIo2JNebL-8Lc4qdZIT98EgbO6x5NxmxzNW7U4fRUoy-iv48_hz65s632jeg9H-OX7Ldq3wwMqWxM27wkinJ_H7ppU0c7osJ-UCqZx6YdKSxYPgkk_ezjI-m49wkuJIUJ6G7XFGfhVx30_A_lXjsKwdQ2DHM=w400-h400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mature juniper berries often have a glaucous bloom, making them frosty blue.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyWwgSUfCGOuTO6H_FhgITWNnfPjK1fOPBIo2JNebL-8Lc4qdZIT98EgbO6x5NxmxzNW7U4fRUoy-iv48_hz65s632jeg9H-OX7Ldq3wwMqWxM27wkinJ_H7ppU0c7osJ-UCqZx6YdKSxYPgkk_ezjI-m49wkuJIUJ6G7XFGfhVx30_A_lXjsKwdQ2DHM"><span style="color: black;"></span></a></div>Then we turned to face the wind, and made our way back to town.<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicQrehav-D6y4xeclWjCBxvqtPL-ARmPk_6-hbQ7IYNxxY-RfVwOwQL3QgzwLI_nw-v09FZeR1Q7xvWfT_XSuyiOf5yrmmaF-DgXP-hmDAR7JTqnMZRTCbyA6NI1YKYo9uqmKimJivbTLrMO7IbssuM3WafiBW14_skbIb6sRsgqwPiUn9AJ5FhKNPEps" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1280" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicQrehav-D6y4xeclWjCBxvqtPL-ARmPk_6-hbQ7IYNxxY-RfVwOwQL3QgzwLI_nw-v09FZeR1Q7xvWfT_XSuyiOf5yrmmaF-DgXP-hmDAR7JTqnMZRTCbyA6NI1YKYo9uqmKimJivbTLrMO7IbssuM3WafiBW14_skbIb6sRsgqwPiUn9AJ5FhKNPEps=w400-h286" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headed home. What appears to be mountains on the horizon is a cloud bank.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Recently a reader asked where these junipers are in relation to Laramie. So I captured and sent her a photo from Google Earth. And wow, was I surprised! The limestone is much more impressive from the air. It's the gently sloping start of the foothills of the Laramie Mountains to the east.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVVOZ06ufRcQwq-CdgZEba5jSV0zDJkuhZdgCausLDBfih7LDR68mQoWMYoGly7tB29EZBNzlGnjG422qo9iMrMZleOBemTk0-pphkkpAbrWEOEivrOY0hnll1IZTEbN0jMeqLPf8rmxQcRPoqjjLdYqzIxcrP3qi4v9ft1SGkDgDBN7WMnfdOBGqYl6s" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="1742" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVVOZ06ufRcQwq-CdgZEba5jSV0zDJkuhZdgCausLDBfih7LDR68mQoWMYoGly7tB29EZBNzlGnjG422qo9iMrMZleOBemTk0-pphkkpAbrWEOEivrOY0hnll1IZTEbN0jMeqLPf8rmxQcRPoqjjLdYqzIxcrP3qi4v9ft1SGkDgDBN7WMnfdOBGqYl6s=w400-h323" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrow marks approximate location of the junipers. Paler areas east of town are exposed slabby limestone.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg45xe_l4e0tgpK4hpsEyBPzM92A72oMTKrBOcmwnhwfFIm-aZ4UJvKuZUvkHkwJK4VIlnWaYTc-2BZdq45XCeoJgNWDjWRXC6dlgt_yxcFJ0JTCOAbMzaqd-qsXpSjyn-2l9WYv-Fsb8FpNJHMw8jvgPZfU9ISsAwDxu-yi1HH7kJJPinVFuYVRWyBOso" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="1478" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg45xe_l4e0tgpK4hpsEyBPzM92A72oMTKrBOcmwnhwfFIm-aZ4UJvKuZUvkHkwJK4VIlnWaYTc-2BZdq45XCeoJgNWDjWRXC6dlgt_yxcFJ0JTCOAbMzaqd-qsXpSjyn-2l9WYv-Fsb8FpNJHMw8jvgPZfU9ISsAwDxu-yi1HH7kJJPinVFuYVRWyBOso=w400-h371" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A better view; black spots are scattered junipers.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRo_LdUxA0X5vGvE_jJzXih0gMlhO0uo1hDmiGfk-3mBrP8FABWwimeFzRanPqlF7z8Fu8TnNB-Oydhnx4BW_DcaXh9JgHEyZfQttoHcHAvvmuB9kYOw-avaIAEgGvZZlhdhqrhI7AhKgm28_TKTdYZrus_MD3ZqdXoIibtyaySeA-cqF94XLXWfeZ6Q/s252/treefollowing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="252" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRo_LdUxA0X5vGvE_jJzXih0gMlhO0uo1hDmiGfk-3mBrP8FABWwimeFzRanPqlF7z8Fu8TnNB-Oydhnx4BW_DcaXh9JgHEyZfQttoHcHAvvmuB9kYOw-avaIAEgGvZZlhdhqrhI7AhKgm28_TKTdYZrus_MD3ZqdXoIibtyaySeA-cqF94XLXWfeZ6Q/w200-h185/treefollowing2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is my contribution to the <a href="https://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=squirrelbasket&postid=06Dec2023&meme=12481">December gathering of Tree-followers</a>, kindly hosted by <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/2023/12/07/tree-following-link-box-for-december-2023/">The Squirrelbasket</a>. Best wishes to all!</div>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-35555588616894946912023-11-13T21:31:00.002-07:002023-12-14T17:04:19.128-07:00"Trees are poems ... "<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzCVNqKA1sWL6elF6cbIrYm4Ly_UpQFRYCSY50d6iD1-dmOT-M6CMC6ZjCIBgcCgD_zNVxTeFQr3dj5053MZNSSJy40IZmS6ELr2ehpfJbyUdNe9AqOsXdoxdqvyYT5Xyfy7VT6toEL0AgXrouffsVQdDgDwEgKPG4kltqEeEj_ewGKB-yCJGJRP6MsWc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1280" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzCVNqKA1sWL6elF6cbIrYm4Ly_UpQFRYCSY50d6iD1-dmOT-M6CMC6ZjCIBgcCgD_zNVxTeFQr3dj5053MZNSSJy40IZmS6ELr2ehpfJbyUdNe9AqOsXdoxdqvyYT5Xyfy7VT6toEL0AgXrouffsVQdDgDwEgKPG4kltqEeEj_ewGKB-yCJGJRP6MsWc=w400-h281" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The usual view. Left arrow marks my junipers, right points to the fallen one. Note sign on left.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Late yesterday afternoon we visited the two Rocky Mountain Junipers I'm following this year. It was a perfect time to go—cool, surprisingly calm, with low golden light.</p><p>We started on Trail 1 as we always do, in spite of the recently added sign. Leashes are now required on this trail. Neither of us like them so we went without, yet we traversed the next fifty yards safely! ;) Then we left the trail to travel cross country across slabby limestone, making a beeline for the junipers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDIQgUQJ8mSw428nkhxxYEEpeA4WlsQQgmgR_Hrb7KuxcoI61_qhKjxI-cNvGCUJF3JBjNgPorjTM9z2F3yXlz5NSIilz42pqW1XTuKeyC62OYU1UGhmkurznB2EF_jJznDeeIf-vCLiV4ql0iJaFPL3wmPwLrbghjUGwjRQUhVuuIOLFPtzmMLNHspq0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1280" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDIQgUQJ8mSw428nkhxxYEEpeA4WlsQQgmgR_Hrb7KuxcoI61_qhKjxI-cNvGCUJF3JBjNgPorjTM9z2F3yXlz5NSIilz42pqW1XTuKeyC62OYU1UGhmkurznB2EF_jJznDeeIf-vCLiV4ql0iJaFPL3wmPwLrbghjUGwjRQUhVuuIOLFPtzmMLNHspq0=w400-h297" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAxBYnBv7jBNti9AkPb-Jkn_sL_NM50t99BMUDN7z0JobrZxZdATq0oX6sTGyZv72BNxABVw3bzwCM0T9dWP4qRbQdJezSrql8zfuayZCWWD88vaOno4UWb1z_kIqdUu8oS2-SYNMZKWCeJBATJ9Ea493kRtH9Em4Q0yAPPsqLPuzBDGJquHe0FqI1MvI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAxBYnBv7jBNti9AkPb-Jkn_sL_NM50t99BMUDN7z0JobrZxZdATq0oX6sTGyZv72BNxABVw3bzwCM0T9dWP4qRbQdJezSrql8zfuayZCWWD88vaOno4UWb1z_kIqdUu8oS2-SYNMZKWCeJBATJ9Ea493kRtH9Em4Q0yAPPsqLPuzBDGJquHe0FqI1MvI=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fallen One.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFMHHoMnv1T-a5Yec39v3CCMNv025K9IMXeXNZE7lv-s7JIsZtk2S9XpZIiLV2gWjtkOxsnDIh_-sz-olJYgBdIMt-REM-yzW7Q19HLKoJl3jF3aQjnJ111qS5o6kcQl3t3jZUFsiktlvjYdpsfkw8PVg2IIh11_vReoH7yXxTDJQLoXOm3l6g3m3TANQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1280" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFMHHoMnv1T-a5Yec39v3CCMNv025K9IMXeXNZE7lv-s7JIsZtk2S9XpZIiLV2gWjtkOxsnDIh_-sz-olJYgBdIMt-REM-yzW7Q19HLKoJl3jF3aQjnJ111qS5o6kcQl3t3jZUFsiktlvjYdpsfkw8PVg2IIh11_vReoH7yXxTDJQLoXOm3l6g3m3TANQ=w400-h280" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My junipers against the sky.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.” Khalil Gibran</div><p>I came upon this <a href="https://www.cabq.gov/council/find-your-councilor/district-2/news/the-magnificent-elm-tree">by way of Joran Viers</a>, City Forester of Albuquerque, and Michael H., who sent it my way. Gibran likely was thinking of deciduous trees with large intricate canopies rather than the small dense "canopies" of our tough little junipers. Yet poems were worth considering, and I looked through the lens to check.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXkhDFbr0j9XnEeSO6tYcs9nEnVG2G8N_xvxTrkZVKLQGui-eYs98Mm1RYBXtoUwZBXSsT8aSfMk7wItbq3BzeSgd7UKxIhYIHUCsYnW5FDynPLLbpKeE9SAFc_IL_DfTdmUhVFUf5iWYx7KQYSaH02djy7QkGxUIfH7fS88SwPR3tK_LoTlW0M0Zqzpw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1280" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXkhDFbr0j9XnEeSO6tYcs9nEnVG2G8N_xvxTrkZVKLQGui-eYs98Mm1RYBXtoUwZBXSsT8aSfMk7wItbq3BzeSgd7UKxIhYIHUCsYnW5FDynPLLbpKeE9SAFc_IL_DfTdmUhVFUf5iWYx7KQYSaH02djy7QkGxUIfH7fS88SwPR3tK_LoTlW0M0Zqzpw=w400-h318" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Junipers poem viewed from the west in golden light.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqwFZtXri8tFF1zcP3RW8uO6x0GyxwJHAS1m5FO1uCDrPhcLLmZU0CeT19N17-M3BFA0bQ8G6PEz2GyPYsXRE-0Jby9AGhJaD-3cY67qhkJ772z4O1oSju7ecQeXtB--IaRzqpb-MADcqInFRG6TmXeLJIHFrGBHvYZquWLaJTXCsKFvZAfVIgndNMdZY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqwFZtXri8tFF1zcP3RW8uO6x0GyxwJHAS1m5FO1uCDrPhcLLmZU0CeT19N17-M3BFA0bQ8G6PEz2GyPYsXRE-0Jby9AGhJaD-3cY67qhkJ772z4O1oSju7ecQeXtB--IaRzqpb-MADcqInFRG6TmXeLJIHFrGBHvYZquWLaJTXCsKFvZAfVIgndNMdZY=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limber Pine poem with a bit of a breeze.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQaLfe-dlj8VQfhPIa4MkUQbz0uTjRD87JjL0bb-T71REOymHa6mD4xqsHJVEiVtA17lkH-ovoq9q0TxanI5gRJs_iFdLTbvLezsI-iBlgjR10fX_SE_JDSMd_kKZJvd5kzzQXIUAttbguzdYISY_r3veBnPvrCMvNOAsH-e4lIvV4Oux--LAs4kGiQsU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQaLfe-dlj8VQfhPIa4MkUQbz0uTjRD87JjL0bb-T71REOymHa6mD4xqsHJVEiVtA17lkH-ovoq9q0TxanI5gRJs_iFdLTbvLezsI-iBlgjR10fX_SE_JDSMd_kKZJvd5kzzQXIUAttbguzdYISY_r3veBnPvrCMvNOAsH-e4lIvV4Oux--LAs4kGiQsU=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of juniper berries ... a nice ending to the season.</td></tr></tbody></table>As we continued east cross country, I discovered we weren't alone. We were being carefully watched by a pronghorn buck and his companions.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbUcT0ziJpTRe5HMjC7c2KeAm6jU_AJg_clNE1sio4yaiCR_mOMVo45AWlIP8bdwgek7xm-xnpiiSL9GYpmueShmjNhZjqax2d4y2TXd-PFOtmlT7LgFMIw37eRDt_wbt3ZvJp3SZ5o-PtssO_ngGmMIRp--o8Y23VD4edn00tiMQy97w3HKakAY82OxI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbUcT0ziJpTRe5HMjC7c2KeAm6jU_AJg_clNE1sio4yaiCR_mOMVo45AWlIP8bdwgek7xm-xnpiiSL9GYpmueShmjNhZjqax2d4y2TXd-PFOtmlT7LgFMIw37eRDt_wbt3ZvJp3SZ5o-PtssO_ngGmMIRp--o8Y23VD4edn00tiMQy97w3HKakAY82OxI=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjssMcAeh3w9HDHbPZxQIsV4Lvd_6ycj-gQrGRKcASq-1Q65TOowF8kPP4IrQDkaETIWT4d2bdzg-EjTFG2wZytAXv8rnVnYoesW3uCU1SatyS2S21sXBxgxAurnBhh_9776uvmPwpbpcOsy0KStQqPE7EZNGOcQlKkJi6-T3ocj41r1sqXOqeIZSoH_i4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="1280" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjssMcAeh3w9HDHbPZxQIsV4Lvd_6ycj-gQrGRKcASq-1Q65TOowF8kPP4IrQDkaETIWT4d2bdzg-EjTFG2wZytAXv8rnVnYoesW3uCU1SatyS2S21sXBxgxAurnBhh_9776uvmPwpbpcOsy0KStQqPE7EZNGOcQlKkJi6-T3ocj41r1sqXOqeIZSoH_i4=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were much more interested in us than we were in them.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhl9HZm_yPVOPd2dz_yZLbr5hioqzjCYe_YWvfxPplfs9zBGmywGFvvmU3_99f48jAb7CDj-41SzDbew3Y8P7PFtg0pVm1u6mkfLV-AWTy6kuyg44i90CvmowpFG-1KgDA_bqlL0p6Z4zTseaNAkM62mqNyNr49Dua3MRW8LtM414FqmBKPd240D34Nljg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1280" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhl9HZm_yPVOPd2dz_yZLbr5hioqzjCYe_YWvfxPplfs9zBGmywGFvvmU3_99f48jAb7CDj-41SzDbew3Y8P7PFtg0pVm1u6mkfLV-AWTy6kuyg44i90CvmowpFG-1KgDA_bqlL0p6Z4zTseaNAkM62mqNyNr49Dua3MRW8LtM414FqmBKPd240D34Nljg=w400-h293" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off to more interesting things (click to view).</td></tr></tbody></table>This is typical pronghorn behavior here ... watch for awhile then amble off. My field assistant has no interest in animals this large, being programmed to hunt small burrowing rodents (basenji genes). And I'm more interested in plants. So we too ambled off, heading west back to the car through the prairie. The grasses were beautifully backlit, and it was hard to keep moving.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLBMyPHgMugD6fdRPyH3LSsjQKZi7Ujw7iWZ8CpFe6RRKa0HBfI9s74JhqEn4RPYZXXIy__bF9Gu9H0eJkC-5NzxrEqRq3yAv4gt9_VrwGkkiObQCfXXyBMimIPAhB0wJUFg2VHlvdPpDyoCYlBybwC4j6gdUFQj7i7v6BFBf_T9TGPJKXYCvQkdCd5fI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLBMyPHgMugD6fdRPyH3LSsjQKZi7Ujw7iWZ8CpFe6RRKa0HBfI9s74JhqEn4RPYZXXIy__bF9Gu9H0eJkC-5NzxrEqRq3yAv4gt9_VrwGkkiObQCfXXyBMimIPAhB0wJUFg2VHlvdPpDyoCYlBybwC4j6gdUFQj7i7v6BFBf_T9TGPJKXYCvQkdCd5fI=w400-h294" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzPURzYxNC6TcgCeYDRGdu4V-U7dH7zFL3xprg_pMgKiSR_ojDiotDQs4lLTyrB7AE0NEmWQIWwRYhh36ASsURVb_HVxr9OR4T48ZFirDZBEu9NV9ci-4bBThouxBS5RHypuZ3kCzZqnaRX1jrGjlhp0N0pwW_iBBhXYBUjJ7msm2-h0Yxr8_F1kc9RkA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzPURzYxNC6TcgCeYDRGdu4V-U7dH7zFL3xprg_pMgKiSR_ojDiotDQs4lLTyrB7AE0NEmWQIWwRYhh36ASsURVb_HVxr9OR4T48ZFirDZBEu9NV9ci-4bBThouxBS5RHypuZ3kCzZqnaRX1jrGjlhp0N0pwW_iBBhXYBUjJ7msm2-h0Yxr8_F1kc9RkA=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Ricegrass, <i>Achnatherum</i> <i>hymenoides</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1DJ35HIlGfBL1jT69EtHJ6zHHx81HseSbNBssUpNxGWqoQWLl8NZdCqI9zxFMC8WaOmnYOHDZ72XjbKLkMelrGrdgVtxrbNv3EgnuTfL-UhbJP8mToC_-I3WPPtiIfq_jJDY8qIL2MPXF_HcndO9Wd9-gmh-KOHzginT6KKW-cOXkmQSD67Mprzi3CdY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1DJ35HIlGfBL1jT69EtHJ6zHHx81HseSbNBssUpNxGWqoQWLl8NZdCqI9zxFMC8WaOmnYOHDZ72XjbKLkMelrGrdgVtxrbNv3EgnuTfL-UhbJP8mToC_-I3WPPtiIfq_jJDY8qIL2MPXF_HcndO9Wd9-gmh-KOHzginT6KKW-cOXkmQSD67Mprzi3CdY=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curled seed tails of Needle-and-Thread, <i>Hesperostipa</i> <i>comata</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsyDwA-AvrG2OCyiglXwO9kXNbso7aGFxD-kDf_ElB68NqU0A79Nc5lnfZWAoUIsN7CAcnY792cAh1mW6dQe-_g_tnFywU2yTqa8sMXMozLMxL4KER-9tEhXvubPNxISINy7HoMufTuGehM5KUv89hfv82yJTf5BaJEQ_Nrq3Can9_Ny-lEYG7bSuBkH8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsyDwA-AvrG2OCyiglXwO9kXNbso7aGFxD-kDf_ElB68NqU0A79Nc5lnfZWAoUIsN7CAcnY792cAh1mW6dQe-_g_tnFywU2yTqa8sMXMozLMxL4KER-9tEhXvubPNxISINy7HoMufTuGehM5KUv89hfv82yJTf5BaJEQ_Nrq3Can9_Ny-lEYG7bSuBkH8=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Grama, <i>Bouteloua gracilis</i> (up close below).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjav1gRWiHAgaTHtLd1OxdUeEdZ51fnL_UMA3gSft78Q11-qpQEMYXBF5h4t68CAc2tURq1bcEft1gc1jS8uXaIST6s9nZBLURJy6kdr7Mct4K2AsFqRWnTSajVI68cJaXEA9KcoEssON1SYmQYS5_OuTNjRImPBpAn9kFU_4_pT2Dfab5ip-UjWGE926U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjav1gRWiHAgaTHtLd1OxdUeEdZ51fnL_UMA3gSft78Q11-qpQEMYXBF5h4t68CAc2tURq1bcEft1gc1jS8uXaIST6s9nZBLURJy6kdr7Mct4K2AsFqRWnTSajVI68cJaXEA9KcoEssON1SYmQYS5_OuTNjRImPBpAn9kFU_4_pT2Dfab5ip-UjWGE926U=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoogMQzZw2JnAB0YboJq8tizEd4gMDYdKipQGepLlV02OlHioRK2yOhsdiDH_PDMa0cjngeVcfrit8A1VJm9W5YYqRIjH-SvWW7clO20ZVTj0eKzoU2fAGIuym297-FIkZg2EeCDrV-GB582g7P9lFsXAV-gAedUDfQEkQvJXTawwc6BiDSUU9PKNo3o/s252/treefollowing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="252" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoogMQzZw2JnAB0YboJq8tizEd4gMDYdKipQGepLlV02OlHioRK2yOhsdiDH_PDMa0cjngeVcfrit8A1VJm9W5YYqRIjH-SvWW7clO20ZVTj0eKzoU2fAGIuym297-FIkZg2EeCDrV-GB582g7P9lFsXAV-gAedUDfQEkQvJXTawwc6BiDSUU9PKNo3o/s1600/treefollowing2.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>This is my contribution to the <a href="https://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=squirrelbasket&postid=06Nov2023&meme=12481">monthly gathering of Treefollowers</a>, kindly hosted by <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/">The Squirrelbasket</a>. Come join us ... it's free, fun, and always interesting.Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-40388499869258337422023-11-05T20:56:00.001-07:002023-11-05T20:56:48.457-07:00Orachs on the Corner—Russian or French?<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizQpNsxDMs9bbE1IR5PHauMfVDk-QWurQZRrZXudJZun8DVgKNpWGWY8S1ZwNmv6tdQF2RhNTIO_B-4RdQ3kU7bRq2usIi7xdee13jiyv5-ONd97cdQZJnsuFX2_YjU_9ySutgAZAyi6Nfle7I8FPhqAxWxobpWIJSqROPBna1mPrKwGpW4j6sTmSgwGI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizQpNsxDMs9bbE1IR5PHauMfVDk-QWurQZRrZXudJZun8DVgKNpWGWY8S1ZwNmv6tdQF2RhNTIO_B-4RdQ3kU7bRq2usIi7xdee13jiyv5-ONd97cdQZJnsuFX2_YjU_9ySutgAZAyi6Nfle7I8FPhqAxWxobpWIJSqROPBna1mPrKwGpW4j6sTmSgwGI=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foodscaping">Foodscaping</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>Summer before last (2022), the City of Laramie had our street redone. As part of the project, sidewalks were added where there were none, for example in front of my house. This was at no charge to the owner. My lot is large so I was grateful.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A strip of bare soil six feet wide was left between the sidewalk and street—reputedly called a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_verge#Terminology">parkway</a> in Wyoming. One day Ben Huhnke, the general contractor, asked what I'd like in my parkway (he actually said "there" and pointed). I replied "native grass" and he said "ok".</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Several months later a subcontractor spread seed mix on the parkway. Ben stopped by again and told me they put down "prairie grass". I said "great".</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This past summer (2023) was exceptionally wet. The plants loved it! And Ben was right. Prairie Saltgrass, native to the Laramie Basin, filled in much of the parkway. Several nice stands of Foxtail Barley appeared, along with one of my favorite grasses, Alkali Sacaton, and some Western Wheatgrass (these may have arrived on their own from the prairie nearby). There were small bunch grasses I didn't recognize, perhaps cultivars for landscaping. I will learn more next year.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Prairie grasses in autumn:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNoA9TVSNDlm8BrqqD44tNutIbYVTWiaATaXcs-85WjErf7Q-NIjzU9iz4bbu7YUedTcv2ZzyabTLklpcifSHEilTOIux7OHgHyJ7IC2WDEdgRjPkPDstfsv14RFsXAbkfmzeNB5qLg42GNy6L3kbgouMEXPBWxSBIzDWijuLRG52kQn-ISeZxuKcoXpk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNoA9TVSNDlm8BrqqD44tNutIbYVTWiaATaXcs-85WjErf7Q-NIjzU9iz4bbu7YUedTcv2ZzyabTLklpcifSHEilTOIux7OHgHyJ7IC2WDEdgRjPkPDstfsv14RFsXAbkfmzeNB5qLg42GNy6L3kbgouMEXPBWxSBIzDWijuLRG52kQn-ISeZxuKcoXpk=w400-h294" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Distichlis spicata</i>, Prairie or Inland Saltgrass.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEEUM2XookCi_sOR85fQRxOD9AaE38rDimma_dCEseWRKYnNWFZ0IzoMIWzxHsGRXm0RqRl5kvnW84wkNa2LWKSI4nqSvnZ7t5YIpytl4nNCMSy0U4IsrEu1M65WeNsC2yZWeN0icrpr7h6ilVEwWcxHKY9-uaMSUCEoIwJZ7SSHXzKqVnhuqwXmbpmzY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEEUM2XookCi_sOR85fQRxOD9AaE38rDimma_dCEseWRKYnNWFZ0IzoMIWzxHsGRXm0RqRl5kvnW84wkNa2LWKSI4nqSvnZ7t5YIpytl4nNCMSy0U4IsrEu1M65WeNsC2yZWeN0icrpr7h6ilVEwWcxHKY9-uaMSUCEoIwJZ7SSHXzKqVnhuqwXmbpmzY=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hordeum jubatum</i>, Foxtail Barley.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmKWkxKVQuRo1ItKx4SHJiJqCMJUoDq3kEH54-W0KS3dZO_Zmh6NeFdv3CCqB8R93bm4f6mImzAtHOdYXLQ3Qia0KD_PAGT3THLmMEas2SnrD9M3_ATXumx2-V_hPM32Qycq_wC6MzM_uEgD9LMwDkHWcfIPLOVoINZCmckZ6oaZHenYkTb_s6X0wwYtY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmKWkxKVQuRo1ItKx4SHJiJqCMJUoDq3kEH54-W0KS3dZO_Zmh6NeFdv3CCqB8R93bm4f6mImzAtHOdYXLQ3Qia0KD_PAGT3THLmMEas2SnrD9M3_ATXumx2-V_hPM32Qycq_wC6MzM_uEgD9LMwDkHWcfIPLOVoINZCmckZ6oaZHenYkTb_s6X0wwYtY=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sporobolus airoides</i>, Alkali Sacaton.</td></tr></tbody></table>Even with all this grass there still was plenty of bare dirt. Colonizing annuals moved in, as was to be expected. But a <u>big</u> surprise showed up on the corner—about 35 annuals to six feet in height!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEX3dO6Q3PhClewJfOhr0NjO2YH0h9DElGKW4GuhmCUR0aRt-YiCwZj8mp-rS7BytJ98NdtKAig5ogDVQZciaNedmhLxSTXDjR2CTZfKOQ8Vf6TnUJRt3xPtB4sXCJxtp4FYHwUf46lUnA7grCEpo2QQcq85RNCg3Kft5l5BTnOi2_60rV7jRLkPB37JU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEX3dO6Q3PhClewJfOhr0NjO2YH0h9DElGKW4GuhmCUR0aRt-YiCwZj8mp-rS7BytJ98NdtKAig5ogDVQZciaNedmhLxSTXDjR2CTZfKOQ8Vf6TnUJRt3xPtB4sXCJxtp4FYHwUf46lUnA7grCEpo2QQcq85RNCg3Kft5l5BTnOi2_60rV7jRLkPB37JU=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sidewalk leading to the stand of large mystery plants. </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHS8X28WbRxB1mqvWt_IQu4cqMI8fAG9gxFX_cyJYyRbhX6xNIE1JdSRYgUOUycgERjw97MdagYtTkkLOxlOFPp0Mig0hShtdA5lORUvKjPzaxqzHwHnUywmNiKQHj-JW33kZ7MVeY0L9o4HqacOepPcuvns8R-BMwL8tah_gyl_uEPyhtCgkkBIntqLs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHS8X28WbRxB1mqvWt_IQu4cqMI8fAG9gxFX_cyJYyRbhX6xNIE1JdSRYgUOUycgERjw97MdagYtTkkLOxlOFPp0Mig0hShtdA5lORUvKjPzaxqzHwHnUywmNiKQHj-JW33kZ7MVeY0L9o4HqacOepPcuvns8R-BMwL8tah_gyl_uEPyhtCgkkBIntqLs=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stout reddish stems and branches (they were yellowish green early in the season).</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhs5Q7KCw2SkVkyykjZCodjRfJoR6vWQhpZCpbiTyomWUoG9JbUDI6LHb6mv-BJVBsLC5_a4QA2egoU7oLbVSDYnKOouQb3sqahEGDmLZBWVdM4NE3XpMWA90Ex7MYsEbhT6z8be52sdPwCgxr4aMLwvwdihIgcHecEyPIa2TXAmRGR0a1E2BpRQkMa6Ho" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhs5Q7KCw2SkVkyykjZCodjRfJoR6vWQhpZCpbiTyomWUoG9JbUDI6LHb6mv-BJVBsLC5_a4QA2egoU7oLbVSDYnKOouQb3sqahEGDmLZBWVdM4NE3XpMWA90Ex7MYsEbhT6z8be52sdPwCgxr4aMLwvwdihIgcHecEyPIa2TXAmRGR0a1E2BpRQkMa6Ho=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn leaves.</td></tr></tbody></table>The leaves suggested lambsquarters (genus <i>Chenopodium</i>), but none of the species I know grow so tall. Then a vague memory surfaced, from my review of South Dakota chenopods and amaranths. Could this be one of the larger annual orachs (genus <i>Atriplex</i>) with dimorphic female flowers? The <a href="http://floranorthamerica.org/Atriplex_heterosperma">Flora of North America</a>, with the help of <a href="https://duckduckgo.com/">DuckDuckGo</a> (I've switched), confirmed my suspicions. But which one? That was not clear.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />If I had to pick I'd choose <i>A. heterosperma</i>, the Russian Orach, as I found no ebracteolate flowers (botany geeks, see (1) in <b>Notes</b> below). But maybe they fell off. And the plants were red and huge, more like <i>A. hortensis</i>, the French Orach. I couldn't decide. No matter, they're both edible (2).<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrsimejQmoWHy54KdkRoC_-2FIWC_5pavLEBmnpAr8WfnlAirPFmLqDl0ZOPAeVa7xkV_l_tSjYHdif06t3_e0jVRLi49bZmci5fSoGYdkMqUFx1MNo-RwGgK2Ur-XVJk-SMCqHRBnS5Uxwb8seUi2w3fkPo9dJx2sjzxMeOyNttP0tbrJL_QDckOZ1T8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2024" data-original-width="1581" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrsimejQmoWHy54KdkRoC_-2FIWC_5pavLEBmnpAr8WfnlAirPFmLqDl0ZOPAeVa7xkV_l_tSjYHdif06t3_e0jVRLi49bZmci5fSoGYdkMqUFx1MNo-RwGgK2Ur-XVJk-SMCqHRBnS5Uxwb8seUi2w3fkPo9dJx2sjzxMeOyNttP0tbrJL_QDckOZ1T8=w312-h400" width="312" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Atriplex heterosperma</i> (formerly <i>A. micranthum</i>) is native from Europe east to Chinese Turkestan. From "Icons of new or incompletely known plants illustrating the Russian flora, especially the Altaic" (Google's translation from Latin), 1829–34. <a href="https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/46626">BHL</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhidTz0sPv4E8vVySPuk0Ref4dZHYi3kM0reCTpDdGwAR9KIWhZOTvQXsMMErpLNX0Im9KeOQTKFANV3_d4kMayOCHbjGeAiRhKkDLQciDEmCC2nl1HcW2YmeuCLgWz_AtyD3V4cXhcMs8hk5CEezkyeirB4ynT1dNNZj4ytOfnPLTnK8USlHL-ix2sHAE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2596" data-original-width="1220" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhidTz0sPv4E8vVySPuk0Ref4dZHYi3kM0reCTpDdGwAR9KIWhZOTvQXsMMErpLNX0Im9KeOQTKFANV3_d4kMayOCHbjGeAiRhKkDLQciDEmCC2nl1HcW2YmeuCLgWz_AtyD3V4cXhcMs8hk5CEezkyeirB4ynT1dNNZj4ytOfnPLTnK8USlHL-ix2sHAE=w188-h400" width="188" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Atriplex hortensis</i> (formerly <i>Chenopodium hortense</i>) is native to western Asia and the Mediterranean region. Jacob Sturm painting, 1796. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atriplex_hortensis#/media/File:Atriplex_hortensis_cleaned_Sturm.png ">Source</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>Orachs (<i>Atriplex</i>), lambsquarters (<i>Chenopodium</i>), and domesticated spinach (<i>Spinacia</i>) are all in the same family—the Chenopodiaceae (recently combined into the Amaranthaceae). Their leaves generally are edible or at least not toxic, and often taste slightly salty. Tastiness varies with species and age.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>A. hortensis</i>, often called French Spinach, is used as a substitute for cultivated spinach. I recently learned that <i>A. heterosperma</i>, the Russian Orach, can be used that way as well. Wild Food Girl <a href="https://wildfoodgirl.com/2014/orach-lambs-quarters/">raves about orachs</a> in general, and notes that <i>A. heterosperma</i> can be harvested guilt free because it's non-native. She recommends it for <a href="https://wildfoodgirl.com/2014/tumbleweed-salad/ ">Wild Spring Salad</a>, along with tumblemustard and salsify stems. I'm in luck! Both tumblemustard and meadow salsify showed up this year. Fingers crossed for another rainy summer, and productive foodscaping on the parkway.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Notes</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">(1) Like other members of the genus <i>Atriplex</i>, <i>A. heterosperma</i> and <i>A. hortensis</i> have small inconspicuous flowers and fruits, and the flowers are unisexual, either male or female. But these two species are unusual in that they have dimorphic female flowers (two kinds). In <i>A. heterosperma</i> some flowers produce large seeds, while others produce much smaller ones (i.e., hetero-sperma). In <i>A. hortensis</i> the flowers themselves differ. Many (most?) are enclosed in a pair of bracteoles, lack sepals, and hold their seeds vertically. Others are ebracteolate, do have sepals, and hold their seeds horizontally.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEVi8b51rDEbRoVOeSvRj__BVxZsiZuWrmya7kSrIp6TSUxASrboi6k4reGL-0pin7YVcdCziQAgtp6yyuiwKiTq5C-TYwioDhWWUG9E21Rx9EpNjhDTAO2Mc3np0eXensWv40AsWtdXSUDlOInYp1meAsnNLqNpOyvkHPoyCu_O3qgLqTlWIJdHtRuEo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEVi8b51rDEbRoVOeSvRj__BVxZsiZuWrmya7kSrIp6TSUxASrboi6k4reGL-0pin7YVcdCziQAgtp6yyuiwKiTq5C-TYwioDhWWUG9E21Rx9EpNjhDTAO2Mc3np0eXensWv40AsWtdXSUDlOInYp1meAsnNLqNpOyvkHPoyCu_O3qgLqTlWIJdHtRuEo=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See any ebracteolate flowers?</td></tr></tbody></table>(2) <span style="text-align: center;">We are advised to harvest orach leaves from young plants, taking the tops and leaving older lower leaves for continued growth. Being a botanist I waited for flowers and fruits, hoping for confident identification. By that time the plants were robust, their leaves too tough to eat. But I have lots of seeds for next year.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIavP8A4uhbD0VkttqklxiFymp0blWZWajhLfYCv_5tfejWJdx65MbjYOE4_RFgOVYjOVn7LoQ2Q5_ypZ5fnCUohz1X08DkXKHdpFk3RWEPqG1HnYTBalWvGZ3l_SbVH5P6zDLguChfIKOsQ8XBIjrFFK7VvjjE02jA0l-F8L1fnU8VZ_sPfgeiM2tZBk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIavP8A4uhbD0VkttqklxiFymp0blWZWajhLfYCv_5tfejWJdx65MbjYOE4_RFgOVYjOVn7LoQ2Q5_ypZ5fnCUohz1X08DkXKHdpFk3RWEPqG1HnYTBalWvGZ3l_SbVH5P6zDLguChfIKOsQ8XBIjrFFK7VvjjE02jA0l-F8L1fnU8VZ_sPfgeiM2tZBk=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div></div><p></p>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-67175328091671787152023-10-25T23:31:00.000-06:002023-10-25T23:31:02.516-06:00Mono Lake—the Simple Life<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaaA5mALZdI1KWd6zV4qoZPdj4cVrWLvCYLSXbzPFo8sDjes5AcNilxj1yFLCFsCloYWtcqkpdDtd7phahUDA9jigGR29sIX1i0EaMh_AReRDvdS8frGbqGPJ55T_7VbPOKFekQcO-17taAuztCs1EM9QdxEXVTftnVNbcjAV0YiqBhN_v9VYO3cDBMSQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaaA5mALZdI1KWd6zV4qoZPdj4cVrWLvCYLSXbzPFo8sDjes5AcNilxj1yFLCFsCloYWtcqkpdDtd7phahUDA9jigGR29sIX1i0EaMh_AReRDvdS8frGbqGPJ55T_7VbPOKFekQcO-17taAuztCs1EM9QdxEXVTftnVNbcjAV0YiqBhN_v9VYO3cDBMSQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div>When friends asked where I was going on my trip last September, I learned to say "Mono Lake". It was the only place in central eastern California they knew. I actually intended to visit volcanos, but "Mono Lake" turned out to be an acceptable answer. I stopped there most days to enjoy its peacefulness, strange rock sculptures, and oddly simple ecosystem.<p></p><p>Judging by the responses I got—usually something like "Isn't that where LA gets its water?"—Mono Lake is best known for the destruction wrought by the City of Los Angeles. After 1941, when the northern extension of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Aqueduct">Los Angeles Aqueduct</a> was completed, the lake dropped 45 feet, losing half its volume. Thanks to strong advocacy it has risen since 1994, but is still below the management level set by the California State Water Resources Control Board (<a href="https://www.monolake.org/learn/stateofthelake/ ">more here</a>).</p><p>To be clear, Los Angeles takes water not from Mono Lake but from the creeks flowing into it. The lake itself is much too salty, as Mark Twain noted in 1872:</p><blockquote><p>"its sluggish waters are so strong with alkali that if you only dip the most hopelessly soiled garment into them once or twice, and wring it out, it will be found as clean as if it had been through the ablest of washerwomen's hands. ... If we threw the water on our heads and gave them a rub or so, the white lather would pile up three inches high."<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_a56ZoFIHgz8nIDQSCoal7ThtLhPL5WKWU90y_Krozcrj3NT9MtCANOLUgXHwgMMJ9Z6lIdTDOFbOjSSXhoESnyzikvdymnpOpKOR2BjsjR2x7hBbjHZdmhAgHBbwjxXaaQq6GsdlWKbpj3L8ihcAV062X69fRmbqkuYXa1pxpKEPIyokQV1VGdz91RE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="956" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_a56ZoFIHgz8nIDQSCoal7ThtLhPL5WKWU90y_Krozcrj3NT9MtCANOLUgXHwgMMJ9Z6lIdTDOFbOjSSXhoESnyzikvdymnpOpKOR2BjsjR2x7hBbjHZdmhAgHBbwjxXaaQq6GsdlWKbpj3L8ihcAV062X69fRmbqkuYXa1pxpKEPIyokQV1VGdz91RE=w320-h320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rather Soapy (from <i>Roughing It</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table></p></blockquote><p>Twain and his companions had come to Mono Lake by way of the Great Basin in Utah, Nevada and eastern California—a land of internal drainage:</p><p></p><blockquote>"Water is always flowing into [the lakes]; none is ever seen to flow out of them, and yet they remain always level full, neither receding nor overflowing. What they do with their surplus is only known to the Creator."</blockquote><p>I think Twain knew more than he let on. Evaporation could keep lake level constant in spite of water flowing in. And evaporation would make it "alkali". Maybe he just wanted to add another flourish to his story.</p><p>The party camped along one of the creeks flowing into Mono Lake. They rented a boat from a local rancher, and "soon got thoroughly acquainted with the Lake and all its peculiarities." Twain was not impressed. He considered it "one of the strangest freaks of Nature ... a solemn, silent, sailless sea". It was aptly called The Dead Sea of California:</p><p></p><blockquote>"There are no fish in Mono Lake—no frogs, no snakes, no polliwigs—nothing, in fact, that goes to make life desirable. Millions of wild ducks and sea-gulls swim about the surface, but no living thing exists under the surface, except a white feathery sort of worm, one half an inch long, which looks like a bit of white thread frayed out at the sides. ... Then there is a fly ... you can see there a belt of flies an inch deep and six feet wide, and this belt extends clear around the lake."</blockquote><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3gzJYTusYwHWqeng6EuV9ICTCdMzHGuVjCTIw43uipGY0uate4t7DVQqgMBICZp_6P6TzTLdFLY7K79mh2JE_wk_mfhGeZnIQ-hWKDs_S9Q4e-_1Zduj1kKkc46ZdXT8s0L_qH_QOTx9y1IbXv1WXFd1gDlGlNgMHKpeb-08zhI6eBR-WhvujuaI5ck8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2317" data-original-width="3476" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3gzJYTusYwHWqeng6EuV9ICTCdMzHGuVjCTIw43uipGY0uate4t7DVQqgMBICZp_6P6TzTLdFLY7K79mh2JE_wk_mfhGeZnIQ-hWKDs_S9Q4e-_1Zduj1kKkc46ZdXT8s0L_qH_QOTx9y1IbXv1WXFd1gDlGlNgMHKpeb-08zhI6eBR-WhvujuaI5ck8=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mono Lake's flies still "swarm up so thick that they look dense, like a cloud." (<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/housephotography/5002802457/">House Photography</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table>Today Twain is criticized for equating Mono Lake with the Dead Sea. But in spite of his disparaging remarks, he often was correct in his descriptions. Indeed there are just a few kinds of critters in the water, and they occur in abundance. In fact, they occur <i>by the trillions</i>! I found this fascinating—a hostile environment, a simple ecosystem, and yet so productive.<div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeInIikjMzSG81JWmHjP0QCCEwVO7gYlne3naXYwIdYad3DZeLxlqMeoEZhruph4w0dtNxxhJ1oEfgjIKem1_u4Ij0660KERB1W4lb3Yy8UtHnNhWYen3TQuzV3LtT5lY_1j8Ej_FchnaoqMlUHJsFK9l5_BCuAc3cZWpTs6UFGB-D2F5CG8_9oSAzj8Q" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1280" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeInIikjMzSG81JWmHjP0QCCEwVO7gYlne3naXYwIdYad3DZeLxlqMeoEZhruph4w0dtNxxhJ1oEfgjIKem1_u4Ij0660KERB1W4lb3Yy8UtHnNhWYen3TQuzV3LtT5lY_1j8Ej_FchnaoqMlUHJsFK9l5_BCuAc3cZWpTs6UFGB-D2F5CG8_9oSAzj8Q=w400-h280" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To everything there is a season—Mono Lake in May.</td></tr></tbody></table>When I was in the area last May, Mono Lake fooled me. From atop <a href="https://plantsandrocks.blogspot.com/2023/08/panum-volcano-just-baby-but-what-life.html">Panum Volcano</a> I saw a lush green field east of the lake—alfalfa?? I drove to <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/destination/south-tufa-inyo-national-forest">South Tufa</a>, where the field revealed itself to be vividly green water. I immediately thought "nitrates" ... or even worse, "sewage".<br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><div>But Google assured me I needn't worry. In May, Mono Lake typically is thick with green algae madly photosynthesizing. This is truly their moment in the sun. They can flourish because the grazers are still asleep.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>These algae are minute. For example <i>Dunaliella</i> is just 0.025 mm long. But it occurs in such abundance that it colors the water green ... until it gets eaten.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxMIox_wJo-dZXyBhN5vrAySoTEtTG_ThnhXfsylZXlGIo-ZTFH7zomRm3KTkGsW0jygk-CY4uTCTQJ_LTy4B42ID-p-2-r_A_rfdirFFfrCZtLfhfb6FygX5LFhAzjyy1Wzx4C_-EEBuglxPhJy19QBfNgGoYBdZnAQ44lNyzbNo5J7HLcDKczXqoZHg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxMIox_wJo-dZXyBhN5vrAySoTEtTG_ThnhXfsylZXlGIo-ZTFH7zomRm3KTkGsW0jygk-CY4uTCTQJ_LTy4B42ID-p-2-r_A_rfdirFFfrCZtLfhfb6FygX5LFhAzjyy1Wzx4C_-EEBuglxPhJy19QBfNgGoYBdZnAQ44lNyzbNo5J7HLcDKczXqoZHg=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The color was unreal, even up close.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG7-6mqvsNSvcID8kp-frATiekK1yjrwUHST8yo9EMQ3LkomvnoHHhSqC2MWVSk49zYFru25pWIQo6Ha0s893U3Gq-0Yiad_0IvraJkGr4CDtd7P8x5ofLNJpMNyVSN8dx6qjjri98Rfi7bcnJqOJYJWODjpTjfJM6dWjPeZEOolbOhFocI2cV86HeAgA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="800" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG7-6mqvsNSvcID8kp-frATiekK1yjrwUHST8yo9EMQ3LkomvnoHHhSqC2MWVSk49zYFru25pWIQo6Ha0s893U3Gq-0Yiad_0IvraJkGr4CDtd7P8x5ofLNJpMNyVSN8dx6qjjri98Rfi7bcnJqOJYJWODjpTjfJM6dWjPeZEOolbOhFocI2cV86HeAgA=w400-h297" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dunaliella</i> thrives in hypersaline environments (<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/63319497@N00/2844629480/">djpmapleferryman</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1280" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6na16uSfL-utW4Cp3Nb3JMOJUv7mf5HcQ8GrR_3c0FOWBI_-7To1JRGhBWCgpTcyWpLe0mX_G-regrkWJU65Dpc84EydTCx23mini9b58iAKXtRHspb_a6l-plZxjMIbcYBCP9NSxupbtsn9J0zbR3nmvmNAbQ_Xd7wb7SDEOwOl6o69CflAPHvKdyw0=w400-h285" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mono Lake in September.</td></tr></tbody></table></div>When I returned in September, the water was clear and flies were abundant along the lake shore—just as Twain had described. At the <a href=" https://www.monocounty.org/listing/mono-basin-scenic-area-visitor-center/774/">Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center</a>, a worthwhile exhibit explained what had happened while I was away.<br /><br />As Mono Lake warmed in spring, trillions of dormant life forms on the bottom awoke. From miniscule brown cysts emerged tiny larvae, the first stage leading to adult <a href="https://www.monolake.org/learn/aboutmonolake/naturalhistory/brineshrimp/">Mono Lake brine shrimp</a> (<i>Artemia monica</i>, found nowhere else in the world). The shrimps feasted on algae and reproduced at an impressive rate, reaching astronomical numbers.</div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU9s0PIbPIgeDgw5Bhy-hgCCNYo2NgsvSW--bb36-X9EljntcVzwtcr35--PV6Qzkk_q2l8bbvM18dYqY_JTdWpL66rXuzBL-IwchcbxjSpuLOIzfxF3pqdK4FKeIN9gxGysplGhFsYUVr0vnz72nPEGt95VKScJBs9gq6hdAMl8C51NWD778gGuW2Re8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1638" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU9s0PIbPIgeDgw5Bhy-hgCCNYo2NgsvSW--bb36-X9EljntcVzwtcr35--PV6Qzkk_q2l8bbvM18dYqY_JTdWpL66rXuzBL-IwchcbxjSpuLOIzfxF3pqdK4FKeIN9gxGysplGhFsYUVr0vnz72nPEGt95VKScJBs9gq6hdAMl8C51NWD778gGuW2Re8=w320-h250" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mono Lake brine shrimp, about 1 cm long. This is Twain's "feathery sort of worm" (<a href=" https://www.flickr.com/photos/63319497@N00/">djpmapleferryman</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table>At the same time, tiny eggs hatched to release larvae of <a href="https://www.monolake.org/learn/aboutmonolake/naturalhistory/alkaliflies/">alkali flies</a> (<i>Ephydra hians</i>). After several stages underwater, adults emerged at the surface. They too fed on algae, reproduced, and soon achieved numbers in the trillions. No wonder the water was clear in September!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn9CDV93BnfbPE9JN2V9LJYidr8ge8dTuJPByTd1VVcepADYfFvqtGaO2wj-fl_Wb7Jw0-6E2ct2aBAXHl2_4-YsPJyn1mrLpCiZNKNpvmNIIU9e5Etm0vSAE_t-vi2_4ISzyK0EXatByuXvQtVu7QeyDm5xhVsVOG3WHoQQJt_NH4_NiumINWObvYiN8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1730" data-original-width="1728" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn9CDV93BnfbPE9JN2V9LJYidr8ge8dTuJPByTd1VVcepADYfFvqtGaO2wj-fl_Wb7Jw0-6E2ct2aBAXHl2_4-YsPJyn1mrLpCiZNKNpvmNIIU9e5Etm0vSAE_t-vi2_4ISzyK0EXatByuXvQtVu7QeyDm5xhVsVOG3WHoQQJt_NH4_NiumINWObvYiN8=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alkali flies are fine to hang out with. They don't bite, sting, or otherwise bother humans (<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/94/Alkali_Fly_-_Ephydra_hians,_Mono_Lake,_California.jpg">photo source</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhID_oGcaaeBEPgLrGEYNxDr4oB9j_UGsREUUTDxX93iQQSCOqUNwkcvWY4MApqIME-mJ7MMuqCs9BO6jxJ7vK37PaF1LI9T-a4ffzPF0H0bbmhj4F8dxFLDw8vv3476a_1nQZmJ9bhbQCxWJPKx5TSpHEGtZT3Z7tiLwn45m60_lo6fMxafs5FUFmBhtY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhID_oGcaaeBEPgLrGEYNxDr4oB9j_UGsREUUTDxX93iQQSCOqUNwkcvWY4MApqIME-mJ7MMuqCs9BO6jxJ7vK37PaF1LI9T-a4ffzPF0H0bbmhj4F8dxFLDw8vv3476a_1nQZmJ9bhbQCxWJPKx5TSpHEGtZT3Z7tiLwn45m60_lo6fMxafs5FUFmBhtY=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like other Mono Lake aquatic life, alkali flies are small (4–7 mm) and <u><i>super</i></u> abundant.</td></tr></tbody></table>At first glance, it seems life is not so easy for alkali flies. Unlike their fully aquatic larvae, and unlike brine shrimp, adult alkali flies breath air. Therefore when they crawl down to the bottom of the lake to feed and lay eggs, they have to bring along their own oxygen! But this isn't a problem. Their dense covering of wax-coated hairs causes a bubble to form when the fly enters the water (its eyes remain exposed) (Young 2017).</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Here Mark Twain again demonstrated his perspicacity:</div><div><blockquote>"You can hold [the flies] under water as long as you please—they do not mind it—they are only proud of it. When you let them go, they pop up to the surface as dry as a patent office report, and walk off as unconcernedly as if they had been educated especially with a view to affording instructive entertainment to man in that particular way."</blockquote></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOmkc1f03VapuPi0kuAKUiMyO2S6buksr76jFGJf1vzK9uctm79oekx2jG8P8nMiqgrSoBtvn8gN-9Lt8R8dK1NjaWG-96t6P08pmJjDUVTH5ooa6v3gIkzWJcfWZumXtOjMwGP9EOJKJmXhYUyyBRs3fPPqqcWmzEuFBUVZHCRdxRuxpRW-kp_wHs5Lo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="1542" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOmkc1f03VapuPi0kuAKUiMyO2S6buksr76jFGJf1vzK9uctm79oekx2jG8P8nMiqgrSoBtvn8gN-9Lt8R8dK1NjaWG-96t6P08pmJjDUVTH5ooa6v3gIkzWJcfWZumXtOjMwGP9EOJKJmXhYUyyBRs3fPPqqcWmzEuFBUVZHCRdxRuxpRW-kp_wHs5Lo=w400-h294" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alkali fly in its bubble (van Bruegel & Dickinson 2017).</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><p>Of course to be complete, we must acknowledge the decomposers. Without them the ecosystem would be overwhelmed and cease to function. Throughout the warmer months bacteria on the lake bottom break down and consume the dead ... algae, shrimp, and flies.</p><p>Now with bacteria added, we have a completes list of aquatic inhabitants of Mono Lake—a very short list. Being human, of course we wonder "why?" Mono Lake's inhospitable waters probably drive ecosystem simplicity. Only a few species are adapted to survive. However not only do they survive, they thrive! <i>A single cubic foot </i>of near-shore water in summer contains 50–400 brine shrimp, 5,000–10,000 alkali flies and their larvae, and single-celled algae beyond counting. Is this great abundance due to lack of competition and predation? Sounds like a reasonable hypothesis to me.</p><p>After my final stop at Mono Lake I left feeling lucky, as I often do on these trips—lucky to have such wonderful public lands to enjoy, and lucky to be human and able to ponder nature's mysteries.</p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5gx7HIrR4kBnxoZ74cnEAD-8w-rqir_-7gqihB3oYn_ubgbHaxyN9D2HqDBFgEdIIebMLEbHZ8xvsMc9sr8Dws1V00-p_-SzmhlpiSt34mki1bwmei0D-KVGcshqjdp7hdJu1s0UANTFM5yCSndTGznYPfc0N7yQqK7R7zfHMrGWuYpXfitBx-89sSx8"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5gx7HIrR4kBnxoZ74cnEAD-8w-rqir_-7gqihB3oYn_ubgbHaxyN9D2HqDBFgEdIIebMLEbHZ8xvsMc9sr8Dws1V00-p_-SzmhlpiSt34mki1bwmei0D-KVGcshqjdp7hdJu1s0UANTFM5yCSndTGznYPfc0N7yQqK7R7zfHMrGWuYpXfitBx-89sSx8=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Sources</b></p><p>Unless otherwise cited, information is from the <a href="https://www.monolake.org/">Mono Lake Committee website</a> and exhibits at the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center.</p><p>Twain, Mark (Clemens, Samuel). 1872. <i><a href="https://twain.lib.virginia.edu/roughingit/rihp.html">Roughing It</a></i>. Courtesy University of Virginia English Department.</p><p>van Bruegel, F, and Dickinson, MH. 2017. Superhydrophobic diving flies (<i>Ephydra hians</i>) and the hypersaline waters of Mono Lake. <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1714874114">PNAS</a></p><p>Young, Emma. 2017. <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature.2017.23027">How alkali flies stay dry</a>. Nature, NEWS, 20 November</p><p><br /></p></div></div>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-90848210141003101712023-10-09T14:07:00.000-06:002023-10-09T14:07:17.382-06:00Treefollowing: a pine I met in California<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhz7Gu0ziB3sfq73a79zDpzTFYkwPZxa0AbHwomrhX9H7ysQQwXdwicBKUlwM2FAGswFYVc8tYacvCUtYYuwb-5srhuUw_mux3aTQB_iJD0ya-3l_H1un2FSvsQlmkuqBGEbOtM-Mdw4DK-PGabpW8XxBXehzycV99-iI7BjIAN0gtJX7CLnN6RSUOtQYs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1097" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhz7Gu0ziB3sfq73a79zDpzTFYkwPZxa0AbHwomrhX9H7ysQQwXdwicBKUlwM2FAGswFYVc8tYacvCUtYYuwb-5srhuUw_mux3aTQB_iJD0ya-3l_H1un2FSvsQlmkuqBGEbOtM-Mdw4DK-PGabpW8XxBXehzycV99-iI7BjIAN0gtJX7CLnN6RSUOtQYs=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What happed to that tree?</td></tr></tbody></table>After a warm hike up Obsidian Dome we cooled off in the van, parked in the shade of pines. That's when I noticed the unusual tree nearby.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEix4D5pyqdDjUpkTC9MGa-nGeIxU6uK4M3qAS-ngM9INZnfxuNMAm-a2dvQg4iy2-X3ZG-6X4_0Nem2VYqdWpiaq6cheCZjkFdgh5DZ9tKl5YUFDYtYJ5iMg7B7m8Qwx0GbJQdia9FLcvldmRr92VzX5mnwMkCbtU9ES2U-rojrufxYfJzrEVgEMnmZZyQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEix4D5pyqdDjUpkTC9MGa-nGeIxU6uK4M3qAS-ngM9INZnfxuNMAm-a2dvQg4iy2-X3ZG-6X4_0Nem2VYqdWpiaq6cheCZjkFdgh5DZ9tKl5YUFDYtYJ5iMg7B7m8Qwx0GbJQdia9FLcvldmRr92VzX5mnwMkCbtU9ES2U-rojrufxYfJzrEVgEMnmZZyQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note habitat and "soil".</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFWUUiXcuvFDOAwMKXCnttTadTHGoe4VU7FiV8FskMwTGsoUD8F8gtlaZE4eIypBdqs1cATmIrEiiLcxD-aoiey_wT9dMpsJKLOvteQqM06dduFDEIg_C5fm2flMg-JdHk0-Ep4mJC_mQQDL4qPi7ry8Fhl-6QeEIkgaq8ahXnlMbFGuQLnZxk7GZPjV4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFWUUiXcuvFDOAwMKXCnttTadTHGoe4VU7FiV8FskMwTGsoUD8F8gtlaZE4eIypBdqs1cATmIrEiiLcxD-aoiey_wT9dMpsJKLOvteQqM06dduFDEIg_C5fm2flMg-JdHk0-Ep4mJC_mQQDL4qPi7ry8Fhl-6QeEIkgaq8ahXnlMbFGuQLnZxk7GZPjV4=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZnQ64KpUD8uMRyhKgRQ-j5vVI5bE_Y269jTXjlw5tt3iItz7-z1N1YzMUrn6JjMRLiQt27iH7h2kpkDSHg-DAttt1ZbU40YdWDHaqQGOpn2UZ4mtSnVP2pWtaVA4SOl-8hMAVNvTao4XN6O3ZSWN8I6ViH7JPFkQ6hjHGk6rqaJ5R_yg0bVHjQKBpRTY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZnQ64KpUD8uMRyhKgRQ-j5vVI5bE_Y269jTXjlw5tt3iItz7-z1N1YzMUrn6JjMRLiQt27iH7h2kpkDSHg-DAttt1ZbU40YdWDHaqQGOpn2UZ4mtSnVP2pWtaVA4SOl-8hMAVNvTao4XN6O3ZSWN8I6ViH7JPFkQ6hjHGk6rqaJ5R_yg0bVHjQKBpRTY=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div>How did such a tree develop? Did the terminal shoot die, to be replaced by two nearby lateral ones? I examined it closely but the tree kept its secret.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVQYyEh-ExcD0MCEwmRYI3M-M1ZzMOcLJ2CtlmGbtuqGwY0rfb9xBFRCWVxTPLz_TYbisCqDqu_6ZzNBx10bzNSbwQO1bBzfKVxvHLgUo0u8hF72UklM4LzxSRJTVU0SuFI6O-UbAzzamtf9q559r2LLJZuJv1IccBcye2SItTv4gMdoF2_4YTlBu-S3U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVQYyEh-ExcD0MCEwmRYI3M-M1ZzMOcLJ2CtlmGbtuqGwY0rfb9xBFRCWVxTPLz_TYbisCqDqu_6ZzNBx10bzNSbwQO1bBzfKVxvHLgUo0u8hF72UklM4LzxSRJTVU0SuFI6O-UbAzzamtf9q559r2LLJZuJv1IccBcye2SItTv4gMdoF2_4YTlBu-S3U=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div>This is a Jeffrey Pine, <i>Pinus jeffreyi</i>. Jeffreys are fascinating even in the absence of weird growth because they thrive in quite inhospitable habitat. In fact the species is pretty much restricted to shallow infertile weird soils, for example on serpentine in northern California and in volcanic areas east of the Sierra Nevada.<div><br /></div><div>Last September I toured the Mono Basin and Long Valley Caldera—known among geologists for recent volcanic activity. This is a land of craters, domes, couleés, and coarse sterile soils made from searing ash, cinders, and rock fragments blasted out of the Earth. Jeffrey Pine is very common.<br /><div><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3OGwxv16kiEX7Di-BkpfKVLhWT0RHsjNpA5kIq8Tt7tYmaI4M3MXrcQrDcilwU32qPUvdPHuIx0MmLCw-0X4lWG-Srf7XP3BNU0e49C6oMqN2AvDLv8cPSSxLq4wozlQd1BzSTmEWPCB5WzfdlUqu_wr5CQEcpzsEq-wY5wLh-T7OyjlUvBqMlpt3B2U" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3054" data-original-width="2867" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3OGwxv16kiEX7Di-BkpfKVLhWT0RHsjNpA5kIq8Tt7tYmaI4M3MXrcQrDcilwU32qPUvdPHuIx0MmLCw-0X4lWG-Srf7XP3BNU0e49C6oMqN2AvDLv8cPSSxLq4wozlQd1BzSTmEWPCB5WzfdlUqu_wr5CQEcpzsEq-wY5wLh-T7OyjlUvBqMlpt3B2U=w300-h320" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pinus jeffreyi</i> is mainly a California tree (<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pinus_jeffreyi_range_map_1.png">source</a>). Arrow points to area I visited.</td></tr></tbody></table>In the Jeffrey Pine forests I saw, the ground was nearly barren aside from cones and dead needles. Soil was poorly developed, consisting of fragments of obsidian and pumice less than 10,000 years old ... and maybe much less (nearby <a href="https://plantsandrocks.blogspot.com/2023/08/panum-volcano-just-baby-but-what-life.html">Panum Volcano</a> erupted just 600 years ago!). <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwqNDegL7AlnGDtZB5Do0EXLjaDqZB2PX4jAicn_oToD7gndbjtXlqCENPyHEKpJAMDVA0PzZ5sojTuejJdCeSSx80Z8RIbebCaaxPADAQ0srED4TgbsXfgM9tnnP6LMsv72Zf9YWlDo4JOrpjhlnI0x4-U7i6UETNcUICG3ozAwBKKH7A_SbIAC3Y1YI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1236" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwqNDegL7AlnGDtZB5Do0EXLjaDqZB2PX4jAicn_oToD7gndbjtXlqCENPyHEKpJAMDVA0PzZ5sojTuejJdCeSSx80Z8RIbebCaaxPADAQ0srED4TgbsXfgM9tnnP6LMsv72Zf9YWlDo4JOrpjhlnI0x4-U7i6UETNcUICG3ozAwBKKH7A_SbIAC3Y1YI=w400-h289" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeffrey Pine on "pumice sand" below the Mono Craters.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7Z0cUZV-Uw3bbiJvecQzJZhRLkn_WIcFmVqpHfhLIlBtEfIGgD5_XXInuLF4_iueRwez74DId9wVFZ6yv7Z6m5RwwwZaeHGm74IN43if5yC7sJvLNIzGmuu1NuF0SKX3k45tENfInpaqNtUCwH5nC6-Vp8yMbqk5AJwlPh42_v-Bx25K25I49Rw7VgWM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7Z0cUZV-Uw3bbiJvecQzJZhRLkn_WIcFmVqpHfhLIlBtEfIGgD5_XXInuLF4_iueRwez74DId9wVFZ6yv7Z6m5RwwwZaeHGm74IN43if5yC7sJvLNIzGmuu1NuF0SKX3k45tENfInpaqNtUCwH5nC6-Vp8yMbqk5AJwlPh42_v-Bx25K25I49Rw7VgWM=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeffrey Pines galore! Saplings in foreground, mature trees on lower slopes, scattered trees colonizing steep scree slopes on Crater Mountain. </td></tr></tbody></table>Jeffrey Pines can grow on hospitable soils if given the chance, but they can't tolerate shading and root competition. This tree needs its space! It's known to be very cold hardy and drought tolerant—maybe it thrives on harsh sites simply because other trees can't.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1GrxGLbxfCgPF18V9CGHwDiQMHrTZtC2JWRugZpNEoa5GglcBiPpfTK2ji9UIl2DSSPW10aktyACYZc07KARyINxZh4IRt9zUaYQQtxfreRxrMX7tXrHpMKItMXRHwxm4VtZmXoPJuaFzPqUbaNGQohEkISSxLzJjw9pB68j4o8Q1BhS5-jhWzH94ia4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1GrxGLbxfCgPF18V9CGHwDiQMHrTZtC2JWRugZpNEoa5GglcBiPpfTK2ji9UIl2DSSPW10aktyACYZc07KARyINxZh4IRt9zUaYQQtxfreRxrMX7tXrHpMKItMXRHwxm4VtZmXoPJuaFzPqUbaNGQohEkISSxLzJjw9pB68j4o8Q1BhS5-jhWzH94ia4=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Jeffrey Pine on rim of southernmost Inyo Crater.</td></tr></tbody></table>When I first met Jeffrey Pine decades ago, some botanists still considered it a variety of the common <i>Pinus ponderosa</i>. Wood of the two species is basically identical, and no distinction is made in commerce. But their cones, buds, bark, and needles differ, though sometimes subtly. Difference in habitat preference is more obvious.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqN56HLEUxoEkVt6RBSrEcDo7xVHr8vk8LOoCBDCO7YN0V5iobF777SBbqYPQoMQFC9uOHpb55pmt_LxbWGVGhSlUDsiQtlDIGb4w5NLfQ_Zq3pdNIhx55Q3riOVyoPUVbzYxGr5Jb1KDK7tSvz2ERLVUdXkL5NIVpeNKSfKECFnNGxA3drPUpFTSyFlk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1097" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqN56HLEUxoEkVt6RBSrEcDo7xVHr8vk8LOoCBDCO7YN0V5iobF777SBbqYPQoMQFC9uOHpb55pmt_LxbWGVGhSlUDsiQtlDIGb4w5NLfQ_Zq3pdNIhx55Q3riOVyoPUVbzYxGr5Jb1KDK7tSvz2ERLVUdXkL5NIVpeNKSfKECFnNGxA3drPUpFTSyFlk=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needles in threes, like Ponderosa Pine. On the tree they are said to be blue-green instead of yellow-green.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr4eYngUg_vqt3E_lMuLMVDegAHrm-Bg-J8IEmLTU1e3b8-42Dpvv1rER2QtO6Rip7l1P5k6VHAfZynMGWnNmwBbHW7ociWfTnV6hsxdcbAJDo9BEkSsGclTJB-eRecjUWkgNKxeiRNMJTd49mmASErvO6QCXmMhOASx87mpIOo7D63xvyzOpb2QMWgK0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr4eYngUg_vqt3E_lMuLMVDegAHrm-Bg-J8IEmLTU1e3b8-42Dpvv1rER2QtO6Rip7l1P5k6VHAfZynMGWnNmwBbHW7ociWfTnV6hsxdcbAJDo9BEkSsGclTJB-eRecjUWkgNKxeiRNMJTd49mmASErvO6QCXmMhOASx87mpIOo7D63xvyzOpb2QMWgK0=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cones of Jeffrey Pine can be much larger than those of the Ponderosa, and with many more scales.</td></tr></tbody></table>Ponderosa Pine cones are 3–6 inches long and prickly (therefore "Prickly Ponderosa"). Those of the Jeffrey Pine are 6–12 inches long, and prickles on the tips of scales curve inward, making the cones easy to grasp.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUloMxZUc_vKY4vGxPl7SuLZkzGsYNqqWbDaZui8HBcmuO3QL4-RkLzkjrQFlzq98Ry_vLvjXO1kyB5LTypIWpVxbaNzNCJZfLrxEjojNUXHjbIBxyXUZq4iS1McMXYqe0rcci4x2GaRFjzT1gRmqSCr7VgvdXsl0Ycr8yb5LvCNLmAcf_RjZ7ForkLYA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUloMxZUc_vKY4vGxPl7SuLZkzGsYNqqWbDaZui8HBcmuO3QL4-RkLzkjrQFlzq98Ry_vLvjXO1kyB5LTypIWpVxbaNzNCJZfLrxEjojNUXHjbIBxyXUZq4iS1McMXYqe0rcci4x2GaRFjzT1gRmqSCr7VgvdXsl0Ycr8yb5LvCNLmAcf_RjZ7ForkLYA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scale prickles curved inward.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDW17pC7QzsnO7FxNJttj3HT7nSA8yBuWFXMBROdjTHr5YYL9lQn3vpvgF0V0beUB1BjkwcM-TPaeLAu-lv9saYRAih1OLfO8ur-osMjtUbB11Q8rsRIn-kmhCKyilkc9WmKwXIMYB1CvwWqkCNKOCXa61GKgWs1ckByL2Lk8AepfLFBbXaul4Y_dlxPQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDW17pC7QzsnO7FxNJttj3HT7nSA8yBuWFXMBROdjTHr5YYL9lQn3vpvgF0V0beUB1BjkwcM-TPaeLAu-lv9saYRAih1OLfO8ur-osMjtUbB11Q8rsRIn-kmhCKyilkc9WmKwXIMYB1CvwWqkCNKOCXa61GKgWs1ckByL2Lk8AepfLFBbXaul4Y_dlxPQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Gentle Jeffreyi"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Sources</b><br /><br />Gymnosperm Database. <a href="https://www.conifers.org/pi/Pinus_jeffreyi.php"><i>Pinus jeffreyi</i> Greville et Balfour</a>. Accessed October 2023.</p><p>Jenkinson JL. 1990. <a href="https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_1/pinus/jeffreyi.htm"><i>Pinus jeffreyi.</i> Jeffrey Pine.</a> <i>in</i> Burns, RM, and Honkala, BH. Silvics of North America. Vol. 1:359-369. USDA Forest Service.</p><p><br /></p></div></div>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-13360011393781378812023-09-18T08:57:00.000-06:002023-09-18T08:57:11.435-06:00A Marine Graveyard in West-central Nevada<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjivu3Wt4-mK7YLxJN01N01rcDjdL29iHVFwtuCJ3oPtA2LQsN1KUoHzMBXJCDwTRI3goh71WZ9bxHpHo4fHWRoRQmYkvmLKxzhhj6RrjJbJIya6wAWj8adGgMQLZG9IxUqlLvkbxHCcbs_d6yc61XPjhCvvzvwDzsEGPGA92x2yyLdVq2hl_kH-16MEEQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="914" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjivu3Wt4-mK7YLxJN01N01rcDjdL29iHVFwtuCJ3oPtA2LQsN1KUoHzMBXJCDwTRI3goh71WZ9bxHpHo4fHWRoRQmYkvmLKxzhhj6RrjJbJIya6wAWj8adGgMQLZG9IxUqlLvkbxHCcbs_d6yc61XPjhCvvzvwDzsEGPGA92x2yyLdVq2hl_kH-16MEEQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eye of the Ichthyosaur</td></tr></tbody></table>My visit to the volcanoes of eastern California last May was far too short, but there was nothing I could do. Life called. So after hiking up <a href="https://plantsandrocks.blogspot.com/2023/08/panum-volcano-just-baby-but-what-life.html">Panum volcano</a> I raced east past Mono Lake, crossed into Nevada in the Bodie Hills, stopped briefly for gas and groceries in Hawthorne, and raced on. My destination was Berlin in the Shoshone Mountains.</p><p>This would be my third attempt. The first was canceled by the covid pandemic. Then the park shut down while pandemic stimulus funds were used for road improvements (still unpaved and washes out occasionally, so check before going). But this year I made it, just in time to set up camp before dark.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1097" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiqm7L1-TIIQbMerrXn-iWGFpQuD0RGHPJtcguDb3oho5qx-BrkwkwqdOyaBHeNCzApKJ-OFb7k5d8OI1bY87SS_4PjOpRw2O8khUDoiVrBtG3lVpC_dzy9W347JaQ1xEOyvV9ZGpCVoRfX-03EXB3TaHlql_VF7xltNMJvn-qwfZ81U63NjfIq1e02FE=w400-h281" width="400" /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking west from Berlin across Ione Valley to the Paradise Range beyond, a fine example of the basin-and-range topography that covers much of Nevada.</td></tr></tbody></table>Berlin is one of Nevada's many abandoned gold-mining towns. It was at its peak at the turn of the century (19th–20th), with a population of about 250 miners and their support staff: blacksmiths, woodcutters, charbonniers, a doctor, a nurse, and a prostitute. Yet by 1911 everyone was gone, a typical boom–bust story. But Berlin didn't disappear entirely. Some buildings remained intact long enough for history buffs to drum up protection.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyXsj38W3KHf4N8NvV1XPyM4Pjr3mw69qKrn94CUfTRK36TBSgGlpP834hOp5rdxZZ0or7S-W0gjdYqUt_GGB_2jmZA8JnYk-NNqJ-GftpsTkysSDkHT8-ktN9Z4YHqOAtzytv79dezxQ0Wny5c3QnreXjiHyMgYO_11zTS3jTJrCSiiUoKII1iszZbgo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1097" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyXsj38W3KHf4N8NvV1XPyM4Pjr3mw69qKrn94CUfTRK36TBSgGlpP834hOp5rdxZZ0or7S-W0gjdYqUt_GGB_2jmZA8JnYk-NNqJ-GftpsTkysSDkHT8-ktN9Z4YHqOAtzytv79dezxQ0Wny5c3QnreXjiHyMgYO_11zTS3jTJrCSiiUoKII1iszZbgo=w400-h310" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berlin Mill in 1910.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJyJlf7wO1dA67mlnWh5hCIU57zut3v_Z0o4aFKv82kBgk3uCQJQUnB-zp8p21eOOfDHzkvzttYs6BID0OCdrynn7WpqoFzFgMlnFOxHgJ0pe1PPvKu0Bh5MHIaYFRrXVKFSYdcfWmk6MnK0uZW1FuwffDEG1tFDP968ToorqjpCPEoaPfgI2csjKJpU8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="914" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJyJlf7wO1dA67mlnWh5hCIU57zut3v_Z0o4aFKv82kBgk3uCQJQUnB-zp8p21eOOfDHzkvzttYs6BID0OCdrynn7WpqoFzFgMlnFOxHgJ0pe1PPvKu0Bh5MHIaYFRrXVKFSYdcfWmk6MnK0uZW1FuwffDEG1tFDP968ToorqjpCPEoaPfgI2csjKJpU8=w400-h293" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2gy0HKrIq674LCwQZ03c6hFbVduyaqgtwOqy96068SaEMo4iODYAKzraTlMf_lsz-be7DPsvwrHudun3LjoQBdWryV9E2JHq-vfsRFhVzI34JH4KGTrQp4KcpQ6-qfxq5DO8bfR1SH-a_GgSMlGVveQf5NDJWFmwpo75b2xXdPiAGf0PMgSib6kKR1Z8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="914" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2gy0HKrIq674LCwQZ03c6hFbVduyaqgtwOqy96068SaEMo4iODYAKzraTlMf_lsz-be7DPsvwrHudun3LjoQBdWryV9E2JHq-vfsRFhVzI34JH4KGTrQp4KcpQ6-qfxq5DO8bfR1SH-a_GgSMlGVveQf5NDJWFmwpo75b2xXdPiAGf0PMgSib6kKR1Z8=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two stamp batteries center bottom, for crushing ore plus water and <u>mercury</u>.</td></tr></tbody></table>Several decades later Berlin experienced a revival of sorts, thanks to the many curiously-shaped stones in a draw nearby (miners supposedly used them as dinner plates!). In 1928 paleontologist Siemon Mueller of Stanford University examined them, and determined that they were fossilized bones of large marine reptiles—ichthyosaurs. But he left the fossils in place due the remoteness of the site.<br /><p></p><div>In the early 1950s, amateur fossil collector Margaret Wheat visited Berlin and was astonished by what she saw. She convinced Berkeley paleontologist Charles Camp to take a look, thereby launching the excavation of what would become "the world's largest concentration of exposed fossil ichthyosaurs" (Ornduff et al. 2001).</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcaMqANh5LuLr5WjxjsbPL-LYRN3PCcdyUaxVHn4hF0fcxPSxS0g_5OP06d5P8Kr7lz-54lO9UwAjqgYP_-HQgGfKzWOGYCtuHuPijKdrL5a7NOqpZfG2ADYXhaD0JHPeB3DMuyHIC_XE1TOzWR8y0q0xZ0aOB5UJOkkuvExigVIkc2u9RDyZkDJANmek" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="914" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcaMqANh5LuLr5WjxjsbPL-LYRN3PCcdyUaxVHn4hF0fcxPSxS0g_5OP06d5P8Kr7lz-54lO9UwAjqgYP_-HQgGfKzWOGYCtuHuPijKdrL5a7NOqpZfG2ADYXhaD0JHPeB3DMuyHIC_XE1TOzWR8y0q0xZ0aOB5UJOkkuvExigVIkc2u9RDyZkDJANmek=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teeth of the Ichthyosaur</td></tr></tbody></table>I visited Berlin during the off-season (before Memorial Day), so the Fossil Shelter was closed. Would this be yet another failure? No! This time luck was with me. A ranger cruising the campground offered to open and staff the Shelter. We agreed to meet at 10 am, and he headed off to round up others.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyY47zmA0T0GDM2yp4rKiUblZEgQGt__kB-hLTNMswkVxW1UZw9R76v6uy0vCQk2mc5qiQW7oeoE_dxaF9Oj-U_HHcO5Ser5I_bbYycXOeM9SDzf3Ztvibc23JOKya_AAOthSB61dulBnURLt2JOEoHOp7belK3azJqCJS8WjQ7-zPUtSo1k21-n3HkCU"><img alt="" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="914" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyY47zmA0T0GDM2yp4rKiUblZEgQGt__kB-hLTNMswkVxW1UZw9R76v6uy0vCQk2mc5qiQW7oeoE_dxaF9Oj-U_HHcO5Ser5I_bbYycXOeM9SDzf3Ztvibc23JOKya_AAOthSB61dulBnURLt2JOEoHOp7belK3azJqCJS8WjQ7-zPUtSo1k21-n3HkCU=w400-h322" width="400" /></a></div>At the Fossil Shelter a small group had gathered in the parking lot, eight in all, a nice size. The Shelter is small and lacks the polish of well-funded visitor centers, as I was happy to discover. I felt far away from the crowds and control that have come to characterize our National Parks. The ranger opened the door, took his position at the front desk, and welcomed us in, providing laminated spiral-bound guides for our tour around a partial excavation of ichthyosaurs. At our own pace, we explored Nevada during Mesozoic time 200+ million years ago. [All quotes below are from the guide or Shelter exhibits.]<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhw-P47zrFy6Ti6ell2do04_Gghd43x3wF2q7Z3amBj1n-tJtPqrwBxDoB9D6IkhxrIpEiZz3XsniBtttoPyMBit4NPo13XH-uxqR9H8XevaxnJXyVJ5htmCLU1_1zFEmc6Gbf5bgYd6fktUvJ-IkATHaZ_bqISVJBdAS-3bI47R1F3BHwRL9HktAfEV9Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="812" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhw-P47zrFy6Ti6ell2do04_Gghd43x3wF2q7Z3amBj1n-tJtPqrwBxDoB9D6IkhxrIpEiZz3XsniBtttoPyMBit4NPo13XH-uxqR9H8XevaxnJXyVJ5htmCLU1_1zFEmc6Gbf5bgYd6fktUvJ-IkATHaZ_bqISVJBdAS-3bI47R1F3BHwRL9HktAfEV9Q=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></div>Near the front desk, Dr. Camp's reconstruction of <i>Shonisaurus popularis</i> hung overhead, nicely illuminated under the translucent ceiling. However, "There are some notable errors ... [this ichthyosaur] was a much more hydrodynamic predator ... Dr. Camp, however, was only going by the specimens he was excavating and can be forgiven for a few errors when one realizes he had no intact skull, and was working under very primitive and arduous conditions in what was then an extremely remote location."<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIND8v4u7qeWOIHPobbUfcbQJqXXo2hfe5lxtrdzNgvnBhN4TtdIU3r6Wj0tHSXxwHOcrAuGaM6OxRAy5wZZYMPbrEyocPseRnf444TzpLiSvta4z80FEKR_F4raHFkC6dUqeYFFZBYrnVRBPSbJWtLzyLS5ZiizbczSeNxovWCpwD-wxmb6brf2PJFg4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1280" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIND8v4u7qeWOIHPobbUfcbQJqXXo2hfe5lxtrdzNgvnBhN4TtdIU3r6Wj0tHSXxwHOcrAuGaM6OxRAy5wZZYMPbrEyocPseRnf444TzpLiSvta4z80FEKR_F4raHFkC6dUqeYFFZBYrnVRBPSbJWtLzyLS5ZiizbczSeNxovWCpwD-wxmb6brf2PJFg4=w400-h307" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shonisaurus popularis</i> by Charles Camp, with owl.</td></tr></tbody></table>In 1973, Dr. Camp (in black hat below) "had his likeness preserved for posterity" with a bronze tablet installed at the Shelter by the <i>Clampus Vitus</i>, a group dedicated to promoting western history. In fact, Dr. Camp himself was a past Sublime Noble Grand Humbug of the order, hence the hat with C.V. hatband.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiyEZPXF8ZCJqwovw3AeVHOy_4uz5QkeCS9U2zKQ9HSqgsO--txKWJqxpwZE3HJXMKJQzLkgPHy3YsEYrbFaiRXMNzZE7_WXSya4Rc3W5rPq-V00BOh_jOujI5p0wSZ6B5UtF2mBfanvyCT0WctATeCKOf0VJLqVV0G64UooY4wGSrkihj37-XmhwkjxI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="914" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiyEZPXF8ZCJqwovw3AeVHOy_4uz5QkeCS9U2zKQ9HSqgsO--txKWJqxpwZE3HJXMKJQzLkgPHy3YsEYrbFaiRXMNzZE7_WXSya4Rc3W5rPq-V00BOh_jOujI5p0wSZ6B5UtF2mBfanvyCT0WctATeCKOf0VJLqVV0G64UooY4wGSrkihj37-XmhwkjxI=w400-h327" width="400" /></a></div>Ichthyosaurs are sometimes called sea dragons. One of the earliest collections of a sea dragon fossil was made by a 14-year old nature enthusiast in England—Mary Anning.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLM25Nc_WoMMxKH1szUqzRlzLW6eaArDKErKq6GI5OX1kxK4w9kD0P8EWlZdzD7gWEosl_28YYqV0BtrzgrRawLY5DzAg1Vw8nb7s-sVbv1HHY9yUYHAqCMKVkhIs5HSELEvdmpvSgT4a-fEUY65I3lpAlzYDxysRAE4m8ZnLcSyF7zFJEGHJXse3dUQ4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="914" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLM25Nc_WoMMxKH1szUqzRlzLW6eaArDKErKq6GI5OX1kxK4w9kD0P8EWlZdzD7gWEosl_28YYqV0BtrzgrRawLY5DzAg1Vw8nb7s-sVbv1HHY9yUYHAqCMKVkhIs5HSELEvdmpvSgT4a-fEUY65I3lpAlzYDxysRAE4m8ZnLcSyF7zFJEGHJXse3dUQ4=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div>I walked slowly around the partially excavated bone bed, which was labeled with letters corresponding to the guide.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDOXnYeNiKzbvAwDSAybqLfJzIBqjhEYNJasAOTPChyjuj02OGj1r7aYVIeDFqepbQWSLJjd4NEllDQZiXph6x-YxAvMeYgVoDz6qLquQL08f69emlQdbLeYVG-Xmo8ujLSi3bdqyMAdE2iXY-Cniee9g72VSvMkIgxLhdIScQtqMHBko6E_JKAC8-X_w" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="914" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDOXnYeNiKzbvAwDSAybqLfJzIBqjhEYNJasAOTPChyjuj02OGj1r7aYVIeDFqepbQWSLJjd4NEllDQZiXph6x-YxAvMeYgVoDz6qLquQL08f69emlQdbLeYVG-Xmo8ujLSi3bdqyMAdE2iXY-Cniee9g72VSvMkIgxLhdIScQtqMHBko6E_JKAC8-X_w=w400-h302" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"R" marks ribs.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJLRhpC2JR89nJj84a1_CTF7oHkvhMsbFFFaKKMoAfd9W_gqG6u7NxaGX59yAKG1cklgMN7y8sLIiGzgZsT1FW-7POM5gmMuV5Vn2v0aKAW9NCS8-C9ohyQRrZieAnAT1P9JjcHBNWz8AuETYJSwFKnLUp3u55z175jrm1q3IYYxS9jO90heL9IJ65PPw=w400-h400" width="400" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKh0am3A9BEfQAmp6dT7qWQ6kpnb9VkdSsdNWPv_ku42C9Lv5jeXeqDaWKMAc1zzZerJjk-9wsMZ3Qvr5wTmQ2l3uvuOaV3ohYTaiqJ00Qck6SNEQbiojskkxMurAxKT7-D9DQ2rw52pm7hPHf11vMw97nyN0f67xIpvaNMNFA2vWNzVo2T7BjtRiMC-Q" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="731" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKh0am3A9BEfQAmp6dT7qWQ6kpnb9VkdSsdNWPv_ku42C9Lv5jeXeqDaWKMAc1zzZerJjk-9wsMZ3Qvr5wTmQ2l3uvuOaV3ohYTaiqJ00Qck6SNEQbiojskkxMurAxKT7-D9DQ2rw52pm7hPHf11vMw97nyN0f67xIpvaNMNFA2vWNzVo2T7BjtRiMC-Q=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the miners' dinner plates (vertebrae).</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Origin of this spectacular collection of bones is still debated (DeCourten & Biggar 2017). The skeletons are nearly complete, with bones roughly in proper position (articulated). Were they suddenly stranded by a very low tide? Or maybe this was a birthing area, with occasional deaths; tiny skeletons have found inside several of the larger ones (or were these ichthyosaurs cannibals?). Perhaps they died in deep water under anoxic conditions. The mystery remains.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before leaving, I chatted once more with the ranger. He explained that visitation was booming (the new road?), and a reservation system for campsites would be available soon. I felt a little sad; probably there are changes ahead for the Fossil Shelter as well. You may want to visit soon.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQOkfcKrGXjaFnZPaeKC-q2CuDv3p-V6d18sISC0FJ2bEH--vKAPLABoMOwp40MwCarYoLQRklnRMyuR01fj3PPSAM6N0GhhNlz3bv2W_or4BYxEiYrW2yHYjldd_IS5ovMuy9FOlMH2cVXCqsfsMWS3hRfjSskChnNEm4AIH-Ws8RKsM5GFZFJm0i0dM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="812" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQOkfcKrGXjaFnZPaeKC-q2CuDv3p-V6d18sISC0FJ2bEH--vKAPLABoMOwp40MwCarYoLQRklnRMyuR01fj3PPSAM6N0GhhNlz3bv2W_or4BYxEiYrW2yHYjldd_IS5ovMuy9FOlMH2cVXCqsfsMWS3hRfjSskChnNEm4AIH-Ws8RKsM5GFZFJm0i0dM=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>Sources</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">DeCourten, F, and Biggar, N. 2017. Roadside Geology of Nevada. Mountain Press.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Orndorff, RL, Wieder, RW, and Filkorn, HF. 2001. Geology Underfoot in Central Nevada. Mountain Press.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-89877252299661679812023-09-13T15:30:00.000-06:002023-09-13T15:30:29.347-06:00Tree-following: Good News (mostly)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq_JravF0NV3uwdtI-24iGPK6H_7G9VRLmT-GzIsRn9pRDML0hdaIjK1LmTO5W4i_JKWHjAOj0i8Bdg4qG5GVjMRaDLyln085IYwsGx7lAt4tOOTVCr4-8ai_JbKdSaC9GMwyFfADC3ZR1tXOGSV6t3d59MaErWslYd9DpY8emS5nDDTytfPF9f2o9LVE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="914" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq_JravF0NV3uwdtI-24iGPK6H_7G9VRLmT-GzIsRn9pRDML0hdaIjK1LmTO5W4i_JKWHjAOj0i8Bdg4qG5GVjMRaDLyln085IYwsGx7lAt4tOOTVCr4-8ai_JbKdSaC9GMwyFfADC3ZR1tXOGSV6t3d59MaErWslYd9DpY8emS5nDDTytfPF9f2o9LVE=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>After skipping a month, we headed off to visit the Rocky Mountain Junipers I'm <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/2023/09/07/tree-following-link-box-for-september-2023/">following</a> this year. There were big changes. The grass is mostly straw-colored now, as it would have been several months ago if we hadn't had so much rain. Seed heads were dense, showing how productive the season has been.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLiybrKueFoB6w9Cz_nyoIeAzcheLTgMBHYIE1dg5Raowc01zQHCA8wTy5_C1_ov8Cm4hIJ0LG44QhA0tT_-1ngtH_TtOyQtSwPuv10XjonrAQIZ0i9DRMLD21vnd2qSdaHMLBdGsIkeMDqX_21EWhWMvFC8xMDS8EQ0c-eSZ9fBXOhdXYkImDQY9zEHM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="731" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLiybrKueFoB6w9Cz_nyoIeAzcheLTgMBHYIE1dg5Raowc01zQHCA8wTy5_C1_ov8Cm4hIJ0LG44QhA0tT_-1ngtH_TtOyQtSwPuv10XjonrAQIZ0i9DRMLD21vnd2qSdaHMLBdGsIkeMDqX_21EWhWMvFC8xMDS8EQ0c-eSZ9fBXOhdXYkImDQY9zEHM=w400-h283" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needle-and-Thread, <i>Hesperostipa comata</i>. Needles and threads (seeds and seed tails) are mostly gone now.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR3zKvWgYWUGcj1EKSZGtoosjpCkBSVQoD_mBDU6XK-LVM9KWVqQZPsb3kXeGwtRI60R5cXCh6uOCwWt30zMJiLSRYrBomiu2jxX0EQr5NWVT3BgwG2gM9SZ1Ie-ujuFQt0clodVQv4FIZFOkPQo2QhaFSxz0L6MliMLFPOGnmyeKwt0IBhIyUXGocJw0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="914" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR3zKvWgYWUGcj1EKSZGtoosjpCkBSVQoD_mBDU6XK-LVM9KWVqQZPsb3kXeGwtRI60R5cXCh6uOCwWt30zMJiLSRYrBomiu2jxX0EQr5NWVT3BgwG2gM9SZ1Ie-ujuFQt0clodVQv4FIZFOkPQo2QhaFSxz0L6MliMLFPOGnmyeKwt0IBhIyUXGocJw0=w400-h304" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue grama, <i>Bouteloua gracilis</i>, has my favorite dried inflorescence. It curls so elegantly.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-u9SKSxd_ppkUqcpY0vmKBTyFu79ky02WGeJK97PId30NetzRaIq768AF64tVvjwZWMtrWIJc26UJ4rMs0P116n41j4nHVzT7ChxbPJOWuzKN7QOyhBEobnwQCy-PqmHs0OIJTRgsqZirpvRSq6f-tLnAKtTcuPKsJSdNpyhocnW2iE3XoSbmsu2cnMg"><img alt="" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="914" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-u9SKSxd_ppkUqcpY0vmKBTyFu79ky02WGeJK97PId30NetzRaIq768AF64tVvjwZWMtrWIJc26UJ4rMs0P116n41j4nHVzT7ChxbPJOWuzKN7QOyhBEobnwQCy-PqmHs0OIJTRgsqZirpvRSq6f-tLnAKtTcuPKsJSdNpyhocnW2iE3XoSbmsu2cnMg=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br />When we reached the junipers, I wasn't expecting much based on July's visit. But I was wrong. On the east (lee) side of the larger tree were plenty of dark blue berries. Wow, how did this happen?! The yellow ones in July looked so sickly. Now I wish I didn't skip August.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2L4_9hO5NldGuHNKGWB-uNuB_nVxlyhC3f0gcJkXyVFntX7Bqzzw5LtnVbGbVycSKcTMD9TNf0UXMyZ0L8i0id8V5-sm0pelqV6ufkOpqMwuF_fpXGZYlB3nfwo4A0elk8CuxQ_Cm2Kb2y0DgeEcr71TwyUN83HMgjbPlx30ujtVCN3pYRp3TWYckLTw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="914" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2L4_9hO5NldGuHNKGWB-uNuB_nVxlyhC3f0gcJkXyVFntX7Bqzzw5LtnVbGbVycSKcTMD9TNf0UXMyZ0L8i0id8V5-sm0pelqV6ufkOpqMwuF_fpXGZYlB3nfwo4A0elk8CuxQ_Cm2Kb2y0DgeEcr71TwyUN83HMgjbPlx30ujtVCN3pYRp3TWYckLTw=w400-h284" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Healthy-looking canopy.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMwZ1K1egMLK0HJ5y-qWpNuw9JMDeLJREjD9Fwqx89tnb04uDsSm10f4PQbvTNIxUSRNLwr-PV6N_9e9i1XxY-U3OmuAY3PBoxBNj1zeU6I_s9HHKSTEILTwCZ_wwgZ2emNW5vPacK33FX0Qrr1_FpOKPmMnK6rV4s4tGGDv9q4upbXsyqTh4tFiZ5_tA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMwZ1K1egMLK0HJ5y-qWpNuw9JMDeLJREjD9Fwqx89tnb04uDsSm10f4PQbvTNIxUSRNLwr-PV6N_9e9i1XxY-U3OmuAY3PBoxBNj1zeU6I_s9HHKSTEILTwCZ_wwgZ2emNW5vPacK33FX0Qrr1_FpOKPmMnK6rV4s4tGGDv9q4upbXsyqTh4tFiZ5_tA=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Technically these are fleshy cones. Being gymnosperms junipers have neither flowers nor fruit.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw4UnXTfju6ohl7j-EPf4ciVFez3vKZjWkpSqBAMWGH2jImRMOpVHiVKmsVn3PCaITXUsfO4oUaJW3BUz6BOk2uqJmDQn94ckyBUyyz-FcD-pRVy7VZdi97R_HYt3r79THyz3EOnaBqI8AuFoOxKH_Es5bGqwpJibn5LqMxN1URzELTCk6QwchnaVNv5U" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw4UnXTfju6ohl7j-EPf4ciVFez3vKZjWkpSqBAMWGH2jImRMOpVHiVKmsVn3PCaITXUsfO4oUaJW3BUz6BOk2uqJmDQn94ckyBUyyz-FcD-pRVy7VZdi97R_HYt3r79THyz3EOnaBqI8AuFoOxKH_Es5bGqwpJibn5LqMxN1URzELTCk6QwchnaVNv5U=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow are immature, dark blue are mature.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="914" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIBbtZH1wi1wgZM4e2axF0UlFJ_PwKhtoddAUrUwHgdS-hKsPY9hztvDWPmDn0EpZe0ATEomtT-2xmsyjpCephCwUu0rq35YSDKYl5xzm_cbNStqa0rbHT8xc0wj-aP0TLtnw69UWQuxAiwV5g5z9-vRl3X8k-DRj_UNrnwfhywt5sfd_z_fkF-Oe3A08=w400-h400" width="400" /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5SxHGGER0kpcIJrhz_4dPNu18QVIXv3uKtbTlkS5ejpIhPU-64a8LEDFsi3ZFKPyW_f7ioCFhXjuBTetiL1VkD3uHXb83k6JhufS0SW8BhwGR3bwrkTXvD1VlS5vAfE8ukyBArJ96J_ykxWz-KKPrPbLhfsz1p8us6-8QOonBAq-xG-PBrM7gN1c0xvs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="731" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5SxHGGER0kpcIJrhz_4dPNu18QVIXv3uKtbTlkS5ejpIhPU-64a8LEDFsi3ZFKPyW_f7ioCFhXjuBTetiL1VkD3uHXb83k6JhufS0SW8BhwGR3bwrkTXvD1VlS5vAfE8ukyBArJ96J_ykxWz-KKPrPbLhfsz1p8us6-8QOonBAq-xG-PBrM7gN1c0xvs=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a warm day, good to have a tree and a bit of shade.</td></tr></tbody></table>But not everything was good. Recently one of the neighbors fell.<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="914" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinGCyCx8Anm8ODIUQ3khmXvS3FcJKHwDfXDRWXwGsdE4VJ0Q1wccUuJzQ7L74Xe8ZPOHL1qghhmlbYz7VFrj_9AeIi-PMQwLpQ7dUm0szbGpboCtZLRbgMjp88Enkgy9Yy1IH4bpUk6jCE04daHxSwF7QdAUTyGdPKEuLkCYOEsaeEKDhElcqhvssU7zI=w400-h291" width="400" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="914" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhImmNZ2N5SRUKuBRYIgNl40qB2KeDFB91Vj5f4iMYHQ2oGaPtMOtmoNbMb6MvD8-l6Gf-FfncW2JC92_eW7Zt5UHYyTeFb4y_b-ZIq5Yn5XvSFYa80lfGH41dkgBQvKQSRtlBOp2pyoxmGQCDkV54dIWcEFVh0ViIHREFkNUjlqXoduX-7q-5FkOwwh7k=w400-h300" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When it fell, it revealed a large woody root leading into a crevice in the limestone—the tree's anchor and source of water. I will always be amazed that something this large can grow on such a harsh site and in a semi-arid climate!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY3_vg1lPa7typ1cCVq-gk7ZUtoiINiac68J6PYqlR1aC6Xo24Z1Y8XwfOKlBkJDSLeWs0Kagv86maNYMfE4BD2vdbiXBw6R7sMgkEAh2Zstji1YKpwUyrusTwIrCGpNnBZFbuJqixzjv9c6firtaqSr6GjOtR-n4Qg9g79U1li1qlQ_tkObF3EZXNUSg"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY3_vg1lPa7typ1cCVq-gk7ZUtoiINiac68J6PYqlR1aC6Xo24Z1Y8XwfOKlBkJDSLeWs0Kagv86maNYMfE4BD2vdbiXBw6R7sMgkEAh2Zstji1YKpwUyrusTwIrCGpNnBZFbuJqixzjv9c6firtaqSr6GjOtR-n4Qg9g79U1li1qlQ_tkObF3EZXNUSg=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_20cDWBBfziYwSvfaC2crAJ-Md19jqmRPqA6zL-RwJA9YFGJVuJUwQI6JvteOu3sZl26EZS3zVHbeSR4ZWjnO8NFNb3yHOgCBDDmM8XIuoZrKrlGuDuUoS9RH6XpIyg4MQBXheNOZ9GzlzCJPP420s186-qZfXm9aEt7R_49r0EEKmRRc6cWtwIDUuw/s252/treefollowing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="252" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_20cDWBBfziYwSvfaC2crAJ-Md19jqmRPqA6zL-RwJA9YFGJVuJUwQI6JvteOu3sZl26EZS3zVHbeSR4ZWjnO8NFNb3yHOgCBDDmM8XIuoZrKrlGuDuUoS9RH6XpIyg4MQBXheNOZ9GzlzCJPP420s186-qZfXm9aEt7R_49r0EEKmRRc6cWtwIDUuw/w200-h185/treefollowing2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is my contribution to the monthly gathering of Tree-followers, kindly hosted by <a href="The Squirrelbasket">The Squirrelbasket</a>. <a href="https://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=squirrelbasket&postid=06Sep2023&meme=12481">More news here.</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><p></p>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-75827421076370851922023-08-25T15:37:00.003-06:002023-08-26T08:33:37.985-06:00Panum Volcano: "just a baby" but what a life so far!<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbnIXEbM4Q0eTrsz6i30E-XVuinc06gblAJJHcyBVcTfxuCuIycnzhfzPAFzB2_nDPq6ZJ7HqlpENU_xbs8oK0MltHZoUsZADtT_Tf91LaHp6qTYCA52Mh5RF8EQEsVsuNnnAUuZkHMjWjM64PgBt3Pq9Naag6fS7BazerQAlOOOWWBZ6XGumGiZUnBR8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="1568" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbnIXEbM4Q0eTrsz6i30E-XVuinc06gblAJJHcyBVcTfxuCuIycnzhfzPAFzB2_nDPq6ZJ7HqlpENU_xbs8oK0MltHZoUsZADtT_Tf91LaHp6qTYCA52Mh5RF8EQEsVsuNnnAUuZkHMjWjM64PgBt3Pq9Naag6fS7BazerQAlOOOWWBZ6XGumGiZUnBR8=w400-h392" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panum: phreatic, pyroclastic, Strombolian, or extruded? Answer: all of the above (Google Earth 2019).</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXmlZRfPxre9qX_6vL8_1VwJuuWYlZdwv99V4zg2m36ILVaY4Eeuse2_BoCjWzFmcy1XkwSxSFr-_2eytY5eMBZALfER8MBUt-O8gmlXcON44iCFpuG2XNRUaTB3Vc7_Uy_0EA3iX7k6CTqo5x29inJvyrwmwqC4appNRQthlPpZW_8wgG9R-L3RjCVw8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1496" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXmlZRfPxre9qX_6vL8_1VwJuuWYlZdwv99V4zg2m36ILVaY4Eeuse2_BoCjWzFmcy1XkwSxSFr-_2eytY5eMBZALfER8MBUt-O8gmlXcON44iCFpuG2XNRUaTB3Vc7_Uy_0EA3iX7k6CTqo5x29inJvyrwmwqC4appNRQthlPpZW_8wgG9R-L3RjCVw8=w400-h234" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Pa-num, in the Pa-vi-o-osi [local Paiute] language, means a lake" explained geologist Israel Russell in 1889.</td></tr></tbody></table>Before I left eastern California last May I visited one of its smaller volcanoes, Panum Crater, sometimes called Panum Dome. In fact it's both—a crater containing a dome. So I call it Panum (I'm not alone). It lies just south of Mono Lake, at the north end of a string of recent volcanoes.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3u3kDk_RaTFI7kXGFQ5YIKxZRYlX1L9NUGk-J5UN56JOk3AVDqEL2ymebbhqXBn5LMGksZdO9OXY7xhJfuIVgIDU_Z1uoRqb0NLgPQKTQZVhyE5l58PGEoMfUKj2N815wJ8XEf0YmCqimM4q9KdmUgShyMs4jWvezaCS8s2ARwUajGnweBShEy6C43-I" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2182" data-original-width="2007" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3u3kDk_RaTFI7kXGFQ5YIKxZRYlX1L9NUGk-J5UN56JOk3AVDqEL2ymebbhqXBn5LMGksZdO9OXY7xhJfuIVgIDU_Z1uoRqb0NLgPQKTQZVhyE5l58PGEoMfUKj2N815wJ8XEf0YmCqimM4q9KdmUgShyMs4jWvezaCS8s2ARwUajGnweBShEy6C43-I=w368-h400" width="368" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mono Craters (Russell 1889).</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>From Highway 120, about three miles northeast of the junction with Highway 395, a signed and passable dirt road led north to a parking area at Panum's base. It was empty except for the interpretive sign, whose explanation differed from what I had read, probably in the interest of simplification. Panum may be young, but already its life story is complicated.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="914" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbphGHAEkH9Xvc5bUx7DMu_UyN4mN1b8sAKKQijk5gySlVUhHwaIio6jdNq8e67f2TjP6UvHjpVKIgTHaHid3b8Uyfffm1C9SyFjIUk7VoR0mTm2tfphTqEejT5am0G9uXvQa_4GoW-RbB5YGdo7f26LqRJEZ8nBDNFXiM7z4xnvpEtOJZISWXGauuKEg=w400-h300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North-facing sign, protected from damaging sunlight; note 6 stages at bottom.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Geologists have long found Panum interesting, starting with Israel C. Russell in the 1880s. Later, a pumice quarry on its south side revealed much of the local stratigraphy (layers of deposits), making it relatively easy to identify and sequence the various events. Also Panum is far enough away from other Mono volcanoes that its deposits are not mixed up with theirs. The verdict? Panum has experienced five distinct eruptions!</p><p>Because Panum has been so well-studied, Sieh & Bursik (1986) chose to describe and discuss its full evolution in their paper about the Mono Craters. Their treatment is <i>thorough</i>! Evidence included below is from that paper unless otherwise noted. But the story here is based on the very helpful <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/long-valley-caldera/long-valley-caldera-field-guide-panum-crater">USGS field guide to Panum</a>, which nicely summarizes Sieh & Bursik's findings.</p><p>In Panum's first eruption, on a relic lakebed of ancient Lake Russell (Mono's ancestor), a tremendous blast of steam carrying lakebed sediments opened a vent and created a crater. Probably the rising magma heated groundwater to steam. Add gases released during decompression of the magma (like opening a bottle of champagne) and voilá—a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phreatic_eruption">phreatic eruption</a>! Massive deposits of broken rock from the new vent ("throat-clearing breccia") and lake sediments have been found as far as a half mile from today's crater, attesting to the violence of that first eruption.</p><p>This was followed by a pyroclastic eruption, like the one that produced the Bishop tuff and Volcanic Tableland <a href="https://plantsandrocks.blogspot.com/2023/08/volcanic-tableland-owens-river-gorge.html">of my previous post</a>. These are quite violent, very different from familiar creeping basalt lavas (e.g., Hawaii's). Instead, explosive eruptions send extremely hot (1500+º F) incandescent flows of ash, fragments and gas racing across the landscape, searing everything in their path. When they stop, they cool to form distinctive deposits called ignimbrites (L. fire rain!). Scattered deposits from this episode have been found all around today's Panum.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9SnLN7iA1fkIQrgEU3zneTylbS97iNtpt9r8037GaIskTb2IQBmhzAEXSFQ2DNTMG9yVkBsYhYwRUHIJ5y5AMAtex1hpg0vRU8AqFuiDt6h10xKUi3NuXpCdzDNU6FmKVZjFTmdLKcQml9qK8E6Eiad7rfsDh_fSFILfiuNpPPrFZCCcw1yfmpI0LUl4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1425" data-original-width="1844" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9SnLN7iA1fkIQrgEU3zneTylbS97iNtpt9r8037GaIskTb2IQBmhzAEXSFQ2DNTMG9yVkBsYhYwRUHIJ5y5AMAtex1hpg0vRU8AqFuiDt6h10xKUi3NuXpCdzDNU6FmKVZjFTmdLKcQml9qK8E6Eiad7rfsDh_fSFILfiuNpPPrFZCCcw1yfmpI0LUl4=w400-h309" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volcanic Tableland (right) is the product of a recent immense pyroclastic eruption; Panum upper left (Google Earth 2019).</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>The third eruption probably produced a dome similar to today's. Degassing during the pyroclastic second eruption would have made the remaining magma so viscous that it could only be squeezed out of the vent (toothpaste is a common analogy). But it didn't last. Collapse of this dome explains deposits of large rock fragments north and west of Panum.</p><p>The Panum we know—both the crater and dome—was built during two recent eruptions. These were similar to earlier ones but probably less violent. We were able to experience some of this recent history via Panum's hiking trail.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRGuBtUr7gU0_vCkA46aAOlkpezg4LJ0mcHnnuOXK2fCRi9S2h3ADq_BV39PkBRA40t_M0wM-rNfnEXAZXTY_2vwOhhZ699BjcckAciKFajO7admGIgayRvd1Ss9UnLYk6D6WcTsTFk22mnaUdDACMgiktdDbmZfrmTB_w-tp3KIDrqTnm9uruNyIhI6Y" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="914" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRGuBtUr7gU0_vCkA46aAOlkpezg4LJ0mcHnnuOXK2fCRi9S2h3ADq_BV39PkBRA40t_M0wM-rNfnEXAZXTY_2vwOhhZ699BjcckAciKFajO7admGIgayRvd1Ss9UnLYk6D6WcTsTFk22mnaUdDACMgiktdDbmZfrmTB_w-tp3KIDrqTnm9uruNyIhI6Y=w400-h296" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking the rim, with views of the dome (left) and crater below.</td></tr></tbody></table>After a bit of an uphill slog through fragments of cooled magma, we reached the crest of the rim, about 200 feet above the plain below. It was created during Panum's fourth eruption, thought to be <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strombolian_eruption">Strombolian</a>. Hot ash and magma fragments were ejected in fiery arcs, landing to form the crater walls. Today's crater is about 0.4 x 0.25 miles across, and reaches a maximum depth (below the rim) of about 150 feet (measured on Google Earth).</p><p>Along the trail were occasional polished pebbles and gravel from the Sierra Nevada. Before Panum's birth, they had been deposited by Rush Creek where it entered Pleistocene Lake Russell. During the fourth eruption, they were gathered up by the rising magma, thrown into the air, and deposited along with volcanic fragments to form the rim.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="659" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLvqSdeObrkhgt5XH-_SLlhx5XiBHtfdCr0nWU5Aa7JUR31YcQxJ2wAOCA9W5vWqGAa9c7rmwv-U8-sQO2dJf0n1mDs5WQODlinTCIIX2ZFr3UjCsZwoee4WqUbE0-wcqfk28hX1s1_LcXvQ0Osr4JBeJFmtk3brMCDQVmjkGMw1xSDJWTTWYsxJbVTD8=w395-h400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="395" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stream pebbles and magma fragments.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm7Hgbt1oioJU01FQXmdNxiIGVv_TtL2Ezg3FNzTV2a8UPWE01x20bUjTTHGno0I0_Pnt4gEVWuuuSHhdWZTxie32zxsXTfuLZdo-z4ZE8xn9aYkKsVnEyezZ-JCm_9qS4OYGGew4PxO93SFvjQcH0GrbFsW8CAfzc20ZqJOYy26cYokWUnG19FFCCtM8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="914" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm7Hgbt1oioJU01FQXmdNxiIGVv_TtL2Ezg3FNzTV2a8UPWE01x20bUjTTHGno0I0_Pnt4gEVWuuuSHhdWZTxie32zxsXTfuLZdo-z4ZE8xn9aYkKsVnEyezZ-JCm_9qS4OYGGew4PxO93SFvjQcH0GrbFsW8CAfzc20ZqJOYy26cYokWUnG19FFCCtM8=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Sierra Nevadan granitic pebble.</td></tr></tbody></table>The outside crater wall is dry, the so-called soil loose. But plants grow there anyway, as best they can.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfE-Vtsmj8ljMMDszqkzWaxtGV08YS-TRXbflrPzSQ6t3W6O4L5izxNHfJ5Imo1S3NvAD3VaonCo6S6tvXQ4n32TcvGxkZabEzis3ATUbrrK9Ae34PhudAkM0XeJcdX7iWy3IJNfMD_x29oBgSOH9isuihA2FJei09K56VlJZRmAkDGcOFiTPI8hlIBe4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfE-Vtsmj8ljMMDszqkzWaxtGV08YS-TRXbflrPzSQ6t3W6O4L5izxNHfJ5Imo1S3NvAD3VaonCo6S6tvXQ4n32TcvGxkZabEzis3ATUbrrK9Ae34PhudAkM0XeJcdX7iWy3IJNfMD_x29oBgSOH9isuihA2FJei09K56VlJZRmAkDGcOFiTPI8hlIBe4=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaxqyKF_931E_5zlTDkvjQ1W8BzA51mwuy-cxBpY5WcaAKNFwze16xN8Xd3Z7X-UpTmI-Z5VhMjCccFa-YYpVjo-HG1pM0o8H8ns2vzd7RdGNEPTnvBvZ783YSmwZHhn4G-mXNMqv0jiggl-g0SwIu1H_pRtyHhlQd6uIAGZMYeOK2fPN-UY_jxbrK3zo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="914" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaxqyKF_931E_5zlTDkvjQ1W8BzA51mwuy-cxBpY5WcaAKNFwze16xN8Xd3Z7X-UpTmI-Z5VhMjCccFa-YYpVjo-HG1pM0o8H8ns2vzd7RdGNEPTnvBvZ783YSmwZHhn4G-mXNMqv0jiggl-g0SwIu1H_pRtyHhlQd6uIAGZMYeOK2fPN-UY_jxbrK3zo=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div>From the rim, we followed the trail down into the crater and then up to the summit of Panum's most recent creation—another dome. Once again, viscous degassed magma slowly oozed from the vent to create a silicic lava dome, i.e., greater than ~63% SiO2.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgK2-HsokAHkybPPOAMtpCAHZ0EekSIweDtpKd9sI1UuD0teXs8jjNroVn-GuQ7aZxWsmwoyudroXwcHhF0y7JjaQS2gpuAq58ZnuNr9cShwh4tskrOA6LidzlvJbsHxpgmCHgyJLmkKk3BnYK6qNdzzrY8VUuu0w9RlDzdTVJmB1iogWPTLAc7r-jdHg0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="914" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgK2-HsokAHkybPPOAMtpCAHZ0EekSIweDtpKd9sI1UuD0teXs8jjNroVn-GuQ7aZxWsmwoyudroXwcHhF0y7JjaQS2gpuAq58ZnuNr9cShwh4tskrOA6LidzlvJbsHxpgmCHgyJLmkKk3BnYK6qNdzzrY8VUuu0w9RlDzdTVJmB1iogWPTLAc7r-jdHg0=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from rim across crater below toward Panum's splintered dome.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDMrpxNRFO7UZi0gpvagUllpMnsmBmXiESVoaoNq-9Xf0OZt3o5hl-z8cAlIB3YtGQRDEHAeyANZ5bwh24rmpYU2JtsMckZlWFrr9-nsnfddBJIgBbvd35FIwVIuW0-9TmtovgzCzGvmH_1BuyoB9HEIj9xoqeb5shSc6yIuYtw9UYbxw4JhwkhyBAH6g" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="805" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDMrpxNRFO7UZi0gpvagUllpMnsmBmXiESVoaoNq-9Xf0OZt3o5hl-z8cAlIB3YtGQRDEHAeyANZ5bwh24rmpYU2JtsMckZlWFrr9-nsnfddBJIgBbvd35FIwVIuW0-9TmtovgzCzGvmH_1BuyoB9HEIj9xoqeb5shSc6yIuYtw9UYbxw4JhwkhyBAH6g=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up out of the crater moat, headed for the dome summit; Mono Lake in distance.</td></tr></tbody></table>At the summit we mingled with Panum's spires, enjoyed their shade, and admired the beauty of rapidly-cooled silicic lava.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT1OMA2tS6tL4A2Gsce24QJDKt2QUAlpX8XHc0yZc3fypnzwnodQJl09zIpswlDdcK_jhQirAPfNlWvhWZmfpWl1D0iJRhX6SteIWIWLhJGOgHAtUQLsANoUDbLcXEVQFw8yBJkHI5ogy1guLYAQ3L4Fx9I6XVhp2Sn5tFlEIVxcSJanuMHX5Efwip1JM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="914" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT1OMA2tS6tL4A2Gsce24QJDKt2QUAlpX8XHc0yZc3fypnzwnodQJl09zIpswlDdcK_jhQirAPfNlWvhWZmfpWl1D0iJRhX6SteIWIWLhJGOgHAtUQLsANoUDbLcXEVQFw8yBJkHI5ogy1guLYAQ3L4Fx9I6XVhp2Sn5tFlEIVxcSJanuMHX5Efwip1JM=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="914" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3E2Hqs2TpFo9Wmw3pkKPtolzFKz2s1nGwTM1km22RK4X2gtmPNJ5C5yH_jRB1bdV49o3eg6kWRXsZTEDaxdS_5hvPQIiBE-iJN3EV_j0lBXGe5JPtVh7QoeLujJWuu8K9tpyXX9QJIq1z3_f5rRTJ6iVkZVbAZfBmOUajEcxJZijWMVlnHwgsBHpOZ3A=w400-h294" width="400" /></div><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZrqouWMHtMFL2olIDCkx7LG9M4u3x6rlxFKZ6fVT0S-TLqW8ddZ3Cmm68_eX2igqPKWXUF7gMZzHSuGhSMK6jVolaF9OPyVTcvWBHf37xRPvz-8t17bKW60A5SusO8zAm8LO3eI7aVmK1BtpQINfqPdfZJK6XSUh5QMcGq7UUSlC-2ylq5zgMQVt4oLE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZrqouWMHtMFL2olIDCkx7LG9M4u3x6rlxFKZ6fVT0S-TLqW8ddZ3Cmm68_eX2igqPKWXUF7gMZzHSuGhSMK6jVolaF9OPyVTcvWBHf37xRPvz-8t17bKW60A5SusO8zAm8LO3eI7aVmK1BtpQINfqPdfZJK6XSUh5QMcGq7UUSlC-2ylq5zgMQVt4oLE=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flow banding in the silicic lava of Panum's dome.</td></tr></tbody></table>The cooled lava was a bit of a brain twister. Two forms were common—dull pale gray and glassy black. They often occurred together in striking banded patterns (above). Both were made from silicic lava. Both are <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanic_glass">volcanic glass</a>, having cooled so rapidly that no crystals formed. And both are familiar: <a href=" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumice">pumice</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsidian">obsidian</a>.</p>Pumice is known for being so light that it floats. It forms when gas in rising magma expands under decreasing pressure and creates bubbles. The resulting rock is filled with tiny air-filled holes, hence pumice's buoyancy.<p></p><p>Amazingly, gorgeously glassy deep black obsidian is made of the same stuff! It also cooled rapidly, but in this case there were no bubbles. Either the magma had remained pressurized while it cooled or somehow lost all its gas.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="731" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGHjfjulkBn10vTWZqW_cOnYu4waHfdftHReXj79tnsAqGuSKBadYmj3l5RH-ojx4zuyHSbVSJBSkW1v3e4ecGxQqP3Dm9AsQQFVW6KAagzdCgZexXia1qnwuycgHKpDbpaQN-cRpwBhDzo_V187xPg4JqFBCgb_QYF_Bl-wStZHscpWzNvcIO0z0HPUE=w400-h338" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obsidian among pumice fragments.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9EoCUZLGWWT_Xt07VKasnrATmCyDv5aNF6C34Wutt2Qd_gU-bDgBR-xQlTBGO_NYiyE3zbkhjv-1cjajv-YYJ85jkHbguPb55UrWsI3e3VA4bZxT2fza660O64tVsd_2LPhMBpdgi1Lm6J7GnMuewnTt-yQGr6OIGnyvZYGm2k2V5EyfR_uq7jeHV5vQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9EoCUZLGWWT_Xt07VKasnrATmCyDv5aNF6C34Wutt2Qd_gU-bDgBR-xQlTBGO_NYiyE3zbkhjv-1cjajv-YYJ85jkHbguPb55UrWsI3e3VA4bZxT2fza660O64tVsd_2LPhMBpdgi1Lm6J7GnMuewnTt-yQGr6OIGnyvZYGm2k2V5EyfR_uq7jeHV5vQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obsidian, flow banding, and a bit of breadcrust lower right—such a great combo! </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfIVqrv9Gb4yi1O15kaVmvdGpzBROSsfT5qVms4ECIh8TjVZFhqOb4GhhJlUJa1mXqBhcdMhMDR57rJ0XYmotD3jK3W36xDWNvLedTRHgKzyRfKCjd-YsIUGnaKWusSCDGpLT1ig2PXrsPqPIUREh0SVKwKQfr_FJzq62Ga4GBazlowSgxqwpCHB88Afg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfIVqrv9Gb4yi1O15kaVmvdGpzBROSsfT5qVms4ECIh8TjVZFhqOb4GhhJlUJa1mXqBhcdMhMDR57rJ0XYmotD3jK3W36xDWNvLedTRHgKzyRfKCjd-YsIUGnaKWusSCDGpLT1ig2PXrsPqPIUREh0SVKwKQfr_FJzq62Ga4GBazlowSgxqwpCHB88Afg=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breadcrust—escaping gas expanded the hot interior of a flow, causing the cooled surface to crack.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigkaAT_HCfFPkVFdawEYTZcJRuCVcnOYx4uS4ozwzptzZ15q4LzI7NV-xdn1mPPqaCmAQwdEkgpSVei8HcX36ytgkCB93Zt9-qYgpkPGe8CLQpLDQDW_Ypyi9SkNU1vWMi20oL8yu4M8fMoCVKFe51GGrfQRXGmT0qMELnKP38CsgmsJc7MNXgSoS7lsU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="805" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigkaAT_HCfFPkVFdawEYTZcJRuCVcnOYx4uS4ozwzptzZ15q4LzI7NV-xdn1mPPqaCmAQwdEkgpSVei8HcX36ytgkCB93Zt9-qYgpkPGe8CLQpLDQDW_Ypyi9SkNU1vWMi20oL8yu4M8fMoCVKFe51GGrfQRXGmT0qMELnKP38CsgmsJc7MNXgSoS7lsU=w400-h289" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another of Panum's masterpieces.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />What does the future hold for Panum? Sieh & Bursik concluded that its recent eruptions are indeed recent—dating from sometime between A.D. 1325 and 1365. They also noted that the fourth (Strombolian) eruption <i>lasted no more than several months</i>. Considering the amount and extent of deposits, that must have been an exciting time! Could it happen again?<br /><br />Whether California's recent volcanoes are done or only dormant is a popular topic. Dormancy seems to be the more common conclusion. Sharp & Glazner note that Panum is "just a baby" and likely still developing. The much bigger domes to the south "must have looked something like [Panum] in their infancy."<br /></p><p>Given our all-too-brief lives, it's possible that we've simply caught Panum between events. Or perhaps we're in the middle of one, as Israel Russell mused in 1889 (if only today's papers were so philosophical!). We may think we're looking at past volcanic activity but "... it is evident that we are comparing the events of a day with a whole volume of history. Could we look into the future with as much accuracy as we are able to review the past, it would be evident that changes are now in progress that in time will equal the apparent revolutions which occurred [earlier]".</p><p><b>Sources</b></p><p>Russell, I.C. 1889. The Quaternary history of Mono Valley, California, in USGS Annual Report 8:267–438. <a href="https://pubs.usgs.gov/ar/08/report.pdf">PDF</a></p><p>Sharp, RP, and Glazner, AF. 1997 (2003). Geology Underfoot in Death Valley and Owens Valley. Mountain Press Publ.</p><p>Sieh, K., and Bursik, M. 1986. Most recent eruption of the Mono Craters, eastern central California, J. Geophys. Res. 91(B12):12539–12571.</p><p>USGS. Long Valley Caldera Field Guide - <a href=" https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/long-valley-caldera/long-valley-caldera-field-guide-panum-crater">Panum Crater</a></p><p><br /></p>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-8096888503052171222023-08-14T16:30:00.008-06:002023-08-24T12:50:54.493-06:00Volcanic Tableland & Owen's River Gorge<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijrtYpko9wAgPT1NSrZ0XJKlL3lNxPI-XKm6EGJvfxR_aAL_IpGHFg0dnnI7s9mDWpy_j2omAdUHGMEm5VN46Ys-cbJFXUpS0qQ0Wbty92fmxVBNuH95kaM6b4a3XSdYVVK74hrqa0LURc4eut8mzBQIoz7_PJiuMkAHfkrrrJW3ABra6k1Q6mVBe9jxQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1280" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijrtYpko9wAgPT1NSrZ0XJKlL3lNxPI-XKm6EGJvfxR_aAL_IpGHFg0dnnI7s9mDWpy_j2omAdUHGMEm5VN46Ys-cbJFXUpS0qQ0Wbty92fmxVBNuH95kaM6b4a3XSdYVVK74hrqa0LURc4eut8mzBQIoz7_PJiuMkAHfkrrrJW3ABra6k1Q6mVBe9jxQ=w400-h264" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last May on the way home from the West Coast, we stopped below the steep east face of the Sierra Nevada. From the campsite I looked out across the broad Volcanic Tableland, and saw a winding incision rimmed in rhyolite glowing in the evening light. It was the Owens River Gorge, the next day's destination where we would "experience" an ancient cataclysm. Geology is wonderful that way!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitChNIceX3xzA7fSzHwTnzJYCtSyLfpaRwWuzHe5pI2Z4fL-dn_tvPnw36ARLmY5tvJP4tRC0WzciKdx7pfw-akjlMauSDTZQGP1vkQnPqLcCRRxE9aIkOa3Afy35nPe24yMGubRNZjN2youoQ3Tht5u-xhRkFLBzPGbht1zE-1wmgSHYa4mkvrX2UPc0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="72" data-original-width="546" height="42" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitChNIceX3xzA7fSzHwTnzJYCtSyLfpaRwWuzHe5pI2Z4fL-dn_tvPnw36ARLmY5tvJP4tRC0WzciKdx7pfw-akjlMauSDTZQGP1vkQnPqLcCRRxE9aIkOa3Afy35nPe24yMGubRNZjN2youoQ3Tht5u-xhRkFLBzPGbht1zE-1wmgSHYa4mkvrX2UPc0" width="320" /></a></div>The Volcanic Tableland lies just north of Bishop, California. It's about 350 square miles in extent, and as much as 750 feet thick—a humongous block of rock called the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishop_Tuff">Bishop tuff</a>. It was named in 1938 by a geology grad student from the University of California Berkeley—Charles M. Gilbert. "Since the formation covers an extensive area, has characters unique in the region, and represents a definite part of the Pleistocene epoch, the name Bishop tuff is suggested as a fitting designation, after the chief town in the vicinity."<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTsX-Rr13ttE4vQPxQQr33cIc0XNOCk3pB8175eQXzHoEYRGZW9sl1Y-WgnBLjzj6q_SDTymJxUO-2JzDzco_cceHp7mGDL2g3pDccItBoDfxAzLUDNs_fHGRN6NwINgQ_WI0gvGtMv2br4Z3hCknpeQvMo1bxVIl4KjHa3d5tQxPXkr6Yh1j9J_Pr97I" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1572" data-original-width="1293" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTsX-Rr13ttE4vQPxQQr33cIc0XNOCk3pB8175eQXzHoEYRGZW9sl1Y-WgnBLjzj6q_SDTymJxUO-2JzDzco_cceHp7mGDL2g3pDccItBoDfxAzLUDNs_fHGRN6NwINgQ_WI0gvGtMv2br4Z3hCknpeQvMo1bxVIl4KjHa3d5tQxPXkr6Yh1j9J_Pr97I=w263-h320" width="263" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gilbert's study area; town of Bishop added, location approximate.</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuff">Tuff</a> forms from volcanic ejecta, mainly ash, blown out in explosive eruptions and then lithified (turned to rock) after deposition. Ash may stay airborne and travel great distances before forming fallout deposits. The alternative is much more deadly. The eruption column can collapse, sending hot incandescent ash flows racing across the landscape, searing everything in their path.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gilbert spent three field seasons studying the Bishop tuff. He examined and sampled it at multiple depths in the Owens River Gorge, and across its extent from Bishop north to a few miles south of Mono Lake (in a tunnel being dug for the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Aqueduct">Los Angeles Aqueduct</a>). Everywhere he went, he found the tuff to be rhyolitic (a common type, high in silica).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In fact the Bishop tuff was surprisingly uniform in composition, given its extent. However texture varied with depth—an important clue as to origin: "the tuff, soft and porous at the top, becomes gradually less porous and harder toward the base ..." Gilbert also noted that the soft uppermost tuff did not ring with the blow of a hammer, "in marked contrast" with hardened tuff below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back in the lab, microscopic examination of tuff samples revealed that ash and other fragments were welded together, increasingly so with depth. Gradation was continuous, and distortion had taken place without fracturing. Gilbert concluded the cause was "vertical compression by the weight of the deposit after its emplacement." And judging by the extensive welding, the deposit must have been extremely hot. There was but one possible perpetrator—a <i>nuée ardente</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHrajSmFMJkOiuXoi0pb-3sBN2i8gfpSIeMSVUIUhxlQiSVHOVp8gV4abDB-uKXZxZ3cfU078oruZtQNWFc2vnt1L4IYOg3P5KPpQns4zvp-kHDEgzi8M_QlYki6azxKjlmqecQDvUp-Rg56hoC9V_PatY3dt5NnbupZuA0k-M9Sqpk6HNFsaKKFGyvOU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHrajSmFMJkOiuXoi0pb-3sBN2i8gfpSIeMSVUIUhxlQiSVHOVp8gV4abDB-uKXZxZ3cfU078oruZtQNWFc2vnt1L4IYOg3P5KPpQns4zvp-kHDEgzi8M_QlYki6azxKjlmqecQDvUp-Rg56hoC9V_PatY3dt5NnbupZuA0k-M9Sqpk6HNFsaKKFGyvOU=w400-h266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nuée ardente or pyroclastic flow, Soufriere Hills, Montserrat; Nov 2010 (<a href="https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/eruption-soufriere-hills-montserrat-nov-2010 ">USGS</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table>"The <i>nuées ardentes</i> (burning or glowing clouds) remain, then, as the agent which probably emplaced the Bishop tuff. The <i>nuées</i> are flows of intensely hot, discrete fragments of viscous magma, in which each fragment rapidly and continuously emits its gases. The fragments are thus enveloped and cushioned by extremely dense, hot gas, and the whole has the appearance of a dense, rapidly expanding 'cloud'. Such a cloud rolls rapidly over even a gentle slope ... [leaving] hot pyroclastic material which may mantle the surface over an extensive area and which retains its heat and continues to emit hot gases for long periods of time. <i>Only by some such agent can the emplacement and features of the Bishop tuff be explained.</i>" (Gilbert 1938, emphasis mine)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the time of Gilbert's publication, the idea that welded tuffs were products of nuée ardentes was not widely accepted. In his <i>Introduction</i>, he explained that "the author hopes that the description of one of them given in this paper will help in the recognition of others which may be found and also contribute toward a better understanding of their origin." That hope has been realized! The Bishop tuff is world famous, a geological mecca of sorts.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbp065shCfR-bAU1tAx68sYOUtCSJxbPVqGcr1AT3SHIufAiCWLQzzTuzz5ZJRR1cCzcE9v5mZX9gS7xXFnynnnFeUSz-eCuUodCV4et977C75J79LuAtfBvACoEEb0mo-MfrY3Aoldt_RL-EOq18xeXAyRSEypUP33ZTquqjBN0-3yRV_DetM6oc7et4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="72" data-original-width="546" height="42" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbp065shCfR-bAU1tAx68sYOUtCSJxbPVqGcr1AT3SHIufAiCWLQzzTuzz5ZJRR1cCzcE9v5mZX9gS7xXFnynnnFeUSz-eCuUodCV4et977C75J79LuAtfBvACoEEb0mo-MfrY3Aoldt_RL-EOq18xeXAyRSEypUP33ZTquqjBN0-3yRV_DetM6oc7et4" width="320" /></a></div>For the rest of the story Gilbert resorted to informed speculation. Where was the volcano? Was there just one? The Bishop tuff's uniformity suggested a single source, but how could one eruption produce such a massive deposit? He thought it likely that multiple vents in near proximity were involved. "... the writer prefers to believe that the locus of vents lay in the vicinity of Long Valley since that valley has been a center of major volcanic eruptions since Pliocene time."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's geologists agree.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBLqV3u-Yu5ZKKc28drSFDZCytK1Ghzw3O2tW7ChOtUYmTA2uTifxiFKHYTbdlos2i-VqX_f8S9mjovNMNka8PkHgM4xwC8ctprKfOX53tvYe1lCswNpqLnWe1tGqUaV03kMou3sd3IOTnmZRNAYuSueOfd4yECGS410BWPoPABy7uzNEncwCUIXkZFlI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="1300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBLqV3u-Yu5ZKKc28drSFDZCytK1Ghzw3O2tW7ChOtUYmTA2uTifxiFKHYTbdlos2i-VqX_f8S9mjovNMNka8PkHgM4xwC8ctprKfOX53tvYe1lCswNpqLnWe1tGqUaV03kMou3sd3IOTnmZRNAYuSueOfd4yECGS410BWPoPABy7uzNEncwCUIXkZFlI=w357-h400" width="357" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Long Valley Caldera produced the Bishop tuff (orange). Inset shows ashfall deposits as far east as Nebraska and Kansas—1000+ miles. <a href="A huge volcano—the Long Valley Caldera—produced the Bishop tuff (orange). Inset shows ash deposits as far east as Nebraska and Kansas, 1000+ miles (USGS)">USGS</a> (highlights added).</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJrFhA9orM5HiofeczR3iNihQg_BTB86qumlIKq4EFTHd7SYHMuEj5KFDfpWBKl6-MzDJsNljW1oAOWYR3vfJlqud1zq5Q9NwXbLJSMdNY21AGzd3IdaS7ayHcCQBSE8XsQMGBSNcCXl77Xz37PcCJ5ZmtpNc6IfSQQQHv3t-GbaeovHAI-V1chw9cEPg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1425" data-original-width="1844" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJrFhA9orM5HiofeczR3iNihQg_BTB86qumlIKq4EFTHd7SYHMuEj5KFDfpWBKl6-MzDJsNljW1oAOWYR3vfJlqud1zq5Q9NwXbLJSMdNY21AGzd3IdaS7ayHcCQBSE8XsQMGBSNcCXl77Xz37PcCJ5ZmtpNc6IfSQQQHv3t-GbaeovHAI-V1chw9cEPg=w400-h309" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Owens River flows from Lake Crowley (reservoir) in the former Long Valley Caldera and crosses the Volcanic Tableland via the Owens River Gorge. Google Earth 2019.</td></tr></tbody></table>In the nearly 90 years since Gilbert's study, much has been learned about the Volcanic Tableland and Bishop tuff. They formed just 760,000 years ago (geologically young) during a series of eruptions in the area of today's Long Valley, as Gilbert suspected. It must have been spectacular!! <i>In less than a week</i> the vents disgorged 150 cubic miles of tuff—equal to the volume of Mt. Shasta and far more than any eruption in recorded history.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">During this massive outpouring the ceiling of the magma chamber collapsed, creating an elliptical depression about 10 x 20 miles in extent—the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/long-valley-caldera">Long Valley Caldera</a>. Continuing eruption filled much of it, but not all.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisgKeIhqzxTz-xO3tsw9HvJeZAkQMj865fSvzT4JimSObaXbQysh8LW6irRuBZNGEJy5bGV0zD01lfn6lRwQHffIP84T-NOAc_89-IC1zFtT7E5rVaWt-tq_Heu0cPEuvrKqs5mZIObrVYzVwOJWZydJHPTlgCCn44PyqzW0tRGJ2LkH6ppl8US0L6SBw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="72" data-original-width="546" height="42" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisgKeIhqzxTz-xO3tsw9HvJeZAkQMj865fSvzT4JimSObaXbQysh8LW6irRuBZNGEJy5bGV0zD01lfn6lRwQHffIP84T-NOAc_89-IC1zFtT7E5rVaWt-tq_Heu0cPEuvrKqs5mZIObrVYzVwOJWZydJHPTlgCCn44PyqzW0tRGJ2LkH6ppl8US0L6SBw" width="320" /></a></div>The Volcanic Tableland is crossed by the Owens River Gorge—about 18 miles long, 200–800 feet deep, and generally less than 150 feet wide at the bottom. It provides terrific opportunities to examine the Bishop tuff, but also presents a geological puzzle: how did such a deep narrow gorge form?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For some 600,000 years post-eruption, water and sediment running off the Sierra Nevada ponded in the Long Valley Caldera. Then about 100,000 years ago, perhaps during a cool wet glacial interval, the lake breached the caldera rim on the southeast side and today's Owens River was born. What it did from there is unclear.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWYpoV2cGLCvTm556SC-TtOHexxs61ySs1xMf61vczXs-U-5xA4l_M0yVkm8Ha8VU1ldaCy7w-qQ8LSS-G4FdTWzKMSp4yVuy8qVshUcWlU2-w0HALIefJ3yeWbPzuJrzyDyJw7oBIU92VZ3H1AiYJJ4k0_7KVwflIydrpo-SERxsOj_8Np40FisNwaDc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="983" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWYpoV2cGLCvTm556SC-TtOHexxs61ySs1xMf61vczXs-U-5xA4l_M0yVkm8Ha8VU1ldaCy7w-qQ8LSS-G4FdTWzKMSp4yVuy8qVshUcWlU2-w0HALIefJ3yeWbPzuJrzyDyJw7oBIU92VZ3H1AiYJJ4k0_7KVwflIydrpo-SERxsOj_8Np40FisNwaDc=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Crowley in Long Valley; pale deposits upstream are from former Long Valley Lake. (Hildreth & Fierstein 2016, labels added).</td></tr></tbody></table>Streamflow may have been vigorous enough to downcut rapidly through the relatively soft Bishop tuff (Sharp & Glazner 1993/2002). But meanders in the gorge suggest the Owens River was first a shallow winding stream. Perhaps with subsequent rising and tilting of the land (this area is tectonically active), the river downcut more rapidly but was constrained by established meanders (Hildreth & Fierstein 2016, 2017).<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whatever the scenario, the Owens River has incised a deep narrow gorge that exposes the innards of the Volcanic Tableland. Let's go have a look.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0PoSDU4fdagZUrVSJyWu3xPDnpLL5rD0qtBUKKD_QwW2-vrRszzeV-E_6o6yfqUVnXmqs3QKvX0dqTAZXShGfFYKH6OJXnxTbdWvwAB1z4KWGy_OHrhSeqZ19COKN-_PVYFmCAAxPcMpQSV4-cspGp15ZDH1FYXPmlGezaiEvA1zucn9bpq1MUch5qhI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="892" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0PoSDU4fdagZUrVSJyWu3xPDnpLL5rD0qtBUKKD_QwW2-vrRszzeV-E_6o6yfqUVnXmqs3QKvX0dqTAZXShGfFYKH6OJXnxTbdWvwAB1z4KWGy_OHrhSeqZ19COKN-_PVYFmCAAxPcMpQSV4-cspGp15ZDH1FYXPmlGezaiEvA1zucn9bpq1MUch5qhI=w358-h400" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owens River Gorge looking north; note meanders (Hildreth & Fierstein 2016).</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCP_F5YsUcxCKUvzzrG7kQm72HCEDL_309PTTqEG0qlO2V9x_7A7SbfBoHWvJlOOC57hAdQhrw81y0Nr1WRZjyevMIhH4-nVet5MT3HaOtO7jPe9NL0EgzDmCpbVbaKYBxMow3XsIxvhlW1LFudWl2KxyKQ7iDrjiiaX85sFwK42l7dMOkfx6KZQMo-6c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="72" data-original-width="546" height="42" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCP_F5YsUcxCKUvzzrG7kQm72HCEDL_309PTTqEG0qlO2V9x_7A7SbfBoHWvJlOOC57hAdQhrw81y0Nr1WRZjyevMIhH4-nVet5MT3HaOtO7jPe9NL0EgzDmCpbVbaKYBxMow3XsIxvhlW1LFudWl2KxyKQ7iDrjiiaX85sFwK42l7dMOkfx6KZQMo-6c" width="320" /></a></div>The Gorge is accessible via roads and trails; directions are available online. It's very popular with rock climbers and anglers. But I was blessed with a parking spot close to the locked gate, on the road to the Los Angeles Dept. of Water & Power's Middle Gorge Power Plant.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWwl1n9tvIZhrEBTDae3-ygvJAntTAOah7V7q6tkAHm2Gdvo2cY3kuifP2W0gq_OanaTZ_bmjCqGudpYWrQnmASCAul4iuMLSyi1zAtmLZBdaCj6poh-rKFi2e2LVB7vbxFvC__xGBuBa-mnXyGHEOoL-L-GcpeLmgxVuZjJCi_scblkWo-582ec0ERyM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="914" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWwl1n9tvIZhrEBTDae3-ygvJAntTAOah7V7q6tkAHm2Gdvo2cY3kuifP2W0gq_OanaTZ_bmjCqGudpYWrQnmASCAul4iuMLSyi1zAtmLZBdaCj6poh-rKFi2e2LVB7vbxFvC__xGBuBa-mnXyGHEOoL-L-GcpeLmgxVuZjJCi_scblkWo-582ec0ERyM=w400-h318" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ways & Means (mine on right).</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-BnfhPHXhjnbjucJyqtX0B2B9W806ObQao73cimnyZ7nIlJj4vP7QHwoRJ9Ni3Ytqn3910fPP-Vw1sT7ReeBAFXI4SwyhSsfBRGPOyX787gI2Z36q2MZUL86YV2-IbzW_V1hOPh4ZeN_phNxUIEFLqAI7abaXnxIqjzul9RI6UKClluTQfI4SUHqXPUo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="914" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-BnfhPHXhjnbjucJyqtX0B2B9W806ObQao73cimnyZ7nIlJj4vP7QHwoRJ9Ni3Ytqn3910fPP-Vw1sT7ReeBAFXI4SwyhSsfBRGPOyX787gI2Z36q2MZUL86YV2-IbzW_V1hOPh4ZeN_phNxUIEFLqAI7abaXnxIqjzul9RI6UKClluTQfI4SUHqXPUo=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinkish-gray blobs are pumice fragments.</td></tr></tbody></table>The rock at the parking area was extremely porous due to remains of tiny bubbles from the explosive eruption, and contained many randomly scattered fragments of pumice. It was surprisingly light, almost airy. With tuff in hand, I read the guidebook's horrific account of this place 760,000 years ago, when a searing racing cloud of molten magma fragments and volcanic gases exploded out of the Long Valley Caldera and came to rest here. Initially it was hot (1500º F!), plastic, and porous throughout. But that changed as the deposit cooled.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we descended through the pyroclastic flow, the tuff became more dense, and pumice fragments more deformed. I matched rocks with guidebook descriptions while my field assistant waited in bits of shade. And I thought of CM Gilbert in whose footsteps we walked, wishing there were some way to tell him of the many geologists who pass this way every year, awestruck by the Bishop tuff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not far from the parking area, the tuff was denser but pumice fragments still obvious. There were irregular holes where fragments had fallen out. There also was a line of perfectly round holes—relics of paleomagnetic studies critical in developing plate tectonics theory in the 1960s.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKal_0t-8Fh7VZHBI6jR8-fzv1Uc50oHx8-ri5jW7YHuxgP9PB-URZyxcns79vGURfzT4oW8l4KMQgdvrBKp1nuHt_3qY8KS1tbwAXb2-XLMjLuxZLCp_eaoWcUjzYScpXmbm5IsEyj6gyAvhlRbnADfgvYSs4oXcF5rjFBHL-Q5Wdr4htspInXW_FxB8"><img alt="" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="914" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKal_0t-8Fh7VZHBI6jR8-fzv1Uc50oHx8-ri5jW7YHuxgP9PB-URZyxcns79vGURfzT4oW8l4KMQgdvrBKp1nuHt_3qY8KS1tbwAXb2-XLMjLuxZLCp_eaoWcUjzYScpXmbm5IsEyj6gyAvhlRbnADfgvYSs4oXcF5rjFBHL-Q5Wdr4htspInXW_FxB8=w400-h274" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFRQv7B1XzqJCiu2a2S0-WsKAGLgUGK3yBQvAY4qcumcdUHFmKFeTV4ku2IhfR-JiZmRVOYT_W1SVF2lymwEGzUZREHOnhuBkzyiEFBuMMz0b_D2R4BoWb9egIvSI9ofVDdEx37h3-vYKN8kMLTuY1khO8dvuIVi-BrPRPUrSJqk_TtSFmmVtasm9VAC0"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFRQv7B1XzqJCiu2a2S0-WsKAGLgUGK3yBQvAY4qcumcdUHFmKFeTV4ku2IhfR-JiZmRVOYT_W1SVF2lymwEGzUZREHOnhuBkzyiEFBuMMz0b_D2R4BoWb9egIvSI9ofVDdEx37h3-vYKN8kMLTuY1khO8dvuIVi-BrPRPUrSJqk_TtSFmmVtasm9VAC0=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div>Further down the road the tuff darkened, was denser (chunks were heavier), holes disappeared, and pumice fragments were blackish and much flattened.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-RtGc_BPO70LCNjQrH0THNNDopKMU4UhauT7-ovNAL8k5mjs_V1MEIh3oRCoxsTmj4DP3qE4Mz5j_UT09tQ2li5HajyzdtGZdGqInBvbvyRKHStOmvcP7PFAjJGmilI_FBxwVwlDceGIyKjB7odVaO0M3FOXeLkjw6aW6GJGpA3MckLeFwx2dF4swhNc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-RtGc_BPO70LCNjQrH0THNNDopKMU4UhauT7-ovNAL8k5mjs_V1MEIh3oRCoxsTmj4DP3qE4Mz5j_UT09tQ2li5HajyzdtGZdGqInBvbvyRKHStOmvcP7PFAjJGmilI_FBxwVwlDceGIyKjB7odVaO0M3FOXeLkjw6aW6GJGpA3MckLeFwx2dF4swhNc=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimmSqxODtHj7iVgxmuhTZQiuZnye2udmrLVVab4a4Tr_kMj2Qlqe_I7MRp_E7HEW0OdBXnpQ3Z_S7mj5WMVwGBuGBOnzIImVSTkQyfSbANFTCH_PdfKYfJOEBsE4ssQ7NSryLD4GII-7tFqVJEseXBmC0di_k5QnKo9CCjzAvsAnZYr-eRQdOGtkCrCtc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimmSqxODtHj7iVgxmuhTZQiuZnye2udmrLVVab4a4Tr_kMj2Qlqe_I7MRp_E7HEW0OdBXnpQ3Z_S7mj5WMVwGBuGBOnzIImVSTkQyfSbANFTCH_PdfKYfJOEBsE4ssQ7NSryLD4GII-7tFqVJEseXBmC0di_k5QnKo9CCjzAvsAnZYr-eRQdOGtkCrCtc=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink tuff with elongate blackish pumice fragments.</td></tr></tbody></table>At a really obvious color change, we entered full-on welded tuff. It was uniformly dark gray and no pumice fragments were visible; they had been severely deformed and even remelted under that great burden of extremely hot volcanic debris. I lifted a chunk—it was <u>much</u> denser and heavier than the piece I hefted at the parking area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtDjaQWRBrYiUUPU-rOKu7zjLsFZt3rMH0Lq3wY_TfWBqGu4TkdUMl6xY61cN1zbleDJ2abefb1a9s5mUCXtCswXXhFna4wQM-z-A07xg__RQQA8JcwDtPYv235fS--orn-BCLdn03cJjatuj_p9xd--J8HYTRYJ48zu77ZetBeQgmLASAJlo7pG4j9Vw=w400-h400" width="400" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQjDtO6swr_8ZbAmshiF9q5DEuiSj_g8ZYaS1KPy3VT_XXaQP3lm6-_Mevra6gdNM_S4CHuMU25nvK8x_G5LNQ_BtN24iKFH74tq3HT8_tAwyThCRCSIEBJfJh8WZyB3WhxCvmnZGdl5Q_uMuhKSCEeu0uM-kYyRaZ-bT1TxQccHM2HJVt7Hp5LBTyM9g" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQjDtO6swr_8ZbAmshiF9q5DEuiSj_g8ZYaS1KPy3VT_XXaQP3lm6-_Mevra6gdNM_S4CHuMU25nvK8x_G5LNQ_BtN24iKFH74tq3HT8_tAwyThCRCSIEBJfJh8WZyB3WhxCvmnZGdl5Q_uMuhKSCEeu0uM-kYyRaZ-bT1TxQccHM2HJVt7Hp5LBTyM9g=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My camera's meter struggles with dark rock in bright sun.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Then we turned around and walked back up the road.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwB_BUwRyWytoW_qvSYbfE3uW6PucHTL4MVsjOw_BKH36TgArB5R7URHQkEYtve5SADxSpxn4Zj2hVTQ5f9x-BQ07nJcWdXRYmgnVxlTgjCtgihsHQdqNud2PGUk9x1CdM-kEFTENf0whQxlhGyHLTtcJzUtfbwK_U-n647BXz5aZM9Zl-rE2S4800VNY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="914" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwB_BUwRyWytoW_qvSYbfE3uW6PucHTL4MVsjOw_BKH36TgArB5R7URHQkEYtve5SADxSpxn4Zj2hVTQ5f9x-BQ07nJcWdXRYmgnVxlTgjCtgihsHQdqNud2PGUk9x1CdM-kEFTENf0whQxlhGyHLTtcJzUtfbwK_U-n647BXz5aZM9Zl-rE2S4800VNY=w400-h286" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuff recapitulation going up: dark gray to pink to almost white; welded and dense to porous and light.</td></tr></tbody></table>Back at the top I looked across the Gorge and contemplated the spectacular columnar jointing, formed when the tuff shrank and cracked with cooling. The upper columns were slender and well-defined. Those below, which formed in slower-cooling densely-welded tuff, were larger and barely columnar, almost amorphous.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh122QpynI8qttB5dT2mCkAmPnqlLO_OHZraismAZUtYmolbCmQYZawCESim33ucDTe5IVGOxSIyqy_xNRJeUZpDdo7E81Oyv_2WBFKnHD6cMJqIzwq-08l_dcGw0VxN4j0E8VjzlP6AxWQsSWGzT5RHXQ2pQujLSByHBHiFsJuAc1fsQvFuXYz37lAEvw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="805" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh122QpynI8qttB5dT2mCkAmPnqlLO_OHZraismAZUtYmolbCmQYZawCESim33ucDTe5IVGOxSIyqy_xNRJeUZpDdo7E81Oyv_2WBFKnHD6cMJqIzwq-08l_dcGw0VxN4j0E8VjzlP6AxWQsSWGzT5RHXQ2pQujLSByHBHiFsJuAc1fsQvFuXYz37lAEvw=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIS7QMZTSFvAsATW5KazzxvtiBNz1pOEroPIh4JybpcSBISgrvbmWnhJ7cbHMrbPg5ppb7q50-2mTseVgel6l0FiIbf8DmZWPbW1RhzDqpavCy8K35SdZHR3sZL5WE6druM1A0nI3EfHx_HM_iQyG4jmgj06jylokdZSQVer7Xk-S_WXQH7z0U7Y9c2Eo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="805" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIS7QMZTSFvAsATW5KazzxvtiBNz1pOEroPIh4JybpcSBISgrvbmWnhJ7cbHMrbPg5ppb7q50-2mTseVgel6l0FiIbf8DmZWPbW1RhzDqpavCy8K35SdZHR3sZL5WE6druM1A0nI3EfHx_HM_iQyG4jmgj06jylokdZSQVer7Xk-S_WXQH7z0U7Y9c2Eo=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div></div>Here we have yet another puzzle. Usually columnar jointing is oriented perpendicular to the surface. But as Gilbert noted, "[in the Bishop tuff] columns may have any attitude whatever, from vertical to horizontal". He included a photo of a spectacular example.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5sDpV0AsW7qDgaKI_CgWUmjxaSb5wDyfjzVHxdJRPxiTYh5SPSvZeViwQdISv64clRuCfzx7fYV4xyzUV4xEJmofozuPTptSheRjDbSNhdi6qPpQIhBOREKkp2I9kZbpKS5auJ54Gz6Q9XB0s4JF6cisgpQcWaX2i4ncIEHP7FkdwX-6KdOYbWXOpyi4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="1657" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5sDpV0AsW7qDgaKI_CgWUmjxaSb5wDyfjzVHxdJRPxiTYh5SPSvZeViwQdISv64clRuCfzx7fYV4xyzUV4xEJmofozuPTptSheRjDbSNhdi6qPpQIhBOREKkp2I9kZbpKS5auJ54Gz6Q9XB0s4JF6cisgpQcWaX2i4ncIEHP7FkdwX-6KdOYbWXOpyi4=w400-h346" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note curving columns center right; from Gilbert 1938.</td></tr></tbody></table>I was thrilled when I realized that the photo in Gilbert's paper was taken very close to where I parked. In fact, it's a popular shot.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYqRZ_l0hsg-0kEYYYwlcIhQPgstMDydo5KUE1M6CDYKDjvoQW8nzPzEllDZUKYJaDyno2e4IhEj3rtkzJKA1KckG0B9DgDYxmZoYRCH-ayQvoK2_Au_3hNMC64pA1Ov4EdCDB3sFUfs4_MByWoh6a-IJY7Jzz1uL4dVGYVqdmEdrkT4Dk2fsdzIgBeHU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYqRZ_l0hsg-0kEYYYwlcIhQPgstMDydo5KUE1M6CDYKDjvoQW8nzPzEllDZUKYJaDyno2e4IhEj3rtkzJKA1KckG0B9DgDYxmZoYRCH-ayQvoK2_Au_3hNMC64pA1Ov4EdCDB3sFUfs4_MByWoh6a-IJY7Jzz1uL4dVGYVqdmEdrkT4Dk2fsdzIgBeHU=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Smithsonian's <a href="https://volcano.si.edu/gallery/ShowImage.cfm?photo=GVP-11289">Global Volcanism website</a> includes the same curved columns in the Bishop tuff.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeTh39g0Ma7Ehyus6GVpYt3J8YjntmIFiNyFbFHCGQbSiMQUTqzXo7AXqau1-X6ViHSf1X8OFrQTYqSGEr6PSMoVHR3cBL6JbNj4FRfETRGdNbm8-nLBVyt5LsZBUHV9hDOPJrd0X2k-le9glegIT8LQnXmQLOAYbf4z3E4CZBWBiQKDqCo-3w-VJeS-0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="805" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeTh39g0Ma7Ehyus6GVpYt3J8YjntmIFiNyFbFHCGQbSiMQUTqzXo7AXqau1-X6ViHSf1X8OFrQTYqSGEr6PSMoVHR3cBL6JbNj4FRfETRGdNbm8-nLBVyt5LsZBUHV9hDOPJrd0X2k-le9glegIT8LQnXmQLOAYbf4z3E4CZBWBiQKDqCo-3w-VJeS-0=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My photo—a rock flower born of fire and water.</td></tr></tbody></table>These odd arrangements of columns curving down to a common point have been called joint rosettes or rock tulips. They're attributed to fumaroles (vents through the tuff) that released volcanic gases enhanced with steam, perhaps where the pyroclastic flow overran and vaporized the ancestral Owens River. Indeed there are many fossil fumaroles on the Volcanic Tableland in the vicinity of the Gorge.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikEmsU_Pp0NjsqjDFDVM-NEZvRvyLatyIofLM7ITzFnsR-qV_3eMVCaYqIuPAX-MutSNBscFyM1Uu_qlQeefuD-9Nw2wfqnHd7m6zdwwW6jnwbDDvPGTExKXVhOF3jXLMYBTRONXHXcJiNrzS5gRlNE6831BrnARK7U_saSndmFBUeJnfPYzSHuu8j6Oc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="951" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikEmsU_Pp0NjsqjDFDVM-NEZvRvyLatyIofLM7ITzFnsR-qV_3eMVCaYqIuPAX-MutSNBscFyM1Uu_qlQeefuD-9Nw2wfqnHd7m6zdwwW6jnwbDDvPGTExKXVhOF3jXLMYBTRONXHXcJiNrzS5gRlNE6831BrnARK7U_saSndmFBUeJnfPYzSHuu8j6Oc=w400-h276" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bumps on the Volcanic Tableland are fossil fumaroles, typically 10–20 feet tall.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv38tTzKVbgnSRB6pE1H9Yns-ykogcZMqJ2daRNY8jw4l0I9Pct-FT9J6oe8WsuyGULzRBet0DDiWgfz93g7NTANlhRdj0o07XGYia2JTHQtYzL_ViNSf16KsjPVcUpWnuwmG4HzUNY3iKpzbNbeaz9avfo7_HLBVDQJ3ePiOL-H5gReR6a4a7qX58Qcs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="914" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv38tTzKVbgnSRB6pE1H9Yns-ykogcZMqJ2daRNY8jw4l0I9Pct-FT9J6oe8WsuyGULzRBet0DDiWgfz93g7NTANlhRdj0o07XGYia2JTHQtYzL_ViNSf16KsjPVcUpWnuwmG4HzUNY3iKpzbNbeaz9avfo7_HLBVDQJ3ePiOL-H5gReR6a4a7qX58Qcs=w400-h284" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atop a fossil fumarole. Tuff cemented with minerals from volcanic gases is more resistant to erosion.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_YItFfuv15bfqqcGzpvR_GvLkExG6rnXtLEYcJttz5BfIhcL-2w4wJm9ifjWjqABbd4tDaAsWuSLxwUkxU5l6ybKx2sRYOPnaDMS1H0AWmRECiDFhKqW-0ObjXwEnnLTzxQZUJG9cC2uQAZdz6uQpcT_b0bS6axW0Xw17mNX1VOvP32GyXRoahcY30T4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="914" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_YItFfuv15bfqqcGzpvR_GvLkExG6rnXtLEYcJttz5BfIhcL-2w4wJm9ifjWjqABbd4tDaAsWuSLxwUkxU5l6ybKx2sRYOPnaDMS1H0AWmRECiDFhKqW-0ObjXwEnnLTzxQZUJG9cC2uQAZdz6uQpcT_b0bS6axW0Xw17mNX1VOvP32GyXRoahcY30T4=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing after a hot but fascinating day in the field.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRbjFEycj1dTDAzKYHrs-OxuItoMPsjak6m-g-C4gq62qpNalPJLAAIbPAQRTs0NNzBdXxmfyTqIIhfytNmnKF81ZBLLkA09RiaSK8un_JEd4kBakKU9DEI7KJeIrvoB07nCU-0q-JCyT3I3fzY0OkZYzSJC2UhJ69XroRa0sg0SeDuo-9w5WSjwgNXic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="72" data-original-width="546" height="42" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRbjFEycj1dTDAzKYHrs-OxuItoMPsjak6m-g-C4gq62qpNalPJLAAIbPAQRTs0NNzBdXxmfyTqIIhfytNmnKF81ZBLLkA09RiaSK8un_JEd4kBakKU9DEI7KJeIrvoB07nCU-0q-JCyT3I3fzY0OkZYzSJC2UhJ69XroRa0sg0SeDuo-9w5WSjwgNXic" width="320" /></a></div>Headings in this post use the <a href="https://www.myfonts.com/collections/herculanum-font-linotype">Herculanum font</a>, named after Herculaneum, a Roman city destroyed by pyroclastic flows from Mount Vesuvius.<br /><br /><b>Sources</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gilbert, CM. 1938. Welded tuff in eastern California: GSA Bull. 49:1829–1862.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hay, RL. 1989? Memorial to Charles M. Gilbert, 1910-1988. GSA <a href="https://www.geosociety.org/documents/gsa/memorials/v20/Gilbert-CM.pdf">PDF</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hildreth, W, and Fierstein, J. 2016. Long Valley Caldera Lake and reincision of Owens River Gorge. USGS Sci. Inv. Rep. 2016–5120.<span style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20165120">https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20165120</a></span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hildreth, W, and Fierstein, J. 2017. Geologic field-trip guide to Long Valley Caldera, California. USGS Sci. Inv. Rep. 2017–5022–L. <span style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/sir20175022L">https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20175022L</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sharp, RP, and Glazner, AF. 1993 (2002). Geology Underfoot in Southern California. Mountain Press Publ.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">USGS, California Volcano Observatory. <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/long-valley-caldera">Long Valley Caldera</a>.<br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-86880495540975465172023-08-07T16:08:00.000-06:002023-08-07T16:08:06.684-06:00Treefollowing: last year's tree & a Carboniferous pond<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfEZN-8QHkVavrj8DNPe4ATZemsLBM6E6AAZHVZBH6NHPIGV-tDJGGbStSDIdSnxbFwOjzu-5mY5g9Rysy4THbGtbBMvEukVTTakUTqISWzgfEZkchyZ147lx42NPcioaVVWpE1wdprTvWMjcc3xS-yQAyDWKOn-AxNg1RtIBlJkIXT_OPa1u3JIUXru4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfEZN-8QHkVavrj8DNPe4ATZemsLBM6E6AAZHVZBH6NHPIGV-tDJGGbStSDIdSnxbFwOjzu-5mY5g9Rysy4THbGtbBMvEukVTTakUTqISWzgfEZkchyZ147lx42NPcioaVVWpE1wdprTvWMjcc3xS-yQAyDWKOn-AxNg1RtIBlJkIXT_OPa1u3JIUXru4=w267-h400" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember this tree? (August 2022)</td></tr></tbody></table>Given how lovely it's been in the Laramie Mountains, I decided to check on the Balsam Poplar I <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/tree-following/">followed</a> last year instead of this year's junipers. Indeed it was a gorgeous day at Happy Jack, and warm enough, even at 8000 ft, that I chose the shady trail.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiq0Rb1-YsZ3w6LCnz3QMW4nwklRLDQvinTrEO_r6KQg0vEMk9jsAP3bh8N4P1M9Lp-rsMDPbcwU94BOuXHR8aBCtFAV6O5TkalzsNHJeBDy1zreJDF0hidVaIeMRi2csW1HcX_R6OtTaQvg4BHZrVkNmq1PeSiHfWYqgjqPDgBs7KumDMH_pSDgWAfBfw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1280" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiq0Rb1-YsZ3w6LCnz3QMW4nwklRLDQvinTrEO_r6KQg0vEMk9jsAP3bh8N4P1M9Lp-rsMDPbcwU94BOuXHR8aBCtFAV6O5TkalzsNHJeBDy1zreJDF0hidVaIeMRi2csW1HcX_R6OtTaQvg4BHZrVkNmq1PeSiHfWYqgjqPDgBs7KumDMH_pSDgWAfBfw=w400-h286" width="400" /></a></div>The old poplar was as I remembered—long past its prime yet still producing leaves. No matter that the canopy is less than magnificent, the trunk sprouting suckers. This is an impressive tree!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6W4dZ2OXBbXs5ThlW5ieC1bMhvIxX3Hm87Be5bvEfqut33YX5BKn0_zDuykBFadGpjx2cObrcFLwxGoB3XSq24Vx0A2HeOkkWPN1Y2856biGy6HWDkfj6trBrIHm8fpBY8TuYyhcFu3sFIx1jMSQQiStt-broaDgq0iGLiCDcpoEtnjd7AqSQXr2sFL8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="669" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6W4dZ2OXBbXs5ThlW5ieC1bMhvIxX3Hm87Be5bvEfqut33YX5BKn0_zDuykBFadGpjx2cObrcFLwxGoB3XSq24Vx0A2HeOkkWPN1Y2856biGy6HWDkfj6trBrIHm8fpBY8TuYyhcFu3sFIx1jMSQQiStt-broaDgq0iGLiCDcpoEtnjd7AqSQXr2sFL8=w293-h400" width="293" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh7OmAVOLlVUYPw-5bERAZozSzqApFBRSCNmXau8oZV_lGzi34Y-uGJfY5m2o6Ov47sg-fKkw4Q3_5-lFC8oaA6n9sLy-6taI8j6flc5Ots9j0tdrFMvQrnMa_S5DDkzNCWiofEEm6WRjXrDVSv8yUiq0v_Yh8JTQ78yH8CGDuhFXPMKMMrQyOVsoYJf0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh7OmAVOLlVUYPw-5bERAZozSzqApFBRSCNmXau8oZV_lGzi34Y-uGJfY5m2o6Ov47sg-fKkw4Q3_5-lFC8oaA6n9sLy-6taI8j6flc5Ots9j0tdrFMvQrnMa_S5DDkzNCWiofEEm6WRjXrDVSv8yUiq0v_Yh8JTQ78yH8CGDuhFXPMKMMrQyOVsoYJf0=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canopy catching the sun.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqbCU_oVul4hs8OY2WH1xetvCwwNL1ZUB5TjwqlnN1of_Ie3j8zyRDnB7QUMh5WpIytm6mdP5HWYl6D8SgJ2Kne9BNDBZ6mUK4sM4m0ChFX3U1cCdKAl3SeqTg2GPBWBIjYN7uNSEAGfIlku0iZ8oqxT_DFT_d0NUw1USc1o9tTADdGW7TUMiYqMlsM8k" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="686" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqbCU_oVul4hs8OY2WH1xetvCwwNL1ZUB5TjwqlnN1of_Ie3j8zyRDnB7QUMh5WpIytm6mdP5HWYl6D8SgJ2Kne9BNDBZ6mUK4sM4m0ChFX3U1cCdKAl3SeqTg2GPBWBIjYN7uNSEAGfIlku0iZ8oqxT_DFT_d0NUw1USc1o9tTADdGW7TUMiYqMlsM8k=w300-h400" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient trunk with vigorous suckers.</td></tr></tbody></table>In keeping with tradition, we finished the hike with a visit to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carboniferous">Carboniferous</a> Pond, named for its multitude of dragonflies.<div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg03aL3NZGoTz3lPHQ1J_gpJ51afSOd-N9ugfK5CtVEJivZF1iS6IZx_VvWKmTC8rQ-xYAUFByXIwqDZ72LR5DDNammVsqD2DjSgOVfyN3x9VgI8hj0AxJ9NRlWj1ZrACfpEwJ1YSvVkPXcWD1zFUZYMifprs6Hx6Gbvrx3Lcv8k91MYsZ2Pcv6FEPiUnY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="914" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg03aL3NZGoTz3lPHQ1J_gpJ51afSOd-N9ugfK5CtVEJivZF1iS6IZx_VvWKmTC8rQ-xYAUFByXIwqDZ72LR5DDNammVsqD2DjSgOVfyN3x9VgI8hj0AxJ9NRlWj1ZrACfpEwJ1YSvVkPXcWD1zFUZYMifprs6Hx6Gbvrx3Lcv8k91MYsZ2Pcv6FEPiUnY" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4Fmx16vbyvtzHAJk_4-cgA3TEpQLtY1cR9IQX1KOB-ptTaHBXYfKNvGJt5FIwgjWAWIDs69VCdErOGd33UNVEw0S8fkOCOUAw64xPVGNTgUT3zcPsGYx__sV8DwORa1tF5phI1NdU9qsdgXHhwdaQUq56dmoZbq27hVo-bmL3HKb3BLm04nmverGxXFM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="914" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4Fmx16vbyvtzHAJk_4-cgA3TEpQLtY1cR9IQX1KOB-ptTaHBXYfKNvGJt5FIwgjWAWIDs69VCdErOGd33UNVEw0S8fkOCOUAw64xPVGNTgUT3zcPsGYx__sV8DwORa1tF5phI1NdU9qsdgXHhwdaQUq56dmoZbq27hVo-bmL3HKb3BLm04nmverGxXFM=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonflies are so abundant here that I accidentally nabbed one in this photo (arrow, click to view).</td></tr></tbody></table>To get an actual dragonfly photo, I tried a new strategy—focusing the lens and waiting until one flew across my field of view. Results (or luck) seemed to improve with time. Dragonflies are quick and "spectacularly agile ... they can propel themselves upwards, downwards, backwards, forwards, side to side, and they can even hover in midair! This is due to the magnificent construction of their two sets of wings." (<a href="https://dragonflywebsite.com/dragonfly-flight.cfm#:~:text=Compared%20to%20most%20other%20insects,(16%20km%2Fhour).">more here</a>)</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1VGckt-hNbm173O02wymgmfd932p4AgH45WHsbcmSVtUxAsloMIJ_Rd9GpHjpAEOOqBD8h60svtoGDBxgWZ3MQOQhkrN0wvhQUDR39_LtmWujl52b3gHtAj01o9Y3j8eoD8TuB7k5ex2pQpSBdnYhNtsS_lVIn9tv_rC5q1fPo-PWL3mOROyICaZcTiU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="914" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1VGckt-hNbm173O02wymgmfd932p4AgH45WHsbcmSVtUxAsloMIJ_Rd9GpHjpAEOOqBD8h60svtoGDBxgWZ3MQOQhkrN0wvhQUDR39_LtmWujl52b3gHtAj01o9Y3j8eoD8TuB7k5ex2pQpSBdnYhNtsS_lVIn9tv_rC5q1fPo-PWL3mOROyICaZcTiU" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonfly against reflections of sky, clouds, sedges—très artistique?</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimOKxvUW4E8MaIqjBlae_Bwyay2YkwiaH5dLDCpGyC5jw9LCdEZYKQi3FzkGd95vKv6WxWrzMfHGUoSvIjiixpgGHBr4Ex4Mb8Tq-oNL7qlLlxjJtE3qYZJokVxvup3J2zZ-YlnH8qGxlBJHmmiKgqKSILZzTRm2Ti3dNZ5LIAob7zISS01JIOWrftrZk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimOKxvUW4E8MaIqjBlae_Bwyay2YkwiaH5dLDCpGyC5jw9LCdEZYKQi3FzkGd95vKv6WxWrzMfHGUoSvIjiixpgGHBr4Ex4Mb8Tq-oNL7qlLlxjJtE3qYZJokVxvup3J2zZ-YlnH8qGxlBJHmmiKgqKSILZzTRm2Ti3dNZ5LIAob7zISS01JIOWrftrZk" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got one,</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqb3xCltZ02Xn3eCNyau130eUEsycIFIg16ec80Hrn-Q3H39gAK3BuZDEmq2WNzUfW3kwLaqenZ9gEmYtV7ambYZuYdBO1o6uV3oEPV9yBNPfcMnpDsdN7hJgPluCLjRlGSqH1M77wEq-MuelREg9CBIEIRryLXaQ79ywcrEzPBXFsH2QXYtTC71s8QdA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqb3xCltZ02Xn3eCNyau130eUEsycIFIg16ec80Hrn-Q3H39gAK3BuZDEmq2WNzUfW3kwLaqenZ9gEmYtV7ambYZuYdBO1o6uV3oEPV9yBNPfcMnpDsdN7hJgPluCLjRlGSqH1M77wEq-MuelREg9CBIEIRryLXaQ79ywcrEzPBXFsH2QXYtTC71s8QdA" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and another,</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigWQtbQTwsn4slejSUV-iwWhARBzeEb3hpzDB6j3ldEds8kfhLuOU3WmO4USuhUJBJwcmTE_fTeydv2HpPZhycNGmXKwUrXUzYSLXvDvENEa-XiAbDO_Tr5JTjTfKUQxYQmDGZNa4_BX9tFfVuG8cvKOMKLut67n-biTUV3jeFbJs8X-H7XmTRiwnbMc8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigWQtbQTwsn4slejSUV-iwWhARBzeEb3hpzDB6j3ldEds8kfhLuOU3WmO4USuhUJBJwcmTE_fTeydv2HpPZhycNGmXKwUrXUzYSLXvDvENEa-XiAbDO_Tr5JTjTfKUQxYQmDGZNa4_BX9tFfVuG8cvKOMKLut67n-biTUV3jeFbJs8X-H7XmTRiwnbMc8" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and another,</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFUAuzpv3_tpHNWa8y18ublj9pTDK3S3rXE-4Mpz07bAfT6sXhk5w39cRtipAtXxR3z8E3XVUfDzMgRjHb2Vqol_Vc-J5Ba-gnEEnPf_MwZfHArhi3vvhA7wMRBNXTFWeiaq8FQDXNRRhbGDqxvpBKVoG53rKYTnpswUwsJlYWx8uvVGjeDrajkCVVN8k" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFUAuzpv3_tpHNWa8y18ublj9pTDK3S3rXE-4Mpz07bAfT6sXhk5w39cRtipAtXxR3z8E3XVUfDzMgRjHb2Vqol_Vc-J5Ba-gnEEnPf_MwZfHArhi3vvhA7wMRBNXTFWeiaq8FQDXNRRhbGDqxvpBKVoG53rKYTnpswUwsJlYWx8uvVGjeDrajkCVVN8k" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... etc.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgD3RHItUkPrYNTpO6HMFVm5AV5V64V7lF9Hi-klhz740WAPEctdmz72zCbZ0IarpT33iLq6ECUlui2nvMWM8UUfWBPCQ4po7hOZeHA5g7gLTBG93mBZ_Ti8jLxI-lk7_HME1G0s-5iKT7Q_GoAlPPHrv3yEc8buZM33kKrhJ8ROtRdInietYc7aveZDVI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgD3RHItUkPrYNTpO6HMFVm5AV5V64V7lF9Hi-klhz740WAPEctdmz72zCbZ0IarpT33iLq6ECUlui2nvMWM8UUfWBPCQ4po7hOZeHA5g7gLTBG93mBZ_Ti8jLxI-lk7_HME1G0s-5iKT7Q_GoAlPPHrv3yEc8buZM33kKrhJ8ROtRdInietYc7aveZDVI=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally a good one, with wings! (click to view)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwEuvXy85gVyyq7j6hxmZYKYQRXDI7ji8t-U_Wtq-DcwLagBdSyqqKL4Tb5OC8FEvQyAw7lbS25HXWSQXvPlZgoxcVgFWJ_vFjT2OAkC1B9afNtV2ec_AZ9luPfveaKlUKTahIZcHQg7d1myLfb0rwpW9-Z3A5Hm6z6qk3zJG0pcOBoQ5raFRjW_3aqE/s252/treefollowing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="252" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwEuvXy85gVyyq7j6hxmZYKYQRXDI7ji8t-U_Wtq-DcwLagBdSyqqKL4Tb5OC8FEvQyAw7lbS25HXWSQXvPlZgoxcVgFWJ_vFjT2OAkC1B9afNtV2ec_AZ9luPfveaKlUKTahIZcHQg7d1myLfb0rwpW9-Z3A5Hm6z6qk3zJG0pcOBoQ5raFRjW_3aqE/w200-h185/treefollowing2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This is my contribution to the monthly gathering of tree followers kindly hosted by <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/">The Squirrelbasket</a>. Looking for a good time? <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/2023/08/07/tree-following-link-box-for-august-2023/">Join us!</a><div><br /></div>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-41245441627415863682023-07-17T10:31:00.000-06:002023-07-17T10:31:24.723-06:00Cowboy's Delight<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1-T177x2bw1gzvHrJEAxSigQoYRp3ccKvb3i8YYmq6IOfE5_4fjukC11NHiyVNy7KJoB4boRngV-0HYAIL_Y0XN_uNHZS-ZlqEZv6Rfr1NAEYfCo2iN-Gjw34r9RIT9ITP0MGBG-M4RgkIg8kH_ZgSRgV6U5u6MxMmXfP2Kkp6iLFSBbkREVIWbHyb9o" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1-T177x2bw1gzvHrJEAxSigQoYRp3ccKvb3i8YYmq6IOfE5_4fjukC11NHiyVNy7KJoB4boRngV-0HYAIL_Y0XN_uNHZS-ZlqEZv6Rfr1NAEYfCo2iN-Gjw34r9RIT9ITP0MGBG-M4RgkIg8kH_ZgSRgV6U5u6MxMmXfP2Kkp6iLFSBbkREVIWbHyb9o=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not what you expected?</td></tr></tbody></table>On my <a href="https://plantsandrocks.blogspot.com/2023/07/tree-following-junipers-in-july.html">tree-following expedition</a> last week, I saw patch after patch of <i>Sphaeralcea coccinea</i> in full bloom. For many years I knew it as Scarlet Globemallow—not surprising given the orange-scarlet flowers. Then last year I learned it's also called Cowboy's Delight. Cute name, but is it appropriate?</p><p>Members of a small impromptu focus group thought not. "Ma'am, a cowboy needs more than a flower to be delighted" explained one fellow. Another—Wyoming-born-and-raised—also was skeptical. "Cowboys don't like flowers unless their cows eat 'em."</p><p>Well, pardner ... cows DO eat 'em.</p><p>Animals graze and browse on the tastiest things available, so aggies and wildlifers rate plants as to palatability. However taste varies among species. And for a given beast, palatability depends on time of year, available moisture, and other site characteristics. But in general cows and elk find Scarlet Globemallow fairly tasty, while horses don't. Sheep love it (palatability excellent). Some small birds eat the fruits; bison, prairie dogs, jack rabbits, and various rodents utilize the plants for forage. It's especially palatable and important for pronghorn antelope.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM6cmQZP8s0L_zJFq2FIlfQoHi6smEUsi5g_CO0G30z6ixFEC_fXjY1tNzHntF8pTs1imJSpso1KefuonuwNLqA36-hcnDt9JVMWEmJobGDt57eg2ydmUSb4k7yofrUWV7qN2B0E94zDaij97tp_bqX-JaBga3b1eju9vYUZfcMSK4KkNCRIRTxZYSOFo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1280" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM6cmQZP8s0L_zJFq2FIlfQoHi6smEUsi5g_CO0G30z6ixFEC_fXjY1tNzHntF8pTs1imJSpso1KefuonuwNLqA36-hcnDt9JVMWEmJobGDt57eg2ydmUSb4k7yofrUWV7qN2B0E94zDaij97tp_bqX-JaBga3b1eju9vYUZfcMSK4KkNCRIRTxZYSOFo=w400-h278" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This gal seemed to be curious as to what I was doing but then went back to eating.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWyM64dYsKGCyTW9Rx_1bS3FQN-Mb2Kh5iKl-HuMqeE0V-BzmryjvkMiDepcGBME70KKtHEKB2ktFqdJJQvCILIeRQJNYdgA1-LsKFIMY_j9t8eWzuXDQINcDfQl5_dqtDpJP4EEVBGoruAXVb5XK2enF_ALz7W_dV2ezI_JkqLp6AoX13EizFGsc8cnQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="731" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWyM64dYsKGCyTW9Rx_1bS3FQN-Mb2Kh5iKl-HuMqeE0V-BzmryjvkMiDepcGBME70KKtHEKB2ktFqdJJQvCILIeRQJNYdgA1-LsKFIMY_j9t8eWzuXDQINcDfQl5_dqtDpJP4EEVBGoruAXVb5XK2enF_ALz7W_dV2ezI_JkqLp6AoX13EizFGsc8cnQ=w400-h299" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pronghorn's Delight, thriving next to a dirt road in open sunny habitat.</td></tr></tbody></table><i>Sphaeralcea coccinea</i> is a long-lived deep-rooted perennial subshrub that may grow to about a foot tall. Leaves are gray-green and deeply lobed. Flowers are pink to deep orange to scarlet, and are clustered at the tips of stems and branches.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGAZJBHAp67yyXpL9dLhJdreGeOSqGKNBuyE82kyWJaqi5D_XM_BgWaqqDh_7Yc_kgYyIZ2oDuJspLhWppsN7nrI0p09L-FRhD0rmhYupq9JxIKN1ZZIkXXqR4cm64HEEZQ2zcr_XtQ8FlUjamMATHuHs1smpuhvMVCybquC3GTBTuGwcGiYfBAhUlXh0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3016" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGAZJBHAp67yyXpL9dLhJdreGeOSqGKNBuyE82kyWJaqi5D_XM_BgWaqqDh_7Yc_kgYyIZ2oDuJspLhWppsN7nrI0p09L-FRhD0rmhYupq9JxIKN1ZZIkXXqR4cm64HEEZQ2zcr_XtQ8FlUjamMATHuHs1smpuhvMVCybquC3GTBTuGwcGiYfBAhUlXh0=w400-h398" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stellate hairs make the foliage gray-green. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/plant_diversity/">Matt Lavin on Flickr</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTLRaHglCkOPmNRcZuoc0HJF-GwAgSD9SP_FtsZNrT-5EEHwuhYXvQm6ksW89FCe2wYVkL74SxbhBM_RtDujAiXK0pKoqTQPUSkGqyZiLo9K-aQ2ErBsPHG3olm3ey0s5PT7fUz2KnAGOlDexd5TxrV-UxprMJfCEEpHNJo80We-Ob16XW95FCamzCYb0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1192" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTLRaHglCkOPmNRcZuoc0HJF-GwAgSD9SP_FtsZNrT-5EEHwuhYXvQm6ksW89FCe2wYVkL74SxbhBM_RtDujAiXK0pKoqTQPUSkGqyZiLo9K-aQ2ErBsPHG3olm3ey0s5PT7fUz2KnAGOlDexd5TxrV-UxprMJfCEEpHNJo80We-Ob16XW95FCamzCYb0=w398-h400" width="398" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many styles emerge from tubes of joined stamens, typical of the mallow family. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/plant_diversity/">Matt Lavin on Flickr</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>Scarlet Globemallow is native and widespread in drier parts of the American West. It's extremely drought-tolerant, growing in full sunlight and avoiding shade, making it an excellent species to mix with grasses in reclamation. Perhaps this exceptional hardiness is what delights a cowboy. The colorful almost-gaudy flowers can appear unexpectedly, even during the driest summers, bringing a moment of pleasure to the cowpoke on his long hot dusty ride.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtYfuCpzAGW0ytkjBiB_dY456Y5ewmGlpJB8-nQyU1r71Lf7_14v94xIgL02TDU_l23xuTkZhEt_IHlV3EKJfNFzUJyHyc-0QnBa4o7WAKHcfVnz9bbMOIPsVgITO9QQv2Pu10Q6AWueddiNb2cc4T3dPB7YJHJtIQi8Fj5MO5-v1qAmgWYqbONtpP0ms" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="374" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtYfuCpzAGW0ytkjBiB_dY456Y5ewmGlpJB8-nQyU1r71Lf7_14v94xIgL02TDU_l23xuTkZhEt_IHlV3EKJfNFzUJyHyc-0QnBa4o7WAKHcfVnz9bbMOIPsVgITO9QQv2Pu10Q6AWueddiNb2cc4T3dPB7YJHJtIQi8Fj5MO5-v1qAmgWYqbONtpP0ms=w400-h199" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>Sources</b><p></p><p>Biodiversity Institute, Wyoming Native Gardens. <a href="https://www.wyomingnativegardens.wyobiodiversity.org/index.php/forbs/scarlet-globemallow-cowboys-delight">Scarlet Globemallow, Cowboy's Delight</a></p><p>NRCS USDA 2009. Plant Guide, Scarlet Globemallow, Sphaeralcea coccinea. <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/idpmcpg8445.pdf">PDF</a></p><p>Southwest Colorado Wildflowers. <i><a href="http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Pink Enlarged Photo Pages/sphaeralcea.htm">Sphaeralcea</a></i></p><p><br /></p>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-80510820434145086862023-07-13T19:34:00.000-06:002023-07-13T19:34:16.928-06:00Tree-following: Junipers in July<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9Q_7J1NrGrCKJ-H9U7yg00U87AA22gMojXmVFxpHocJkBpfuNuRDwoY_-xPhH3VzCJVWX624Y2vK55qqNTLZ8cNORU71LUV8VzVbuKTMC4d8aClBpPEN8quO-6jPd_ev408c2nvNDx9VbW9bEv67Za0U3R73tBM2d971gGO4ezVy3Uw5G0Ooouhr5Z_s" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9Q_7J1NrGrCKJ-H9U7yg00U87AA22gMojXmVFxpHocJkBpfuNuRDwoY_-xPhH3VzCJVWX624Y2vK55qqNTLZ8cNORU71LUV8VzVbuKTMC4d8aClBpPEN8quO-6jPd_ev408c2nvNDx9VbW9bEv67Za0U3R73tBM2d971gGO4ezVy3Uw5G0Ooouhr5Z_s=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My field assistant stayed home (too warm). But I managed to find both my trees and the shutter release button, thereby verifying my visit.</td></tr></tbody></table>Several months had passed since I last visited the Rocky Mountain Junipers I'm <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/2023/07/07/tree-following-link-box-for-july-2023/">following</a> this year. What a changed landscape! We had a cool wet spring, and a cool wet summer so far. Many are wondering—have we've ever seen the Laramie Basin so green so late?</p><p>I suppose it still looks arid to those elsewhere. But for us, this is LUSH!<br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjx3Zp1y1a2ZuBdSNX8xWyR8GeOfbNMb6dhYaU2H4vFAG4KwFtJujJhKaSRqqN5kS4H-DQklh79m0DQ_iAqW3CgiVcNsIw-DMp39vL5RkhbFO0dFWltcLBw56vFQ-RTnK9FDGwQOUZ0Ra2OiBsFgjLrbS97g4h6lsYNYR1Rp3dv3CxKvKf6ZO8T3gVs5AE"><img alt="" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="731" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjx3Zp1y1a2ZuBdSNX8xWyR8GeOfbNMb6dhYaU2H4vFAG4KwFtJujJhKaSRqqN5kS4H-DQklh79m0DQ_iAqW3CgiVcNsIw-DMp39vL5RkhbFO0dFWltcLBw56vFQ-RTnK9FDGwQOUZ0Ra2OiBsFgjLrbS97g4h6lsYNYR1Rp3dv3CxKvKf6ZO8T3gVs5AE=w400-h286" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheVznNhEpq0e1TEI6GlXK-JuybSv4YpWpyt6BBw8mnqMXSi6gh8sWVpvq4U6vxJdCnGN5gO-JDWWJxF8vD_MDxPS__UPmw3UHOZhdfRZRWDCAa-gI-J9O6Eamu31j3Exso4Ygp8116MLIp0Cs5efx2JrZDgGCiSqZSqgHVkS8lGDspSRHUjuPa3upX6es" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1280" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheVznNhEpq0e1TEI6GlXK-JuybSv4YpWpyt6BBw8mnqMXSi6gh8sWVpvq4U6vxJdCnGN5gO-JDWWJxF8vD_MDxPS__UPmw3UHOZhdfRZRWDCAa-gI-J9O6Eamu31j3Exso4Ygp8116MLIp0Cs5efx2JrZDgGCiSqZSqgHVkS8lGDspSRHUjuPa3upX6es=w400-h270" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEium9W6UZGj7s2-S2gLWE_YUqt-nSW-6_1pmyW27cIOIy3BMC3WFfXDVzAHV5bWcRWLhVm0BVyjByE27StcmSH2vzFilQFG1YSqEy02BMxzsbJTk4lcBEDEbz0SgUG-QPJ6Zp3gnLMvRV7YpvPbUuoxcJGuahf12gZdI0fnon41ruP_pWZY0ohjIsQ_s00" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEium9W6UZGj7s2-S2gLWE_YUqt-nSW-6_1pmyW27cIOIy3BMC3WFfXDVzAHV5bWcRWLhVm0BVyjByE27StcmSH2vzFilQFG1YSqEy02BMxzsbJTk4lcBEDEbz0SgUG-QPJ6Zp3gnLMvRV7YpvPbUuoxcJGuahf12gZdI0fnon41ruP_pWZY0ohjIsQ_s00=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needle-and-Thread, <i>Hesperostipa</i> (<i>Stipa</i>) <i>comata</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table>It was impossible to capture the grass diversity in a photo. For example there are least four species in the one below: Needle-and-Thread, Indian Ricegrass, Blue Grama, and Western Wheatgrass.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjujvsm-ks8VeVP2uT4-wfc2C-MTze8Rvz2jijpMT8Sl8k2OzdK4gOdB_zadtL-EQeZ-gLThNJsc-ERYqVuJKACMfo1M6c9EzBBPuyA6XwRWi6NElusptn9VtCpKCmFhs77arRGad3bLmRBgsMIdepMcEx1ikK4TdbrPxby1V_Yb49vcYGU_kSwUlplGpA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjujvsm-ks8VeVP2uT4-wfc2C-MTze8Rvz2jijpMT8Sl8k2OzdK4gOdB_zadtL-EQeZ-gLThNJsc-ERYqVuJKACMfo1M6c9EzBBPuyA6XwRWi6NElusptn9VtCpKCmFhs77arRGad3bLmRBgsMIdepMcEx1ikK4TdbrPxby1V_Yb49vcYGU_kSwUlplGpA=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grass enthusiasts can click to enlarge the image and search for species.</td></tr></tbody></table>I soon left the trail to cross slabby limestone to the junipers I'm following.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4Yf5Vmr3IBRZYLIZ8b1uWMdIFft20ORLG7gB8GnshKvfohFHorI2lhfv6b4RCn0p_jd-VI-_nuGZLLnTiyxCVqNO6A4FymVPs83Ks8dA36S1_mMDXVxC4cDqP0-6XGldthdPLaEUS7_0vRPjxpEzo72MG1kKqZrMH1qjolf1iB6vjcfA6qwfW6Lgl-2U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="731" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4Yf5Vmr3IBRZYLIZ8b1uWMdIFft20ORLG7gB8GnshKvfohFHorI2lhfv6b4RCn0p_jd-VI-_nuGZLLnTiyxCVqNO6A4FymVPs83Ks8dA36S1_mMDXVxC4cDqP0-6XGldthdPLaEUS7_0vRPjxpEzo72MG1kKqZrMH1qjolf1iB6vjcfA6qwfW6Lgl-2U=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7tXZECFAZTtUqpYLDeQEOygghQcFEf4WqbMkCD8a-bQvf5Gqoulx7z6YTFFJpC2gowV-6u3SDTvESgpXZBygEYRW30pHlnN16qEoNDXRuHOLUa-2lb6RJiOb890SyqNRYw8yJSqWS-f3fT_MyQA4VZDUEV_oGWSNFC7gam4flkCgt3Pkz7ndfTq_qXIg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7tXZECFAZTtUqpYLDeQEOygghQcFEf4WqbMkCD8a-bQvf5Gqoulx7z6YTFFJpC2gowV-6u3SDTvESgpXZBygEYRW30pHlnN16qEoNDXRuHOLUa-2lb6RJiOb890SyqNRYw8yJSqWS-f3fT_MyQA4VZDUEV_oGWSNFC7gam4flkCgt3Pkz7ndfTq_qXIg=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello little Limber Pine. I'm back.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM14HboZk-mbM290T9854FIVfKal-DrF8uta1zKQOCKUTThjnEXL7oTK5gtYAJRc1ycFuwWMIBZQ0rduZtBUtPaTAnnYJwWJdd26rAcenFL1OH-s_lAn8bOzjHMH1j46vL3bbllHu9rscgNEyGlnJeHysM1SR3eY-F9oINrwnvJ3377MDFZv-5Tj4-yhs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="731" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM14HboZk-mbM290T9854FIVfKal-DrF8uta1zKQOCKUTThjnEXL7oTK5gtYAJRc1ycFuwWMIBZQ0rduZtBUtPaTAnnYJwWJdd26rAcenFL1OH-s_lAn8bOzjHMH1j46vL3bbllHu9rscgNEyGlnJeHysM1SR3eY-F9oINrwnvJ3377MDFZv-5Tj4-yhs=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>There was a light breeze at most so for the first time I was able to photograph the foliage and "berries" (technically fleshy cones). Only the darker tree (above) has berries. They are yellow brown, perhaps immature. It is said that they take two years to mature and turn a glaucous blue.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiip5pdwWsh0P2dVm0v9e86nvWaVFnzT7lgt7Y2IsGVxJgAqPAHJsQH2ZXt_IArXVNh_nf2Fuh0qWHsbFptLUZMTrsV1EVCQo_e3HHEbk4ulRra2RHFrt1GWbOOUUzGviq_-94J8N-MraS90jRCWjjxV486MSOavxYc-Idw4JqXH56wJM_SJul5Tk07x0s" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiip5pdwWsh0P2dVm0v9e86nvWaVFnzT7lgt7Y2IsGVxJgAqPAHJsQH2ZXt_IArXVNh_nf2Fuh0qWHsbFptLUZMTrsV1EVCQo_e3HHEbk4ulRra2RHFrt1GWbOOUUzGviq_-94J8N-MraS90jRCWjjxV486MSOavxYc-Idw4JqXH56wJM_SJul5Tk07x0s=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berries can barely be spotted in the foliage.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha78UDCWlCyt3WoFWlFmtJ_sS47Y6yIWo14pSDWXWfXPXeRq2Wlg7K5H10HuFIkkXGyGdJpy-h-6KGlgrCPcfvTrX5jItgP5lUb4OIRYv8Gb4MWUODN_hGz02Vn3AD_efXQUPrjwfeZbBAssXSQlB9NLAZC2eVzWTELnSD_Mq-mYQqzTRFABpdY__KfJg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1280" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha78UDCWlCyt3WoFWlFmtJ_sS47Y6yIWo14pSDWXWfXPXeRq2Wlg7K5H10HuFIkkXGyGdJpy-h-6KGlgrCPcfvTrX5jItgP5lUb4OIRYv8Gb4MWUODN_hGz02Vn3AD_efXQUPrjwfeZbBAssXSQlB9NLAZC2eVzWTELnSD_Mq-mYQqzTRFABpdY__KfJg=w400-h305" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBP7EGpledrJJS9o3_a9RMJlktyzk6_frRnz43NO1ShkYAxRUTfGVwjjp5ldlR3lQihTfnJRUYud_WRn-2KfQaXJ3eza8iq2Vevg2AD8kfUVTPyVhAY6y8kDqktMgnsjZpiaaLbuADp9q-Ltf_D7mjtV05T8wynkxPnXX6nE9TMdNHJCpcB_baTpofDM0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBP7EGpledrJJS9o3_a9RMJlktyzk6_frRnz43NO1ShkYAxRUTfGVwjjp5ldlR3lQihTfnJRUYud_WRn-2KfQaXJ3eza8iq2Vevg2AD8kfUVTPyVhAY6y8kDqktMgnsjZpiaaLbuADp9q-Ltf_D7mjtV05T8wynkxPnXX6nE9TMdNHJCpcB_baTpofDM0=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div>But I wonder—will these berries mature? They look a bit sickly to me, maybe from our multi-year drought. We shall see.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1B2xOH39ozWim_1Sgc4hQx5ggOJO4SdL2WlC2RPr_nC7yM7RlWLUuvMuCiJC8p84HHuc8P6uptegEYescOvf2q3wrB-ldUwE2n5W-vVk9bmxZ68uqQfeQbBSRn5Mko2AIBHaETG-r6ThlShixQ8ObkjMPibba8VdJ3q4uDCrsdttn6BNIuDpTbQIU2io/s252/treefollowing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="252" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1B2xOH39ozWim_1Sgc4hQx5ggOJO4SdL2WlC2RPr_nC7yM7RlWLUuvMuCiJC8p84HHuc8P6uptegEYescOvf2q3wrB-ldUwE2n5W-vVk9bmxZ68uqQfeQbBSRn5Mko2AIBHaETG-r6ThlShixQ8ObkjMPibba8VdJ3q4uDCrsdttn6BNIuDpTbQIU2io/w200-h185/treefollowing2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This is my contribution to the July gathering of Tree Followers, kindly hosted by <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/">The Squirrelbasket</a>. <a href="https://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=squirrelbasket&postid=06Jul2023&meme=12481">More news here</a>.<br /><div><br /></div><div><p></p></div>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-12903042839660871752023-06-30T20:30:00.001-06:002023-06-30T20:40:11.650-06:00Goodbye, Jan Conn—legendary rock climber, caver, musician & much more<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU-i0w0RHaO7v6ROJWNUzyzvBB_-IAG6ucLjO04x_SNZi5EfLcvoLg0yQkwDQYwQd-UiXv7AnXqUJYrvnF6hY7xD64xBWfZmoPYjRXXTMNu8LnjB0a9zQGsVDWiwgZT7igjZdkL0pynXlNssq54g0BdKwg8d9wriqgol0m21HJuUTPqWhl3h0p3g5P__M" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3058" data-original-width="2973" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU-i0w0RHaO7v6ROJWNUzyzvBB_-IAG6ucLjO04x_SNZi5EfLcvoLg0yQkwDQYwQd-UiXv7AnXqUJYrvnF6hY7xD64xBWfZmoPYjRXXTMNu8LnjB0a9zQGsVDWiwgZT7igjZdkL0pynXlNssq54g0BdKwg8d9wriqgol0m21HJuUTPqWhl3h0p3g5P__M=w388-h400" width="388" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan Conn (center) with her woodworking group.</td></tr></tbody></table>Jan Conn passed away in May at age 99. She was a valuable part of my life, following a lifestyle to which I aspired, encouraging me in music, sharing my interest in native plants, and showing by example that being one's self, enjoying life, and helping others do the same are so important. Maybe this short account of Jan and our friendship will encourage others as well.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHISAqdA539dv4DBaQwfhxAmTBBsZe3ciqLQed3n84ai4IimdyZV8_0Q3LAmuwBTus3CweQtYF2WWO45xjzfBj_oqN5Z7aFx_rS8yIkUty9h4xfiivJfRnvpPU320VcieUk-PZkSzk50cVM3NbmlUBKntI2OAKFBBTMN1y0qAZTMbwnKuyxnEwVxvmfe0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2100" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHISAqdA539dv4DBaQwfhxAmTBBsZe3ciqLQed3n84ai4IimdyZV8_0Q3LAmuwBTus3CweQtYF2WWO45xjzfBj_oqN5Z7aFx_rS8yIkUty9h4xfiivJfRnvpPU320VcieUk-PZkSzk50cVM3NbmlUBKntI2OAKFBBTMN1y0qAZTMbwnKuyxnEwVxvmfe0=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was while I was working as a ranger at Devils Tower that I first learned of the Conns.</td></tr></tbody></table>In 1948, Jan and her husband Herb drove to northeast Wyoming in their converted panel truck and climbed Devils Tower, an 800+ ft rock monolith rising from the valley of the Belle Fourche River. Jan thereby nabbed the first female ascent (not counting Linnie Rogers who used a <a href="https://www.nps.gov/deto/learn/historyculture/first-fifty-years-stake-ladder.htm">wooden ladder</a>). Four years later, Jan repeated the climb with Jane Showacre, making the first manless ascent!<p></p><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDNot-BupQmj0bcg_HlaEktfkiLxHJZTcCqFDdq_QysAWCg_jx9c6NTGi_GvCqV9Nf_XXw27gTKoHZBWccfcaW6KcHLVVd-5CoErkrcx-rIn75E6zHyvq72aghtqKP0CHbbn3Gw4e-OPjoqM5YxKTM5VuOvezV-w60iKwtoglwDXobv4gc_DI3GFQVWgM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="797" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDNot-BupQmj0bcg_HlaEktfkiLxHJZTcCqFDdq_QysAWCg_jx9c6NTGi_GvCqV9Nf_XXw27gTKoHZBWccfcaW6KcHLVVd-5CoErkrcx-rIn75E6zHyvq72aghtqKP0CHbbn3Gw4e-OPjoqM5YxKTM5VuOvezV-w60iKwtoglwDXobv4gc_DI3GFQVWgM=w323-h400" width="323" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan Conn and Jane Showacre after the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/deto/learn/historyculture/womenclimb.htm#:~:text=Jan%20Conn%20(left)%20and%20Jane,all%2Dwoman%20climb%20in%201952">first manless ascent of Devils Tower</a>, 1952.</td></tr></tbody></table>Devils Tower was just one stop of many in their wanderings. The Conns drove from area to area, living in their little camper, climbing, working the odd job, climbing, working, climbing ... actually mostly climbing. Really?? I totally understand the lifestyle, I know it well. But these people are old enough to be my parents! Yet that was indeed what they did, living the dream, doing first ascents and establishing new routes from the east coast to the west. The Conns have been called the first climbing bums. And after the great <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Beckey">Fred Beckey</a> passed away in 2017, Jan was anointed <a href="https://fringesfolly.wordpress.com/2017/11/07/the-oldest-living-dirtbag-jan-conn/">the oldest living dirtbag</a>.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_BNwSWJJ1_EgcyapeQQzp97F5r79kz4QFYarhXOjeoPx1tsXtMbVApMzQUmKrksvy5jDyQH4pJ73mtLPK63j77AyL1gk0EY4MdQQo3BDmJxk-hwBzdQFaiDc3fmzhjDdjst8-PWUG-tenUHsmEKp2ARhEC8LPwFG5AWmhoRNuR5Y90ku11Zhmpjbglhg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="758" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_BNwSWJJ1_EgcyapeQQzp97F5r79kz4QFYarhXOjeoPx1tsXtMbVApMzQUmKrksvy5jDyQH4pJ73mtLPK63j77AyL1gk0EY4MdQQo3BDmJxk-hwBzdQFaiDc3fmzhjDdjst8-PWUG-tenUHsmEKp2ARhEC8LPwFG5AWmhoRNuR5Y90ku11Zhmpjbglhg=w320-h201" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan and Herb in their converted panel truck, 1957 (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_and_Herb_Conn#/media/File:Conn_-_We_work_in_out_spare_time_-_Summit_Nov_1957_-_1.jpg">source</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtDFO3zqrU-_wpxSDyfd4Iz8JNL15I08XL6yh2LI5HsXy0ggZzT0qwp0Axjnzmt4uYdW40qCb7eV2r9pMMFdXYJLHf5WyKDmCBtsRPBZJstdrlD92mutXXO4U8DEx6tp9BssQTxYJANP5qEXYTKF7DwX9K9fE_5OXD1mDf4QnDbNJyVzNwsYfBY217y-I" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="730" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtDFO3zqrU-_wpxSDyfd4Iz8JNL15I08XL6yh2LI5HsXy0ggZzT0qwp0Axjnzmt4uYdW40qCb7eV2r9pMMFdXYJLHf5WyKDmCBtsRPBZJstdrlD92mutXXO4U8DEx6tp9BssQTxYJANP5qEXYTKF7DwX9K9fE_5OXD1mDf4QnDbNJyVzNwsYfBY217y-I" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping at Devils Tower, 1956 (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_and_Herb_Conn#/media/File:Jan_and_Herb_Conn_at_Devils_Tower_-_1956.jpg">source</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table>In the early 1950s the Conns settled near Custer, South Dakota, in the high country of the Black Hills. The area was filled with granite spires, fins and massifs awaiting first ascents, which they happily supplied. Then in 1959, a friend introduced them to caving by way of a "small" local cave (Jewel Cave) and they were hooked. Supporting themselves by selling leatherwork, giving music lessons, and living really cheaply in the Conncave, they would discover and map 62+ miles!</div><div><br /></div><div>By the early 1980s, they had "retired" from caving and returned to climbing. That's what they were doing when I had the good fortune to share a bit of their lives.</div><div><br /></div><div>One day Jan invited me to an ascent of the 3BT massif (a classic Conn name meaning 3 Billion Tons). Should I, of intermediate skill, join two world-renown climbers? Sure, why not?! After all, these were white-haired elf-like characters in their early 80s.</div><div><br /></div><div>We followed a secret winding trail marked by subtly arranged pine branches to the base of the massif and into a deep rock-walled gully, which soon narrowed. Here I observed a conn-flict, a rare event. "Herbie, I think we go this way." Herb smiled, "No, we go up the gully a bit further." Jan wasn't conn-vinced, "But I remember that tree." "We need to head for that chockstone" Herb said, pointing up the gully. This conn-tinued for another minute or so until I interjected dramatically, "Quit fighting!!" We all burst out laughing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Herb was right of course (he was the mapper in the family), and so we scrambled up the gully, wriggled around beneath the chockstone, roped up for a short section of easy climbing, and then strolled to the summit.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXKumrIqipZ0i7tsZ6xx7RRCFzINpxL2LnNeUsvP1xRAWc4xrwFKoD6YQxNZnhX74sT2q9gxZ-AwwULBXNmA8S4y0Dvi8eE5UWFX9uXKw1Zg6WaYWp4Q2KVLOUB0XuiN9oB71mBveQK3bmxh8dpzG_TNRRRCWg3RkiRj_2pSM_E64axW5r-3MUoX9O2gg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXKumrIqipZ0i7tsZ6xx7RRCFzINpxL2LnNeUsvP1xRAWc4xrwFKoD6YQxNZnhX74sT2q9gxZ-AwwULBXNmA8S4y0Dvi8eE5UWFX9uXKw1Zg6WaYWp4Q2KVLOUB0XuiN9oB71mBveQK3bmxh8dpzG_TNRRRCWg3RkiRj_2pSM_E64axW5r-3MUoX9O2gg=w268-h400" width="268" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting close to the top!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmiBJzQ5QUCDNd6euEPE-nFvwcaaHnnoy9_vkKBGOYJJNJFTRGe5RIMMcP6y4VT1oeHB42UdWrgK8G5M941mcyTSOXDKRaBIfdRxNTRKp3Ag7b8P3emEZwwM2YKSRlRNyJmCw39EyAsUSndrRz3msrdS1I94PZzT2kZME7JmWgTXa6pGN5tRQxpaG1jrI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="798" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmiBJzQ5QUCDNd6euEPE-nFvwcaaHnnoy9_vkKBGOYJJNJFTRGe5RIMMcP6y4VT1oeHB42UdWrgK8G5M941mcyTSOXDKRaBIfdRxNTRKp3Ag7b8P3emEZwwM2YKSRlRNyJmCw39EyAsUSndrRz3msrdS1I94PZzT2kZME7JmWgTXa6pGN5tRQxpaG1jrI=w365-h400" width="365" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headed home after a successful ascent of 3BT.</td></tr></tbody></table>Climbing was not the only kind of adventure Jan offered. One day, having learned I played recorder, she asked if I would come to the monthly Hootenanny (Jan was a product of the Beat Era). It sounded like fun until I learned that all attendees had to perform. She suggested we perform a duet for flute and recorder.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh dear. I was untrained and played only for my own enjoyment. Yet like all things Conn, it turned out to be fun. Performances ranged from a boy's poem about his frog (in his hand) to a phone company employee demonstrating how to hook up a new phone line. We fit right in. I would go on to play and perform with the French Creek Folk (Jan and any locals that were available) until I left the Black Hills.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSsXyt9eiAZ20aurQFI79TlOw9McFeuwjT7lB51KQT6oK9lqcO5nm0AU_DhYMPeWaVex36erd9ko5A00--2Kv4Gjq9mJ3Dcb5RKuxAOR3JYtqXdJio3JR1bh0-q-Un3gLFgqCSrs-xVsyKuRL4E4VGX09_XbE6YMwRMKT0aJ95-ASLemtl2QCkZ0Tdaxg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1451" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSsXyt9eiAZ20aurQFI79TlOw9McFeuwjT7lB51KQT6oK9lqcO5nm0AU_DhYMPeWaVex36erd9ko5A00--2Kv4Gjq9mJ3Dcb5RKuxAOR3JYtqXdJio3JR1bh0-q-Un3gLFgqCSrs-xVsyKuRL4E4VGX09_XbE6YMwRMKT0aJ95-ASLemtl2QCkZ0Tdaxg=w400-h289" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French Creek Folk c. 20 years ago. Jan on bass next to Hollis on fiddle.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxGn69kArujpCFuk46eBN633iMrtNZUeC5BHltbEcIpp7DccGcgrnRiKBn_Y4WckKNaNOB3NjlL4nmQe0ZkvKxe5KBu4lnR6j4ly2_kNyXqDEB-WxU780tJ9ZKG_nEmIhHqbHkMwwpM0lvoUvzIIrT2c76wmZTYKGfbuU4an-hgwefh3Ig15yEGJQAvGU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1152" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxGn69kArujpCFuk46eBN633iMrtNZUeC5BHltbEcIpp7DccGcgrnRiKBn_Y4WckKNaNOB3NjlL4nmQe0ZkvKxe5KBu4lnR6j4ly2_kNyXqDEB-WxU780tJ9ZKG_nEmIhHqbHkMwwpM0lvoUvzIIrT2c76wmZTYKGfbuU4an-hgwefh3Ig15yEGJQAvGU=w400-h371" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan was (in)famous for her yodeling, including underwater (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRTfw8VpVRk/">watch here</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table>And there was more. Jan told me about an odd fern they had found on one of their climbs. Since I was a botanist, she was sure I would know it. The three of us went to investigate, with a rope. Herb led the climb, Jan and I followed. There they were—two different ferns, one of which I did NOT recognize. After consulting with an expert who confirmed that it was a significant range extension, we published our discovery in the <i>American Fern Journal</i>!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6m2lmkgrupekxr9yxuYz6DuZAFwP16sRzytVsiw4zWc7cdQpRLtkWScjd52XBXXFGOSAGSb_aSL69_ynSM-FFzhkXu2fwrlEVnNt0fXwPaRcIlBj3PjTyeVmRoOYuNrEUrsNrMLcXIcEezKSLsqzW-BnRBj6WANGpsAyEcF7iQbdVlSpEAraLRAh7cwc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="702" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6m2lmkgrupekxr9yxuYz6DuZAFwP16sRzytVsiw4zWc7cdQpRLtkWScjd52XBXXFGOSAGSb_aSL69_ynSM-FFzhkXu2fwrlEVnNt0fXwPaRcIlBj3PjTyeVmRoOYuNrEUrsNrMLcXIcEezKSLsqzW-BnRBj6WANGpsAyEcF7iQbdVlSpEAraLRAh7cwc=w322-h400" width="322" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Botanizing by rope; Jan pointing to fern habitat.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>Having shared some of my stories, I will finish with links to others. The Conns were special to many people in many ways. The final sentence of the first article below says it all: "It has been a wonderfully satisfying life for the Conns, just doing what appealed to them, and they are grateful if their fun has brought things of value to others." Indeed it has!!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://sdexcellence.org/Jan_Conn_2011">Legacy Jan Conn</a>, induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2011. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.southdakotamagazine.com/explorers-of-an-unseen-world">Explorers of an Unseen World</a> by Paul Higbee, <i>South Dakota Magazine</i>, revised & republished in early 2012 after Herb's passing.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://fringesfolly.wordpress.com/2017/11/07/the-oldest-living-dirtbag-jan-conn/">Jan Conn: Always Improving (or, The Oldest Living Dirtbag)</a> by Elliott Becker. 11/7/2017. Includes links to audio.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://watch.sdpb.org/video/the-ups-and-downs-of-herb-and-jan-conn-iatiny/">The Ups and Downs of Herb and Jan Conn</a> by South Dakota Public Broadcasting. 05/03/23</div><div><br /></div><div>For much more, see Wikipedia's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_and_Herb_Conn">Herb and Jan Conn</a> article.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdbd4z4xSVj4dC1Rb1d1NKE56VzGJLXr6_33bIcyxT2bjSchr_mr8NCzFpBv4mUq5jalyJ3rYPOBKQskLkyeuVlPinRo1kHxiiQCKwWA7yUrpOKh_MjgI10sJTtIKWP0hchfqm5ydXxJD5Ito19xREi_6KvnHiLgB4qJ4wRs4IfcdB6jJ7It-8Mc-vHGc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdbd4z4xSVj4dC1Rb1d1NKE56VzGJLXr6_33bIcyxT2bjSchr_mr8NCzFpBv4mUq5jalyJ3rYPOBKQskLkyeuVlPinRo1kHxiiQCKwWA7yUrpOKh_MjgI10sJTtIKWP0hchfqm5ydXxJD5Ito19xREi_6KvnHiLgB4qJ4wRs4IfcdB6jJ7It-8Mc-vHGc=w267-h400" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herb and Jan at home in the Black Hills.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-33444827544542718202023-06-25T09:14:00.000-06:002023-06-25T09:14:35.760-06:00Blue Sailors & Brown Pelicans at Surf, California<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCq5d-HiUe2Y4e8kM0Xd3PNG5f5FP4jah8ekayyAxIyoVNCjlgRnM8RbUk6o4u9HQR-wo_dYx9CIUyAwIg4Tlh2AOMna6GDSkGO7-ivqwIKakaaBPOiyoS7tTqTD0HpFROHKLzuso9CTaqAeLLWvRPreFcFogZekwp13AHUiQ1MMjNeHqRxwm8Z8OP1Oo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1280" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCq5d-HiUe2Y4e8kM0Xd3PNG5f5FP4jah8ekayyAxIyoVNCjlgRnM8RbUk6o4u9HQR-wo_dYx9CIUyAwIg4Tlh2AOMna6GDSkGO7-ivqwIKakaaBPOiyoS7tTqTD0HpFROHKLzuso9CTaqAeLLWvRPreFcFogZekwp13AHUiQ1MMjNeHqRxwm8Z8OP1Oo=w400-h269" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surf Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgVu3P6hZhq02Yc1o7a9aaLhrjqo_Tulrk4o60K59IkkDQTAnLc_yFK_OzGmIPCwNYz25xQXimEPUr5IQJMRURSZyRoL-mfoneSJI9rbh_fspElmmsyrkEzJ1QdwMSGaPvIr0XP5rNal_6TtT9jLLF0ikQ7AhAO3QmBJO_VMBBLy4V8TV4OD18Lu3TbLw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgVu3P6hZhq02Yc1o7a9aaLhrjqo_Tulrk4o60K59IkkDQTAnLc_yFK_OzGmIPCwNYz25xQXimEPUr5IQJMRURSZyRoL-mfoneSJI9rbh_fspElmmsyrkEzJ1QdwMSGaPvIr0XP5rNal_6TtT9jLLF0ikQ7AhAO3QmBJO_VMBBLy4V8TV4OD18Lu3TbLw=w400-h294" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Surf is an unstaffed Amtrak rail stop on the California coast west of Lompoc. It's part of Vandenberg Space Force Base, but there's public access to a short stretch of beach. Use is light and facilities limited. It's often windy, the water is rough, and we're warned of undertows and rip tides.</p><p>When I crossed the tracks and started down to the beach I was hit by an awful smell, the stench of rotting by-the-wind sailors, also known as Velellas. They had been washing up on California beaches by the millions. Fortunately there was enough of a breeze that upwind of the decomposing sailors the air was fresh. The recently stranded ones were beautiful—rimmed in deep blue, their transparent sails still erect.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1280" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoM_ISLz_88ePhpQqH0if5FcYJq3geLLshdHft_55ktUb5zPM1K3x7pQoVt5JhpXicqVPP_uVpR_2ezN4iuebgPvMugmkCfwxiirJ0HNKJ210tL8Cy7nWMHwzO1FEc_RSaMvhGR5TYsRuuffEGvqENCfkah-uQuoaRvNffEb18a_JVwAd8HWveOxN5Z-4=w400-h269" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="1264" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRzZ3E4pqAMTP8XRco8a9CcgzRuDHHweyKlOrRwbjOgYfjSCGb55RYBs4T6uTM0eOORTKnsXSvhkB9bLZkUfTYvLc2rZ16IBmsOCj9HU8d8kgPgAXlZCc-JrbmCHgB38Rj8GKgevb-otj4mX8BDALm7NGmZ7It51OU-JiuDKvp8hDR7UULXUYi4mku5Mk=w400-h271" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1280" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYQSvypFxygJvfkjGWWdq4yPD73DEh3zvf-wOXQiSyhLx3krQel_NDHY1uvqBXaxORafw0MPnYqKLzj0Ptqq629JoA01Jm9UIj4ymWyVlZbute3ImAv2HfGpY8o6Tr_10cmHkzIWFl_zdzSWbmRnFwap5O49bprFO0yrB1Em_p8rQz5HRLvMRHcGY3Q44=w400-h299" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By-the-wind sailors, <i>Velella velella</i>. These are about 5–7 cm across.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">When they make the news, Velellas are often called blue jellyfish, being gelatinous. And there was a time when they were thought to be jellyfish ("medusae" among scientists). In 1795, George Shaw published a description and illustration of the Medusa Velella, named by Linnaeus 37 years earlier:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>"The Medusa Velella ... is an animal of a very singular as well as elegant appearance. It consists of a flat thin body, of an oval form, and beautifully marked by a great number of concentric lines or fibres. On the upper part is situated, in an oblique direction, an upright broad process or sail ... It [the Velella] is of a blue color, except the sail, which is pellucid, and of a glassy appearance."</blockquote><blockquote><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrMCkzd-dHgzHJznGk1oLY6gb0lCf8SqpBWVUuuX9kW_XsV6nBAUwVJjhGHDxL2ouNRJNT-NARbj8uTypnxVqzOHB-ZzT3FloZGbbINauwk7lD5Y4-CNSZ5TR4vXCgg6RVqCwXCWnBSGh26jynIv_bS0rOg6NX2ojRXvXTPzinajoSruXaZ495CJHlACQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="788" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrMCkzd-dHgzHJznGk1oLY6gb0lCf8SqpBWVUuuX9kW_XsV6nBAUwVJjhGHDxL2ouNRJNT-NARbj8uTypnxVqzOHB-ZzT3FloZGbbINauwk7lD5Y4-CNSZ5TR4vXCgg6RVqCwXCWnBSGh26jynIv_bS0rOg6NX2ojRXvXTPzinajoSruXaZ495CJHlACQ=w308-h400" width="308" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Velella Medusa or Blue Sailing Medusa; illustration by F.P. Nodder (Shaw 1795, <a href="https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/59283286#page/200/mode/1up">BHL</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table></blockquote></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Shaw was correct about Velella's elegance, but he was wrong about its fundamental nature. It's not "an animal".</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Each sailor is actually a multitude of animals—tiny cylindrical <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyp_(zoology)">polyps</a> in a colony designed to survive and reproduce on the open sea. Polyps form the "flat thin body" noted by Shaw. It's surrounded by a dark blue float and topped by a chitinous sail, both built by polyps. Some polyps contain photosynthetic plankton that share energy from sunlight with the colony. Some kill by stinging and supply nourishment to the colony via canals. And of course some are devoted to reproduction.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">By-the-wind sailors are unisexual, male or female. They reproduce asexually by budding off tiny jellyfish just 1 mm across. This is the medusa stage—solitary creatures rather than colonies. "So Velella really is a pulsing jellyfish, just not when you find it washed up on the beach" (from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJGO_bSsR3w">The Secret Life of Velella</a>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMcRHo6_zsT8kFFgnghwAW-GfAY0vhyUB8sDAiDewuZ3DoNSQK81_210kg4z4qZTpaGwCRuuKy_z51Lajf0deSIFLjHDDSi-do2rr5LZn7kh4_s1igXpB7g8uD0QWaWNaZntgH4RQcGYybhnKfJ7o3SKifIg7iV7vWVLs3HxG-NcSUM5vkjaZdi_KiEPI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1726" data-original-width="1598" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMcRHo6_zsT8kFFgnghwAW-GfAY0vhyUB8sDAiDewuZ3DoNSQK81_210kg4z4qZTpaGwCRuuKy_z51Lajf0deSIFLjHDDSi-do2rr5LZn7kh4_s1igXpB7g8uD0QWaWNaZntgH4RQcGYybhnKfJ7o3SKifIg7iV7vWVLs3HxG-NcSUM5vkjaZdi_KiEPI=w370-h400" width="370" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note very different scale bars (compiled from Schuchert 2010).</td></tr></tbody></table>Velella's little jellyfish are sent off into the world with a supply of photosynthetic plankton for nourishment during their first few days of life, before they can hunt on their own. At maturity they produce either eggs or sperm, which eventually develop into new sailors. For more about Velella's fascinating bipartite life cycle, see <b>Sources</b> below.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While I was on the beach, pelicans flew by periodically, all headed north.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKe-ohRAWxXpmWGKGdcui46S8I2bialqolRmGPhnqZquVKGYwy_QkgZmtolGOttrXDL_ZlS9_axFd65Q1iDOTzOUx7W2zo65mGSZCeJqZBczUUnnw-2UcR57tFS8LpRdQzcPxIxENSyJZvbTbOEtkW9VGjmv0UYh3x6VQ75mjLPXX5QCZGhWPDfl8y8rQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1280" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKe-ohRAWxXpmWGKGdcui46S8I2bialqolRmGPhnqZquVKGYwy_QkgZmtolGOttrXDL_ZlS9_axFd65Q1iDOTzOUx7W2zo65mGSZCeJqZBczUUnnw-2UcR57tFS8LpRdQzcPxIxENSyJZvbTbOEtkW9VGjmv0UYh3x6VQ75mjLPXX5QCZGhWPDfl8y8rQ=w400-h253" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUIOmcWHqyzicIyEqSh-y4cObP87_6qyfpGpnUO087u1zbjOhTMZl7SOc_iavPcSHpBGBjnQfdW-C8h24RTvBZseZiud7Cr6NRFxGPSC0yjLAsOtnyL6EPfBcCrofgsI6GWQYiDtmngJasxEwWmGzq_bSAWhDqdlax0GXRyv1BFor-14avZd2gE4AvoKo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUIOmcWHqyzicIyEqSh-y4cObP87_6qyfpGpnUO087u1zbjOhTMZl7SOc_iavPcSHpBGBjnQfdW-C8h24RTvBZseZiud7Cr6NRFxGPSC0yjLAsOtnyL6EPfBcCrofgsI6GWQYiDtmngJasxEwWmGzq_bSAWhDqdlax0GXRyv1BFor-14avZd2gE4AvoKo=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhE0HihVWRZCJ3GQXObDVCEqZG8AmuZDp6JpVN-SOBSf7Ggs21fHrx7B5C8oSlABwcTigfX4yt_ar6BpQOtlammOKCLLNGCxGnFfzTRtSWnfF5epGK3cmT_xYY5YPjaW9vo73a-BZH8jePRyVqk7U3ZHy130S18kgzvagOtvcZ-0mUVHmUPxHtauzm6fiw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhE0HihVWRZCJ3GQXObDVCEqZG8AmuZDp6JpVN-SOBSf7Ggs21fHrx7B5C8oSlABwcTigfX4yt_ar6BpQOtlammOKCLLNGCxGnFfzTRtSWnfF5epGK3cmT_xYY5YPjaW9vo73a-BZH8jePRyVqk7U3ZHy130S18kgzvagOtvcZ-0mUVHmUPxHtauzm6fiw=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California brown pelicans, <i>Pelecanus occidentalis californicus</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table>Back at the parking lot, a local explained that pelicans gather en masse late afternoons at the mouth of the Santa Ynez River, which is on Base property and off-limits to human intruders. She directed me to a county park nearby, where I watched them from an acceptable distance. It was wonderful ... a real treat!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR9CMVatdraHRRJjUXfuk0oJxifc3vihh4QSrge8HwC2b78E99zOthUlTQE4BKmAQT5Nhtddn-b2iNd6UbrwcKszPs4k9-lH9EvsjY4nSMFVyy0sTvWYw2IItiul6hewgflBrIJVeOefXlPtve6uTjblFopbEJBXYSosmud3ozy0vOFcCWF73d7C735hI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1280" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR9CMVatdraHRRJjUXfuk0oJxifc3vihh4QSrge8HwC2b78E99zOthUlTQE4BKmAQT5Nhtddn-b2iNd6UbrwcKszPs4k9-lH9EvsjY4nSMFVyy0sTvWYw2IItiul6hewgflBrIJVeOefXlPtve6uTjblFopbEJBXYSosmud3ozy0vOFcCWF73d7C735hI=w400-h269" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiniptoglCidvrm7D3Zna9t7O6i7y44e-l60Qu6n0UoBeexTFveXWMEuQrZ8hgEtOSTXHOUWmm203WrXEIIPuzDr8_4U6KSo8dB2u1q4Uuw19jUsWb2gr8ODGam_On5hKFjd_4gIfGjVbzkkLbf4qQbgTKA1sXteXJzEOvUnN_OZtl3ESSNtpr91nALNx4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiniptoglCidvrm7D3Zna9t7O6i7y44e-l60Qu6n0UoBeexTFveXWMEuQrZ8hgEtOSTXHOUWmm203WrXEIIPuzDr8_4U6KSo8dB2u1q4Uuw19jUsWb2gr8ODGam_On5hKFjd_4gIfGjVbzkkLbf4qQbgTKA1sXteXJzEOvUnN_OZtl3ESSNtpr91nALNx4=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbvwpHqRhDHjaSUfrdVlKSq3z9gNVUkh3t6O-9dRpCfvC2cgebGX2sEtLs1QVCb4WSVxECqaqB-6XS0Uudzd4kf9rWXl9L4EcDcBRsyJlpfjL8SapskmE8tZ3vYiMMFfDoc-_ZUkuwkgj0_cxnqFvV2CHbigF9EHscDFULrYqk5--s20RM9tuyzRAYj1k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1280" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbvwpHqRhDHjaSUfrdVlKSq3z9gNVUkh3t6O-9dRpCfvC2cgebGX2sEtLs1QVCb4WSVxECqaqB-6XS0Uudzd4kf9rWXl9L4EcDcBRsyJlpfjL8SapskmE8tZ3vYiMMFfDoc-_ZUkuwkgj0_cxnqFvV2CHbigF9EHscDFULrYqk5--s20RM9tuyzRAYj1k=w400-h276" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtwPwVWycUevJFzwyq_ebU6EV_T19oFcIYkmyoxM4ruY8f6WeZNpBMfVAPnYgU0Mlp72-spVWQHJkATrsRWyrFFzsigtGiqTA7tEivW-LYzdxzMP2xrnG3BTPtNnOTnVTI69291m41SFVfPTp-mJURD3ZTHuviQx17Z4OZV4L147KVGZed6z-83kiyNOA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1280" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtwPwVWycUevJFzwyq_ebU6EV_T19oFcIYkmyoxM4ruY8f6WeZNpBMfVAPnYgU0Mlp72-spVWQHJkATrsRWyrFFzsigtGiqTA7tEivW-LYzdxzMP2xrnG3BTPtNnOTnVTI69291m41SFVfPTp-mJURD3ZTHuviQx17Z4OZV4L147KVGZed6z-83kiyNOA=w400-h272" width="400" /></a></div></div>I'm a huge fan of California brown pelicans. I like to watch them flying in formation just above the waves, scanning for fish. I have great memories of communing with them while sea kayaking, when they would sometimes dive quite close to the boat! They strike me as bold confident birds.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">They're larger than their gracefulness suggests—about 4 ft long and 8 lbs in weight, with a wingspan of 6.5+ ft. They dive spectacularly, usually from 10–30 ft above the water but sometimes as high as 60+ ft. Deeper fish require higher dives. Underwater, the pelican's bill opens and its throat pouch stretches to scoop up 2–3 gallons of water plus fish. Back on the surface, the bird tilts its head to release water before swallowing the fish. These pelicans are skilled feeders, eating an estimated 1% of total anchovy biomass off the California coast (they LOVE anchovies).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>In the 1960s and 70s, California brown pelicans nearly went extinct. They were feeding on fish contaminated with the agricultural pesticide DDT. It altered the birds' calcium metabolism, making the shells of their eggs so thin that they broke under the parent's weight. In 1971 the subspecies was listed Endangered, and DDT was banned the next year. It worked! Recovery has been dramatic, resulting in delisting in 2009 (see <b>Sources</b> for more).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjK2jMKeUR-Uhq7pruNO3uk38GiYeuaO3x6qd4T6H2DTnEG4uVRd-OTAUX3ZUSCkwocS4_fFFM2q8QipXDtd6VwYxs5TMOYDrpL4VeltZ01Wqynp0sQYsHKNXKvtzCUGdrPxBvhZv7PdZtkzYniFgZLbmcB6CWsKe47ryHgv6kEjIH_jmo2HXmEJj9deDk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1340" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjK2jMKeUR-Uhq7pruNO3uk38GiYeuaO3x6qd4T6H2DTnEG4uVRd-OTAUX3ZUSCkwocS4_fFFM2q8QipXDtd6VwYxs5TMOYDrpL4VeltZ01Wqynp0sQYsHKNXKvtzCUGdrPxBvhZv7PdZtkzYniFgZLbmcB6CWsKe47ryHgv6kEjIH_jmo2HXmEJj9deDk=w400-h268" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown pelican; photo by William H. Majoros (<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pelican-dive-3.jpg">Wikimedia</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBL7B4e-ZK3th7KIMisAsbaSLf4UurEnXRdlByKd7sN5SM0IuB2Cu52qi2V0qSq2zUyOWM0kNml9mFY36XEx7LGym_jWwCJ91pWKcz-BPV9MRTXQ13KRqFISPpA3nk6v0l2vuYj6ZcVSoHESeFJQJQLbICyeNkEDKD9DzfQM5Gmbqcm2edouMh-V3VnKA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1948" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBL7B4e-ZK3th7KIMisAsbaSLf4UurEnXRdlByKd7sN5SM0IuB2Cu52qi2V0qSq2zUyOWM0kNml9mFY36XEx7LGym_jWwCJ91pWKcz-BPV9MRTXQ13KRqFISPpA3nk6v0l2vuYj6ZcVSoHESeFJQJQLbICyeNkEDKD9DzfQM5Gmbqcm2edouMh-V3VnKA=w400-h224" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California brown pelican; red skin on pouch during breeding season distinguishes this subspecies. (<a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/000/california-brown-pelican.htm">NPS</a>, Tim Hauf photo).</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Sources</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Bartels, M. May 2023. <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bizarre-blue-jellyfish-washing-up-on-california-beaches-are-a-sign-of-spring/">Bizarre Blue ‘Jellyfish’</a> Washing Up on California Beaches Are a Sign of Spring. Scientific American online.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cornell Lab. <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown_Pelican/">Brown Pelican</a> in All About Birds (online).</div><div><br /></div><div>Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. c. 2015. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJGO_bSsR3w">The secret life of Velella</a>: Adrift with the by-the-wind sailor (video). Highly recommended; includes tiny pulsing medusae and philosophical reflection.</div><div><br /></div><div>National Park Service. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/000/california-brown-pelican.htm">California Brown Pelican</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Schuchert, P. 2010. <i>Velella velella</i>, in <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229439705">European athecate hydroids and their medusae</a>. Revue suisse de zoologie 117(3). Velella is on pages 476-480.</div><div><br /></div><div>Shaw, G. 1795. <a href="https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/59283286#page/201/mode/1up">Blue Sailing Medusa</a>. The Naturalist's Miscellany, v.7. Courtesy Biodiversity Heritage Library.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wikipedia's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velella">Velella article</a> has a lot of interesting information.</div><div><br /></div></div></div></div><p></p>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-65288364447897545002023-06-11T17:30:00.001-06:002023-06-11T17:30:30.204-06:00Tree-visiting at Mission La Purísima<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA3587X2KGtvh6JnAsS21UutAH0n5b5ipJrIMDTcbRJot-OE68hvS3xcgiVIWTf-USOFS_GTfLeZfQ4kXUeycR4pr35qNIh6NtjoGJ3bC2WWHY5ruPOYdGqzxaDUYFiHOJDXMUjJ4UDfvr-i7A2h930ulNQPyCGitUcS6LJqAeoQZETmPGQYe3bhXt" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="914" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA3587X2KGtvh6JnAsS21UutAH0n5b5ipJrIMDTcbRJot-OE68hvS3xcgiVIWTf-USOFS_GTfLeZfQ4kXUeycR4pr35qNIh6NtjoGJ3bC2WWHY5ruPOYdGqzxaDUYFiHOJDXMUjJ4UDfvr-i7A2h930ulNQPyCGitUcS6LJqAeoQZETmPGQYe3bhXt=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountains and olive trees. Olive oil was one source of mission income back in the day.</td></tr></tbody></table>Rather than trying to visit my Rocky Mountain Junipers between rainstorms, I'm reporting on some trees I saw at Mission La Purísima in California several weeks ago. It was a lovely spring day and the plants were lush, having been drenched in torrential rains earlier this year.<br /><p></p><p>By far the most common tree was the Coastal (or California) Live Oak, <i>Quercus agrifolia</i>. The old ones were magnificent with their spreading sinuous branches.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh45tRWwX8c8AFtV7R-fHgp1aTwC3Vw1RSr2X6kEJ6YQ7wSbx_Tun-DID5UwL87AmPxvktW3T_xNqFjOXHPXmrbwKI9ptXTjWJ7fxx4dbAScf5ecmG8eT4i9tR4SU8NiOR7TUW2q39D3tPaEUXttwt1hhBuB3U1q2ahOl-SUWXBwTEV7lo3tpg1U7Gk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="731" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh45tRWwX8c8AFtV7R-fHgp1aTwC3Vw1RSr2X6kEJ6YQ7wSbx_Tun-DID5UwL87AmPxvktW3T_xNqFjOXHPXmrbwKI9ptXTjWJ7fxx4dbAScf5ecmG8eT4i9tR4SU8NiOR7TUW2q39D3tPaEUXttwt1hhBuB3U1q2ahOl-SUWXBwTEV7lo3tpg1U7Gk=w400-h309" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6_v28WMA4OxQCyF9qBjXoOQmdU_yFLCJujYCWWnuULtzz2oU8pFqfL7QAr5o-dJESyLjV6NBVd_HpUD0SDEKFWey9Y_yxvbRrkgT534NJx12EZtLdMXruiX1L0uBwhEkUW227Sr9ZlsEVhg4QMLKYIs1H6IZ909pM19fS0aYWKQskAzN4oUtnJ10M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="731" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6_v28WMA4OxQCyF9qBjXoOQmdU_yFLCJujYCWWnuULtzz2oU8pFqfL7QAr5o-dJESyLjV6NBVd_HpUD0SDEKFWey9Y_yxvbRrkgT534NJx12EZtLdMXruiX1L0uBwhEkUW227Sr9ZlsEVhg4QMLKYIs1H6IZ909pM19fS0aYWKQskAzN4oUtnJ10M=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6Sy_ekMcOgbf4OFHt9qchqGS89zpq00ZlB0ZqCJ3_jLP68FoJxlxkaTUf0uaM8C1d0fDd42BqJJEw29J4usKGHhl5bcrFXY1eoJzDTp_bflqD7iU8Xl1FgiX5Xl1sKxkTLyqtvAMSENYi0od_nrhBLazOi8Um56fiMBNE7ueIqCc7LfRQbHFsqzad" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="731" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6Sy_ekMcOgbf4OFHt9qchqGS89zpq00ZlB0ZqCJ3_jLP68FoJxlxkaTUf0uaM8C1d0fDd42BqJJEw29J4usKGHhl5bcrFXY1eoJzDTp_bflqD7iU8Xl1FgiX5Xl1sKxkTLyqtvAMSENYi0od_nrhBLazOi8Um56fiMBNE7ueIqCc7LfRQbHFsqzad=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young oak already beginning to curve, with barrel—for olive oil or maybe wine?</td></tr></tbody></table>On one oak, I found a thriving colony of California's state lichen—<i>Ramalina menziesii</i> or Lace Lichen. It was designated in 2016 by then-Governor Jerry Brown, making California the first state to have a state lichen. How cool is that?!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGTKOXR7bI7P6JTWOYQdKNbpSPzfuJ1CQ2J62JYLnTSgH7DEImzuFA1N9_pWVezZSKUJZsFWOd414_gyxexIsJP9cjdUpCna-r4SilsYuhWLtUzshIJQuFNq3VFiCkNAOcf5PeIdImT1FudRKtJnhalQUxjCt8fHM3hTev6eSoXOTwKGNZHDQpaZn5" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="731" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGTKOXR7bI7P6JTWOYQdKNbpSPzfuJ1CQ2J62JYLnTSgH7DEImzuFA1N9_pWVezZSKUJZsFWOd414_gyxexIsJP9cjdUpCna-r4SilsYuhWLtUzshIJQuFNq3VFiCkNAOcf5PeIdImT1FudRKtJnhalQUxjCt8fHM3hTev6eSoXOTwKGNZHDQpaZn5=w400-h306" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some call it "California Spanish Moss".</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Beneath the great oaks were healthy thickets of Poison Oak (no relation). If you don't know this plant, it causes a terribly-itchy skin rash. But along the trail, someone had kindly trimmed it back, making a wall of sorts.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1051" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1v9_q-3wT1_a84sDqqAd5ZTHw10QPyd2VXMMSYngMT0DgWoUKOSmIQ17oOQpR_TS8B8fApTw84Biwp4h0jtDz0idl1oNjAv2O3rp73sBa06nfyUFXo2Xth4G0FYkw8rVtb-b1ALmr_reH1dAx_A62iPI2d5YUPHGZqOhTP-xoRAK-EEsZR28T47qT=w400-h365" width="400" /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVuHzMKsgvmOaA63fJy3MwvcMq_2tZ8Sb7aYkfq6fYwboipUF-yaUSvTw8oFJ1KHpwvYbuDKBzx9fRPR7uWkjP03EzYUw_GENGLbEQFe-oxwIV6AX9gJcZ6FtqDPaac5NtvIiIuihZro0ZvzBv79eaAFN8NqrZewftnDPB0f9pFhxDb9qZzyc05hkL" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="731" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVuHzMKsgvmOaA63fJy3MwvcMq_2tZ8Sb7aYkfq6fYwboipUF-yaUSvTw8oFJ1KHpwvYbuDKBzx9fRPR7uWkjP03EzYUw_GENGLbEQFe-oxwIV6AX9gJcZ6FtqDPaac5NtvIiIuihZro0ZvzBv79eaAFN8NqrZewftnDPB0f9pFhxDb9qZzyc05hkL=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In all my time in California, I don't remember seeing this much poison oak!</td></tr></tbody></table>Now one more tree ... this one for Pat, of <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/2023/06/07/tree-following-link-box-for-june-2023/">Squirrelbasket</a> fame and host of our monthly gathering of tree-followers. It is what we (on the west side of the pond) call sycamore, <i>Platanus racemosa</i>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWAIgFZI6QvN9VJ0C2hpMuX21o2R9nIwewu67eZhsxOJaUoqJLZBbsO8EGHPqvMpRvm1IVX-Y6DPuaNZtnwJEmUiKEPc7wS-4E0Ulh2_BHW4DVjRtHu86nerQoerNOwPwZUrpCJMSBrLvREuOVu3fTD7IqGMfqsRDPYZfN9P05HnPA2WhXxgqP3UrE"><img alt="" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="731" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWAIgFZI6QvN9VJ0C2hpMuX21o2R9nIwewu67eZhsxOJaUoqJLZBbsO8EGHPqvMpRvm1IVX-Y6DPuaNZtnwJEmUiKEPc7wS-4E0Ulh2_BHW4DVjRtHu86nerQoerNOwPwZUrpCJMSBrLvREuOVu3fTD7IqGMfqsRDPYZfN9P05HnPA2WhXxgqP3UrE=w400-h309" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4wUl1N2fjrY09MssRSQEsjnDu-5HU4lwVyMwYfQzNISBGBwvHMTOpKY6sLdwqrj2AnWEzsf0hEm3V12p3st-iPjf01axWAQ8gEr518exLaE9d9MS7BZ9Na_usL7TkL3gxmFzB8oUAJMSm1ULtTkykK2KaIOHpk0aOSqaaMHRZCGeopFxYZjGdUujl" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="1284" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4wUl1N2fjrY09MssRSQEsjnDu-5HU4lwVyMwYfQzNISBGBwvHMTOpKY6sLdwqrj2AnWEzsf0hEm3V12p3st-iPjf01axWAQ8gEr518exLaE9d9MS7BZ9Na_usL7TkL3gxmFzB8oUAJMSm1ULtTkykK2KaIOHpk0aOSqaaMHRZCGeopFxYZjGdUujl=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Our" sycamore's leaves and bark, courtesy <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmaughn/9647719951/">J. Maughn</a> via Flickr.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdUCoCCRZoB9yZf0M2NkvX01Twuh9MymFqpAY1wmZA3RSISbJJw_D_MUrH6XEjxlzTywjbNCC4tULGBdE4r8bmT16R9KW-NfYQ-ZEKwwzhwdCMQJ3XLx5g2eT_0F7yiDPkHVc5WqTrOVcTa_-8RptLSfCMZ2LpHeDHhbPMZv89QC2KJa92sqJl3wZh" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdUCoCCRZoB9yZf0M2NkvX01Twuh9MymFqpAY1wmZA3RSISbJJw_D_MUrH6XEjxlzTywjbNCC4tULGBdE4r8bmT16R9KW-NfYQ-ZEKwwzhwdCMQJ3XLx5g2eT_0F7yiDPkHVc5WqTrOVcTa_-8RptLSfCMZ2LpHeDHhbPMZv89QC2KJa92sqJl3wZh" width="240" /></a></div>After parking my field assistant and van in the shade, I visited the mission itself, as I have many times. Its historical role is complicated. It was one factor in eradication of traditional Chumash (indigenous) culture. Yet at the same time, Catholicism was strongly embraced and became well-established. “I don’t harbor bitterness because I consider God my spoils of war ... I have my Catholicism.” said Ernestine Ygnacio-De Soto, whose great-grandmother survived the Chumash rebellion. (For a lengthy and thought-provoking account, see "<a href="https://www.santamariasun.com/news/hidden-history-the-chumash-rebellion-of-1824-illustrates-the-changing-conversation-surrounding-life-at-californias-missions-14792167">The Chumash rebellion of 1824</a> illustrates the changing conversation surrounding life at California's missions". <i>Santa Maria Sun</i>, March 2018.)<br /><p></p></div><div>For me, heathen that I am, there was no conflict when I entered the cool quiet space of the mission. The thick adobe walls and simple decor seemed to insulate and protect me from the crazy world outside, and offered a chance for secular contemplation.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg130lRL3wrD8cA6b7EJOIGJ5CwBA_HM6-hoMAJmfGpoZCjMbMIATIItmaf_HEh7t2SQJBKB7IBQOECPMPDExmeSHN0DaTztGqK9nVtiVu1HcfKxj8nOofPR9Lo29ROh-Jt1U42hek3CpUUN3NcD523W9wYF1THp-BxcgH1KCd-Gop7mhEJzQam9O-U=w400-h300" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1036" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOGzqemwT8_j5sNahIdxlGUfLVGos46LMT26DLHeR7waNOeZdl6FMmUxqzhn6hTzAps7FMRiBgjeMMVI9U1P8r9eWMs208GZ0ca25t5ZrQYP4j2ymh2AGgl1qGhgVoAFvrYMZCajmQmsUY3rv4ST9HeuyC0Nydb641_6IhrirehG7Wf8MZ9o1sCjSN=w323-h400" width="323" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiESJGD6XJKz7YuGjz6NdCP6dlW2KV97iWYzi0Dm-yVSPJNPYKwpluQrHyfSVxAIEHdGogHqZWhtPzzBAfzubKpleVkq7k1As4MwpsIVNdskeXH2cqnCwD-ccWJb_jTQAPw6IgsxPjyBpjw2SMyEhR0Khc_aPYFFi3Zgbyn-kmxNOvfI6EHkw_wv0a4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1010" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiESJGD6XJKz7YuGjz6NdCP6dlW2KV97iWYzi0Dm-yVSPJNPYKwpluQrHyfSVxAIEHdGogHqZWhtPzzBAfzubKpleVkq7k1As4MwpsIVNdskeXH2cqnCwD-ccWJb_jTQAPw6IgsxPjyBpjw2SMyEhR0Khc_aPYFFi3Zgbyn-kmxNOvfI6EHkw_wv0a4=w252-h320" width="252" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mission La Purísima was established in 1787, rebuilt in its present location after a large earthquake in 1812, secularized in 1834, and was in ruins by the 1930s. It was reconstructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, an amazing project and <a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24893">fascinating story</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The park is in La Cañada de los Berros (watercress canyon) very close to the town of Lompoc, yet it feels remote. It's a beautiful and peaceful place to visit—except perhaps in April when group after group of local fourth-graders tours the grounds (as I did, MANY years ago). As a bonus there are about 25 miles of trails, and dogs are allowed on leash.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaw5hzr-U9a0Txm-PLzV4Jd_pbqH8Qc6qs-QcUCC9q-LyOnQfae_4wNpyRZfj-52JOdvWmYu6EEwkJl0S5zSzPoCiJikQFq3KymWlLmRBIHGydu7_gXHoj9Efz1gDoCQtiAljyAr-F3_QkIUkdbSFRwu3GyQBkdcRVa4xssz9D6ZHHpwfYdEklVeHJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="914" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaw5hzr-U9a0Txm-PLzV4Jd_pbqH8Qc6qs-QcUCC9q-LyOnQfae_4wNpyRZfj-52JOdvWmYu6EEwkJl0S5zSzPoCiJikQFq3KymWlLmRBIHGydu7_gXHoj9Efz1gDoCQtiAljyAr-F3_QkIUkdbSFRwu3GyQBkdcRVa4xssz9D6ZHHpwfYdEklVeHJ=w400-h305" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-81964426181182934782023-06-01T19:38:00.001-06:002023-06-01T19:41:56.924-06:00California's Central Coast, through a lens<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBcagRDh9Lu0trBsXJ7Kvdr7eRuMQSJJHj1Opwnup4vqdS3aOhmEYKg0JLRrmonG5OB1jPqX39_fNahWFbFgXPub6chf9lYiIewJj37WqvPojG1pY3qKsDSk7-MDmUC03Ajm4BDNGK7VqD0YqmtaOzlwbBRrODbfu-GNi2S_ju5YnZxmwGlr1rvHg_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1280" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBcagRDh9Lu0trBsXJ7Kvdr7eRuMQSJJHj1Opwnup4vqdS3aOhmEYKg0JLRrmonG5OB1jPqX39_fNahWFbFgXPub6chf9lYiIewJj37WqvPojG1pY3qKsDSk7-MDmUC03Ajm4BDNGK7VqD0YqmtaOzlwbBRrODbfu-GNi2S_ju5YnZxmwGlr1rvHg_=w400-h278" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"I gazing at the boundaries of granite and spray, the established sea-marks, felt behind me</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mountain and plain, the immense breadth of the continent,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">before me the mass and doubled stretch of water."</span></div><p>Those are not my words. Robinson Jeffers wrote them a century ago. But that's very much how I felt after driving across the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, Mojave Desert, Central Valley, and Coast Range to reach the "Continent's End" as Jeffers called it. He loved this rugged coast with off and on fog—a place where we can <span style="text-align: center;">"unhumanize our views a little, and become confident, a</span><span style="text-align: center;">s the rock and ocean ... "</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirCFPtIPPoXOhFZXmpWijZF4V3cJ3pDLoJKLDN3mbj8HepTiOW4Xfws02_zhCE2EXM0m6yvRkrIVsgoxFjtHCL03S-xTMLGL1OMtpNSVoVBGz4pnEfWGliF4oThiHl9R_QKQyNgDm-B3piUrzIVQGJk6yF_oCCKIiQlF73Jq8wvCISXpItpyMk4ty2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1280" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirCFPtIPPoXOhFZXmpWijZF4V3cJ3pDLoJKLDN3mbj8HepTiOW4Xfws02_zhCE2EXM0m6yvRkrIVsgoxFjtHCL03S-xTMLGL1OMtpNSVoVBGz4pnEfWGliF4oThiHl9R_QKQyNgDm-B3piUrzIVQGJk6yF_oCCKIiQlF73Jq8wvCISXpItpyMk4ty2=w400-h265" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Estero Beach State Park north of Cayucos, in intermittent fog.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpH6yv713hB6rxFFIhVmf4aWUU5Jfbwk7Ru7M2GddlMXtOTHdpeuq3uVlm_ggYlBe1nEU9kILcm_2g2izvkZTl3GkLGdgfZNTHhJB1QXvAAg6LHr9ioOox4Fio9JAwoN8KQ0omipbVXkAbGq24uRb8cgyRLsL58PI1fjeQMEnRsTMZdP9eE78kBvSP"><img alt="" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1280" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpH6yv713hB6rxFFIhVmf4aWUU5Jfbwk7Ru7M2GddlMXtOTHdpeuq3uVlm_ggYlBe1nEU9kILcm_2g2izvkZTl3GkLGdgfZNTHhJB1QXvAAg6LHr9ioOox4Fio9JAwoN8KQ0omipbVXkAbGq24uRb8cgyRLsL58PI1fjeQMEnRsTMZdP9eE78kBvSP=w400-h286" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBP5CnfKKLEjUwrcP6J10WW7aJaEdh7bWR_PqkWDs1DLMHntcY0rhhCjR9UB6WSi5faLLJ-giQgUUGJqwlhFISvJ_wTcal2t-xRaanwTtJGMRJ75FEaDNKEdDyxEfxEhxnK30V0rTI884NFw1u4-vBy7z0OIh3RxCD8gYK5154dNf4YiiBv3vIN6hR" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBP5CnfKKLEjUwrcP6J10WW7aJaEdh7bWR_PqkWDs1DLMHntcY0rhhCjR9UB6WSi5faLLJ-giQgUUGJqwlhFISvJ_wTcal2t-xRaanwTtJGMRJ75FEaDNKEdDyxEfxEhxnK30V0rTI884NFw1u4-vBy7z0OIh3RxCD8gYK5154dNf4YiiBv3vIN6hR=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herring Gulls probably (note pink leg).</td></tr></tbody></table>Cormorants were cooperative, hardly moving while I played with my new camera and lens.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1bhbxzZYUEtSor3tE7ND4fabFVqXLcs0wJa-dYSniJN7nX61L4kV0zZ1zC6DxLNmc501HmUmlgGuX6FXWi4NErx4SEaFp6tvfhX7-HeFtM_P3TgiGq4_6RQFttki7rR6uaswQQyojfzlpxVv93jadUD6V8u5GrZHMnZMXvyDYgw32rDhLbmmz7eAf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1116" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1bhbxzZYUEtSor3tE7ND4fabFVqXLcs0wJa-dYSniJN7nX61L4kV0zZ1zC6DxLNmc501HmUmlgGuX6FXWi4NErx4SEaFp6tvfhX7-HeFtM_P3TgiGq4_6RQFttki7rR6uaswQQyojfzlpxVv93jadUD6V8u5GrZHMnZMXvyDYgw32rDhLbmmz7eAf=w400-h310" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxvF5AKSsvF-3cJUA9OjTvXIiud7RIAzdEIGwDEY4lIHonGpUa9wbZHdhE7LBRTLEt_0vLRpwA-vxjF1745CSPWOB7QmO0go4VOgtKBS4xho3YB3DMva5Pt816RDPB9IfH9Zum3CnE9lTLqzrryweD3D3qNzmXU3O38wDL4Y65ztFupq-W-BZfO70z" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxvF5AKSsvF-3cJUA9OjTvXIiud7RIAzdEIGwDEY4lIHonGpUa9wbZHdhE7LBRTLEt_0vLRpwA-vxjF1745CSPWOB7QmO0go4VOgtKBS4xho3YB3DMva5Pt816RDPB9IfH9Zum3CnE9lTLqzrryweD3D3qNzmXU3O38wDL4Y65ztFupq-W-BZfO70z=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDCts-4YzkJNVuy2ZvHALiKAVn208RhL6lldI8Mb5EtePuig4nZpJRcD6hRKuXfq8myn7qLYWuNLdhk_W3RYK-6G6JMQvwuYD3FxZGzYBt6peJYVkaLFsGJ6NsbHbHYpfTtfnphW0SudkwuBQMlqv4PAuZCCXUQabVr3BiOFHe24IWgTFMHjqsI9oe" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1280" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDCts-4YzkJNVuy2ZvHALiKAVn208RhL6lldI8Mb5EtePuig4nZpJRcD6hRKuXfq8myn7qLYWuNLdhk_W3RYK-6G6JMQvwuYD3FxZGzYBt6peJYVkaLFsGJ6NsbHbHYpfTtfnphW0SudkwuBQMlqv4PAuZCCXUQabVr3BiOFHe24IWgTFMHjqsI9oe=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seabirds as sculpture.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My friend showed me a curious erosion-resistant white deposit near the base of the bluffs. <a href="https://geotripper.blogspot.com/">Geotripper</a> Garry Hayes says it's calcite, perhaps from a spring. What do you think?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOExIYIPNkn2fW5c3F8dUghcsMZ5-jw5KtPFj8zgUhBtCDfZqAsDT-ZL_ZmuwaCTEaczzz_NEyl5thZnx3yg9MaoUAr2mmL5ePVd6AQLiTJaF5vAiO6g7Lsjwgz880lgObm8E-ss_zUog7CW8zLhgnsm3K8p_LnQTDCKqM9-5MtaO3PMRaoUx1y7xp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOExIYIPNkn2fW5c3F8dUghcsMZ5-jw5KtPFj8zgUhBtCDfZqAsDT-ZL_ZmuwaCTEaczzz_NEyl5thZnx3yg9MaoUAr2mmL5ePVd6AQLiTJaF5vAiO6g7Lsjwgz880lgObm8E-ss_zUog7CW8zLhgnsm3K8p_LnQTDCKqM9-5MtaO3PMRaoUx1y7xp=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjNXZngmt4RkP7mPBUbhpI5fLd6MHD-Kk5WBxZWJ-r1_k0SEJZM7QIbTtFpmM4USPuNz8dJJuFQdAhTqwE5tuJWs42l6Uv-zW4iVZF6UjrZ4xgbQ-G01ZFnEW0nvWnuTeSOXCVCVBw-EcNbgDhmDQYRU-qMKG1c6joDGELPZBYRe58-jeTHDkaxx2l" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="731" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjNXZngmt4RkP7mPBUbhpI5fLd6MHD-Kk5WBxZWJ-r1_k0SEJZM7QIbTtFpmM4USPuNz8dJJuFQdAhTqwE5tuJWs42l6Uv-zW4iVZF6UjrZ4xgbQ-G01ZFnEW0nvWnuTeSOXCVCVBw-EcNbgDhmDQYRU-qMKG1c6joDGELPZBYRe58-jeTHDkaxx2l" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiV8q8pLlOXO7YSMudv2LY_ac3_L4e1cbc1xbjpqXy8MamJgEbEwxO3jHWzqHbu8KLzpR7gtEejGD7PW_0O4g4Lgc7_VAis2wifUJtLjqSvWidD76IYUFJVtBkUADLQfSBIftaAiOz_15hHdoyamzNEcW6tkTiHqL09hN0_LGE09vcsLQH3hyfFznNX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="805" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiV8q8pLlOXO7YSMudv2LY_ac3_L4e1cbc1xbjpqXy8MamJgEbEwxO3jHWzqHbu8KLzpR7gtEejGD7PW_0O4g4Lgc7_VAis2wifUJtLjqSvWidD76IYUFJVtBkUADLQfSBIftaAiOz_15hHdoyamzNEcW6tkTiHqL09hN0_LGE09vcsLQH3hyfFznNX=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is harder to explain ;)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The next day, I hiked up the Point Sal road south of Guadalupe. It climbs steeply, and then winds down down down to Point Sal State Beach. The road is closed to motorized vehicles, is dirt much of the way, and is quite rough in places. Hard to imagine going to Point Sal in the family station wagon! But that's what we did.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbqVYAGLVTyXF6c7BwiopdgBntcXG1tMir9uMhglG9hXfGW6dSq583CAnW-N6W4aWEm1BVu2jf6hn8sIVGyXCT3r-08fN3XgCvS9J0B7Ckdi8bLukyM4xqbaHC38oi93AGN_7NFq04Xl7x0e2dBUqxBbAIVUYy_gk-sCZFjASqqzCVHjZPbDM5YTsW" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1280" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbqVYAGLVTyXF6c7BwiopdgBntcXG1tMir9uMhglG9hXfGW6dSq583CAnW-N6W4aWEm1BVu2jf6hn8sIVGyXCT3r-08fN3XgCvS9J0B7Ckdi8bLukyM4xqbaHC38oi93AGN_7NFq04Xl7x0e2dBUqxBbAIVUYy_gk-sCZFjASqqzCVHjZPbDM5YTsW=w400-h284" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down from the Point Sal road; trailhead is white spot in lower left quarter.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>The hills were still green (normally brown by now) and plants were flourishing, thanks to torrential rains earlier in the year.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguTIxzs_67ohRCsJbIXiklW7wP1TDGICaMHvWXd-NOrqFMI2nnvbnvXHC2b32MMWtuSIwWyyMgeOBmlEk6ZNPQPR76qsWpw2siaGtdrYPI5G9mc1ueHeyliYS8lArvWEleQ5mUKWdrNJCpD2_RPHVY88qIRh1Q1uy4-dT_Y47ZZZT0XYLvJx52sgXM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="731" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguTIxzs_67ohRCsJbIXiklW7wP1TDGICaMHvWXd-NOrqFMI2nnvbnvXHC2b32MMWtuSIwWyyMgeOBmlEk6ZNPQPR76qsWpw2siaGtdrYPI5G9mc1ueHeyliYS8lArvWEleQ5mUKWdrNJCpD2_RPHVY88qIRh1Q1uy4-dT_Y47ZZZT0XYLvJx52sgXM=w400-h302" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beloved and the despised: orange California Poppy and yellow <a href="https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/newsletter/2022-04-07/mustard-fields-wildflowers-southern-california-the-wild">Black Mustard</a> (actually, some people like the yellow patches the mustard adds to our grasslands).</td></tr></tbody></table>I spotted several giant thistles along the road—about six feet tall! This is the non-native Blessed Milkthistle. It's listed Noxious in some parts of the country, but the <a href="https://www.cal-ipc.org/plants/profile/silybum-marianum-profile/ ">California Invasive Plants Council</a> considers it of limited concern, with low rates of invasion and minor ecological impact. I was taken by its dramatic features, especially the boldly mottled leaves.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMUjGYDpxTZYqe-CMgTeMNZdJRI9twBAKN4PAIxjL2FPtzVZScUtDRYke-C11CXysHljl8oAR6R1UFc6KvEeIsAKDgO_NRrvF1JevQaOZNGVHBBubvlMI2rwA6xOh7gmbBkGaqG9XNzp2BYSxZ_euMYgWt1pARICNg_xjZ78uDpe1zE6DUsKufn4rN" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1280" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMUjGYDpxTZYqe-CMgTeMNZdJRI9twBAKN4PAIxjL2FPtzVZScUtDRYke-C11CXysHljl8oAR6R1UFc6KvEeIsAKDgO_NRrvF1JevQaOZNGVHBBubvlMI2rwA6xOh7gmbBkGaqG9XNzp2BYSxZ_euMYgWt1pARICNg_xjZ78uDpe1zE6DUsKufn4rN=w400-h291" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Silybum marianum.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz9qgB3UyM6-WlLCJ2ktK2gAjPA-F9l1sbIOArWgIUL5Tc18yc0cOzi-qI6i9vXct6XRRRf4N_-0iRnVGBLLwFNzgNm8fyLr1xIFEvJ9dZD--Fv-bbVEFY5orWbibpmiWxxUuZnoFd7sS5X7LbQ-q_4Vvfa6Awv97EfVk5LyUAIbHlt1xbyTNqWAZI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz9qgB3UyM6-WlLCJ2ktK2gAjPA-F9l1sbIOArWgIUL5Tc18yc0cOzi-qI6i9vXct6XRRRf4N_-0iRnVGBLLwFNzgNm8fyLr1xIFEvJ9dZD--Fv-bbVEFY5orWbibpmiWxxUuZnoFd7sS5X7LbQ-q_4Vvfa6Awv97EfVk5LyUAIbHlt1xbyTNqWAZI=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieEbgj2i6dXS-ol35TkzLKUPX-TBrEsKGVI1_o1gEtUzREV1Jv8QVJxKKE7GECqNFPNbLV5d4I-p2JT9IiG6sTfCEBPVziPol947VvXgQv392CcMEbArW8WY9RjgUXKXwtmto5Tupyk6Ax1qq1OWdIjN0Czvpu7uU4BOsId3Nek22YwWyHSC3wgAfl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieEbgj2i6dXS-ol35TkzLKUPX-TBrEsKGVI1_o1gEtUzREV1Jv8QVJxKKE7GECqNFPNbLV5d4I-p2JT9IiG6sTfCEBPVziPol947VvXgQv392CcMEbArW8WY9RjgUXKXwtmto5Tupyk6Ax1qq1OWdIjN0Czvpu7uU4BOsId3Nek22YwWyHSC3wgAfl=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div>I turned around at the crest, far above Point Sal beach. Views down can be spectacular, but that day they were mostly hidden by fog—the ocean's breath (channeling Jeffers again).<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrqsviAT2vWCkE9ED3f-dp1AYO8byXYap5VgQ-S4CwjYoOvYyYG_5YGdQiA2TXxl37axHEkKxB3Lc0jGvCr13VIDRVMXkecJ5ThEsEk7UjYMTkEqMgQmLGvRWXsaCYQY4qDohNph6tALTE_33aQfRlUBy9rLqjqsGmnc3u53wFrjDgwFgGsBU-wh5b" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1280" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrqsviAT2vWCkE9ED3f-dp1AYO8byXYap5VgQ-S4CwjYoOvYyYG_5YGdQiA2TXxl37axHEkKxB3Lc0jGvCr13VIDRVMXkecJ5ThEsEk7UjYMTkEqMgQmLGvRWXsaCYQY4qDohNph6tALTE_33aQfRlUBy9rLqjqsGmnc3u53wFrjDgwFgGsBU-wh5b=w400-h256" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking south with a bit of ocean and strand visible below the fog bank.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZq3OkeDvm5qKkq-6otBRmYfBWTiag9RAN_pIcmtgLT8MBuoWPX4imsQ4XbIOKBkNlhKH-yHVCzgPoydhsC0GMyEL2X-6xi4jccpk_20uCEmiCAbdUMI2fhvwQtB9Vj0b18T3sPyAtD-q5QEpyWFJ7F-Q3jYxpyQT8uh85rnU31DYIsqHElRRnJfGN" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1280" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZq3OkeDvm5qKkq-6otBRmYfBWTiag9RAN_pIcmtgLT8MBuoWPX4imsQ4XbIOKBkNlhKH-yHVCzgPoydhsC0GMyEL2X-6xi4jccpk_20uCEmiCAbdUMI2fhvwQtB9Vj0b18T3sPyAtD-q5QEpyWFJ7F-Q3jYxpyQT8uh85rnU31DYIsqHElRRnJfGN=w400-h276" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rugged north end of Point Sal beach ... a view I will never tire of!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p></div>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-77509515880505150272023-05-12T17:50:00.000-06:002023-05-12T17:50:59.006-06:00Tree-following: What to do on a windy Wyoming day?<p style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwalOt_ZqnVhA_SA0G9aSvi3aW6VBSsAXOGbOPXcr5oBPiyrwd6iwPxTsC5tjl-QebtUvffrqVoyqiUCvJUJHuujEuu5tS1icPAzP9hpi5BNCMWGHH4vcEphHdvULSUu-c5ld8hoSq1m0x6m7xoPUFankyOVJsJcvxHqMW4dG0RT9TNCkSeiz5452Q" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="640" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwalOt_ZqnVhA_SA0G9aSvi3aW6VBSsAXOGbOPXcr5oBPiyrwd6iwPxTsC5tjl-QebtUvffrqVoyqiUCvJUJHuujEuu5tS1icPAzP9hpi5BNCMWGHH4vcEphHdvULSUu-c5ld8hoSq1m0x6m7xoPUFankyOVJsJcvxHqMW4dG0RT9TNCkSeiz5452Q=w400-h261" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid-photo are the two Rocky Mountain Junipers I'm following, at the base of the Laramie Mountains.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOvERGNoz5ZFxaU1HOmc4mKHxS9ZuMPqjTU5RHVUeducvSiDHg2qDxj8tVhVe6Ld_W0VxD1Lzi7mD3uEKxYGlCyV9B2xRvn9TEYmoB3Ixoxfp6h4O9fFm4fTwuoolUJpTGLzLyQHOoM3VJqHhkr1Csw8t7HbaahiLcEDwupQNTm9NhL-C7VqwDT3nG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOvERGNoz5ZFxaU1HOmc4mKHxS9ZuMPqjTU5RHVUeducvSiDHg2qDxj8tVhVe6Ld_W0VxD1Lzi7mD3uEKxYGlCyV9B2xRvn9TEYmoB3Ixoxfp6h4O9fFm4fTwuoolUJpTGLzLyQHOoM3VJqHhkr1Csw8t7HbaahiLcEDwupQNTm9NhL-C7VqwDT3nG=w300-h400" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The approach was not a problem.</td></tr></tbody></table>A few days ago I made a short excursion to visit the junipers I'm following this year. Average wind speed was 28 miles per hour, with gusts to 40. From a distance this wasn't a problem. But up close the trees were frantically waving in the blustery southeasterly wind, portent of an approaching storm system. Indeed it rained buckets the next two days!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8bEzxmxzgHn43Vco9UgvNiOrUHIOvT9jWoUrVACgs8qCNguABpLclyeMlnyrl4FWKr9bsJVLuni03arjBCh6TGZk7gXLOiEPF0lRrdUF6J2rfmC9uBZ4z_W2xWe_9YgL5KKcnnAryxnFZzIMRJpKFLpv74W8rk-w4Fw60ujVZa3HBTrUjx-kV1JCI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="640" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8bEzxmxzgHn43Vco9UgvNiOrUHIOvT9jWoUrVACgs8qCNguABpLclyeMlnyrl4FWKr9bsJVLuni03arjBCh6TGZk7gXLOiEPF0lRrdUF6J2rfmC9uBZ4z_W2xWe_9YgL5KKcnnAryxnFZzIMRJpKFLpv74W8rk-w4Fw60ujVZa3HBTrUjx-kV1JCI=w400-h294" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo at highest shutter speed allowed.</td></tr></tbody></table>So I took photos of a neighboring plant instead. It was less than 2 cm tall and not much bothered by the wind.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnhPUsXJ83JoF8KVz3FzR9KYhf8ubdt6iu6Ki9bhHvsDP-gIHHnny0l4vsEokFiJGTithIcQ7ZeoNHjAeWUmlhakRaJ0QDoR6tAALZGbiLPQsigZLctIreIrJmcqvpYxKcEX8jYrNH6VOAZaAWwKvDR5-434EM4p0VjbGvlUzDbwp6HmPNOuXcfbz6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnhPUsXJ83JoF8KVz3FzR9KYhf8ubdt6iu6Ki9bhHvsDP-gIHHnny0l4vsEokFiJGTithIcQ7ZeoNHjAeWUmlhakRaJ0QDoR6tAALZGbiLPQsigZLctIreIrJmcqvpYxKcEX8jYrNH6VOAZaAWwKvDR5-434EM4p0VjbGvlUzDbwp6HmPNOuXcfbz6=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div></div>Even after wandering out here all these years, I'm still impressed and astonished that plants can become established and survive in a tiny crevice or depression in bare rock, exposed to the desiccating Wyoming wind. I wonder how old this one is?<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh00bjnA56tppgf-DviZWqRzrq7lm9Pmwss068FwhpxNRwlvPCFXtpmG1cWU0uaz9Jth15X67E-vEBKz0uGdTuEyFSJMbhUv9vQHv9ib_Y9YYbjsmoHPBw8_pSX_vEK0Dvenj-OwYm3sUkHIT6kQQI8WWRgvJ-7mk6te_53RPvIj6wbI8UXjc6jCY1g" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh00bjnA56tppgf-DviZWqRzrq7lm9Pmwss068FwhpxNRwlvPCFXtpmG1cWU0uaz9Jth15X67E-vEBKz0uGdTuEyFSJMbhUv9vQHv9ib_Y9YYbjsmoHPBw8_pSX_vEK0Dvenj-OwYm3sUkHIT6kQQI8WWRgvJ-7mk6te_53RPvIj6wbI8UXjc6jCY1g=w400-h400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The leaves are covered in silky hairs.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div>The scientific name of this plant is <i>Tetraneuris acaulis</i> (Pursh) Greene var. <i>caespitosa</i> A. Nels. There's an interesting bit of history encoded here. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Traugott_Pursh">F.T. Pursh</a> was the first to name the species (<i>Gaillardia acaulis</i>), in 1814. Then in 1898, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Lee_Greene">E.L. Green</a> moved it to the genus <i>Tetraneuris</i>. In the meantime our very own Aven Nelson, Father of Wyoming Botany, found populations in the Laramie area that were different enough to be be recognized as a new variety. "Its matted habit, silky-lanate leaves and very short scapes [flowering stems] easily separate it." he wrote in 1899. Nelson's 1898 collection from the "Laramie Hills" was the type specimen (basis for description) for the new variety.</div><div><div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyMdz7L_VV-2qNcZe1V3RadO7f8xbllk0JHmtWFbu1DqkrOPlSkE09501NfpPBPh7bZkh39oN6L-vK_54Vb90Oc9fRzr1aNC-Rj7C3gfyvr8g6hPUFrpyUjPB4gu3UDJRIvYGDOpt3jYev-qONzMCI_SeVD52IBlpAr8ImTHnbQplRrZigTsIC5OEw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2390" data-original-width="1745" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyMdz7L_VV-2qNcZe1V3RadO7f8xbllk0JHmtWFbu1DqkrOPlSkE09501NfpPBPh7bZkh39oN6L-vK_54Vb90Oc9fRzr1aNC-Rj7C3gfyvr8g6hPUFrpyUjPB4gu3UDJRIvYGDOpt3jYev-qONzMCI_SeVD52IBlpAr8ImTHnbQplRrZigTsIC5OEw=w292-h400" width="292" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the <a href="http://www.rmh.uwyo.edu/">Rocky Mountain Herbarium</a>, U. Wyoming. Click image to view labels.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>Zooming in (below), w<span style="text-align: center;">e see this is a member of the daisy or aster family (Asteraceae). What some would interpret as a single flower is actually many tiny ones: a round cluster of disc flowers surrounded by ray flowers with strap-like united petals.</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGiWLLvhQuEOfHkevOAXwz99iHnfDQI-jigQUzxnyie6lMDGb9kYx636Uge_ffXuVTPCbWMe_IgE6p-7xPiRM-gp_CQ5rU5XEwHjrYSPjj72_e58nYIhsbA9GSTRVqWWFHtClT6OG2wugGsoJvemyYw7tvwpi85gH12eG3o5eYoIDyoFy49xup07Hc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGiWLLvhQuEOfHkevOAXwz99iHnfDQI-jigQUzxnyie6lMDGb9kYx636Uge_ffXuVTPCbWMe_IgE6p-7xPiRM-gp_CQ5rU5XEwHjrYSPjj72_e58nYIhsbA9GSTRVqWWFHtClT6OG2wugGsoJvemyYw7tvwpi85gH12eG3o5eYoIDyoFy49xup07Hc=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div></span>Nelson provided no common name, so I checked the <a href="https://www.itis.gov/">Integrated Taxonomic Information System</a>, supported and used by many North American governmental agencies. Officially, this is the Caespitose Four-nerve Daisy, a translation of the Latin. But there's gotta be something better! I suggest Nelson's Silky Stemless Daisy :)<span style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><b>Sources</b></div><div>Information about taxonomic and nomenclatural history of plant species is available at <a href="https://www.tropicos.org/home">Tropicos</a>, often with links to historical literature, including the wonderful offerings of the <a href="https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/">Biodiversity Heritage Library</a>. That's where I found <a href="http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/openurl?pid=title:9540&volume=28&issue=2&spage=127&date=1899">Aven Nelson's 1899 article</a> about the genus <i>Tetraneuris</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHtD_GaVhnnBF_rP6PGNfOtZXSpT3WRqpTGsgrzpo4nlKyC1hWNqCNmLcaytGm3rutk-sIMh7Elc3cLaZGcmEFOxZ_YnQSyFlW0t0FqEXrGdzXrXgX0wca6OQY5drwIlG19_C8u1z2cKs9VhiOJTyfsz3CUMz4HOt75x-zzOmk4r8VnZNm89_jVkD/s252/treefollowing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="252" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHtD_GaVhnnBF_rP6PGNfOtZXSpT3WRqpTGsgrzpo4nlKyC1hWNqCNmLcaytGm3rutk-sIMh7Elc3cLaZGcmEFOxZ_YnQSyFlW0t0FqEXrGdzXrXgX0wca6OQY5drwIlG19_C8u1z2cKs9VhiOJTyfsz3CUMz4HOt75x-zzOmk4r8VnZNm89_jVkD/w200-h185/treefollowing2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>This is my rather tangential contribution to news from the tree-followers who gather monthly. More <b><a href="https://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=squirrelbasket&postid=06May2023&meme=12481">here</a></b>. Thanks to <a href="https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/2023/05/07/tree-following-link-box-for-may-2023/">The Squirrelbasket</a> for continuing to host!</div><div><br /><p></p></div></div></div></div>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192250381057989170.post-10169353197627862162023-04-14T10:50:00.000-06:002023-04-14T10:50:01.243-06:00April Tree-following—about that Lichen<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0H5QhT2aPexbYMs7mXWHlvvYrrwH-LbHeWa3dK3OzwZ0oZnnlvquAR6vBKoZJKDgZ4cbwTbTgC4B6x04lIqTxOh_u8RvMHC-StLwmclFiYf7lQygOplRiWIuJn-GUC0yszaKjaTdL3xALYN8e7aL8oyY2Z4VJhyYr4EZqBbomQV9W0_XliMc197ca" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1118" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0H5QhT2aPexbYMs7mXWHlvvYrrwH-LbHeWa3dK3OzwZ0oZnnlvquAR6vBKoZJKDgZ4cbwTbTgC4B6x04lIqTxOh_u8RvMHC-StLwmclFiYf7lQygOplRiWIuJn-GUC0yszaKjaTdL3xALYN8e7aL8oyY2Z4VJhyYr4EZqBbomQV9W0_XliMc197ca=w350-h400" width="350" /></a></div>Several days ago, we headed off to visit the trees I'm following this year. It was a warmish sunny day that felt like spring, finally. And it was very windy, as is often the case in spring.<p></p><div>The two Rocky Mountain Junipers were looking good. The midday light showed their difference in color. The darker tree is the one with "berries" (fleshy cones) on the leeward side. Almost all are yellow. Two seasons are needed for berries to mature. Last year must have been a good one, given all the yellow berries. If the experts are right, this year we will watch them turn blue black.<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5RTCO5fQVfIb53nzoEyk3ViHJQWHpav6Q2iwwm1moWJTgU6kHry_MhG7ph6IE6nRAdqvxitiZiBOl9VdtHPaNuRKwMAIPLZp5baiU07-ITDrkOM6ZcRCf-7-EiFL4gTfK289X-Q1W3q0FwJNNui64uNzu1ygP0MlFwWHB34bFlJcJ6dOS-hUh0ooZ"><img alt="" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1008" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5RTCO5fQVfIb53nzoEyk3ViHJQWHpav6Q2iwwm1moWJTgU6kHry_MhG7ph6IE6nRAdqvxitiZiBOl9VdtHPaNuRKwMAIPLZp5baiU07-ITDrkOM6ZcRCf-7-EiFL4gTfK289X-Q1W3q0FwJNNui64uNzu1ygP0MlFwWHB34bFlJcJ6dOS-hUh0ooZ=w400-h268" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWkDTTJwu0mPCSC-f5XMcUdtmsemRryojmp6OBMVEJfu0Vxj5RmK2ApuB0gkRqzxkxwffwXZcJqrfIBC3KA9CRNG3tjciGhFInl-lBUbOPLmoQea2eW6VVkr71ADEXgmafGtgf4kIEzneFenXm6ZAgR68_ck_TyufUYIsFuEqctQLDfXrP8ucZj1qR" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="799" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWkDTTJwu0mPCSC-f5XMcUdtmsemRryojmp6OBMVEJfu0Vxj5RmK2ApuB0gkRqzxkxwffwXZcJqrfIBC3KA9CRNG3tjciGhFInl-lBUbOPLmoQea2eW6VVkr71ADEXgmafGtgf4kIEzneFenXm6ZAgR68_ck_TyufUYIsFuEqctQLDfXrP8ucZj1qR=w317-h400" width="317" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With so much wind, sharp closeup photos were impossible.</td></tr></tbody></table>Last month I included photos of a lichen that is really common on the ground in this area. Several readers responded with id suggestions and information—thanks!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLZQAxWDIPeJYOcVKdsICCb0x-EvALFXqfMK_75iRvuQAevZZ0HH0W7QSmiALx6tXGKpijgPeoudsKDgNUGpRcEkDaM5C1kZ-hB2vFzKlLXgFVTWDacGi2kXqTqq66Z8jjNwB0VbTZ0ferIEV06mnHso6krK3_KEzmQSx3JNW_-JRonkwKEh4fOOFd" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="936" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLZQAxWDIPeJYOcVKdsICCb0x-EvALFXqfMK_75iRvuQAevZZ0HH0W7QSmiALx6tXGKpijgPeoudsKDgNUGpRcEkDaM5C1kZ-hB2vFzKlLXgFVTWDacGi2kXqTqq66Z8jjNwB0VbTZ0ferIEV06mnHso6krK3_KEzmQSx3JNW_-JRonkwKEh4fOOFd=w320-h320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mystery lichen in March.</td></tr></tbody></table>You probably know that lichens are symbiotic beings. That puts you are ahead of the great botanist Carl Linnaeus, who considered them “poor peasants of the plant world”. Wrong, Carl! But of course that was nearly three centuries ago. We've since figured out that lichens are <u>not</u> plants but rather composite organisms—a fungus and an alga or a cyanobacterium living tightly integrated lives. See Wikipedia's very interesting <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lichen">lichen page</a> about their ecology, how they grow, their long evolutionary history, and the problems they cause when we try to classify them :) For a more philosophical view, try <a href="https://www.themarginalian.org/2023/03/25/lichens/">Lichens and the Meaning of Life</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The lichen that is so common in the eastern part of the Laramie Basin is ... (fanfare) ... Tumbleweed Lichen! That is sooooo perfect for our windy world. Tumbleweed Lichen is a vagrant lichen, also an apt name. Instead of attaching to a substrate—rock, log, fence, etc.—it hugs the ground until wind sends it traveling again.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-vrOwums2HLiS5IMUak3Z0e-wXaedH0hEIQ9RVekd9nM2hikFhLxpTNFE8E-75di9sdFDcGgOYkU0wEYNeQ-VXgWMPNiHv5znFdUb7a4asEzYrmkiJaMIsXUA4LsklMTftQ4fttZYqunEUCEViQKyarkPFICa0s_vPXanJTjzv_0XLMgYDXW68r--" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1249" data-original-width="930" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-vrOwums2HLiS5IMUak3Z0e-wXaedH0hEIQ9RVekd9nM2hikFhLxpTNFE8E-75di9sdFDcGgOYkU0wEYNeQ-VXgWMPNiHv5znFdUb7a4asEzYrmkiJaMIsXUA4LsklMTftQ4fttZYqunEUCEViQKyarkPFICa0s_vPXanJTjzv_0XLMgYDXW68r--=w239-h320" width="239" /></a></div>Our Tumbleweed Lichen is probably <i>Xanthoparmelia camtschadalis</i> or maybe <i>X. chlorochroa</i>. Seven <i>Xanthoparmelia</i> species occur in Wyoming and they're hard to tell apart. <i>X. camtschadalis</i> is common east of the continental divide, which is where Laramie is located.</div><div><br /></div><div>The junipers I'm following grow in dry sagebrush grassland on thin rocky soil developed on limestone (at or not far below the surface)—harsh conditions, but Tumbleweed Lichen obviously does well here. Coverage ranges from small patches here and there to extensive ground cover, especially on the windward side of sagebrush, grass, and other plants.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVGnkhRrQkj0Bz_auTSjWNHYjSqVAPeYoWxUn_9BgLtXEiWEGg1wumvbEwsgaCAQ5ar9IovcYT6nAfXTVbRD-QQsDuq_uU4dc9ojqDbVv7PTXGvyFrHoe47a-qPWigkUNObSd165bFu_ILfb72KQXgk3rRL-LasY4en5gUrw-oKzLjKkyGMLjHu4AC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="936" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVGnkhRrQkj0Bz_auTSjWNHYjSqVAPeYoWxUn_9BgLtXEiWEGg1wumvbEwsgaCAQ5ar9IovcYT6nAfXTVbRD-QQsDuq_uU4dc9ojqDbVv7PTXGvyFrHoe47a-qPWigkUNObSd165bFu_ILfb72KQXgk3rRL-LasY4en5gUrw-oKzLjKkyGMLjHu4AC=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note penny on right, for scale.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipfAzaUMuxU-aQFTmNR3rLU1-LSN-5l_7-Z_TYHSpF40QhmaJ7cH_g6ViIq55rdacvLTm6pLscK3_Ia5yDwL2V5j1euSfZeAszd1370TEMiFgNWX7CJgAHXYJBPENMRSpl4B4KteXqh7hfatTsLPWsivnRd-02eC0md12sRC84v_emQAGJC2jWbNHa" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="818" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipfAzaUMuxU-aQFTmNR3rLU1-LSN-5l_7-Z_TYHSpF40QhmaJ7cH_g6ViIq55rdacvLTm6pLscK3_Ia5yDwL2V5j1euSfZeAszd1370TEMiFgNWX7CJgAHXYJBPENMRSpl4B4KteXqh7hfatTsLPWsivnRd-02eC0md12sRC84v_emQAGJC2jWbNHa=w325-h400" width="325" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pale green patches at base of plants (lower right to mid left) are lichens whose tumbling was stopped by sagebrush and grass.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2kNKY60k5ripfLCemByJGochIxKwLgXUTwAfNfnWWdzxOp612TxX20PUH9_pBOpHXGyA7HlkquBs_voHnmkatUI1YU6iZ1P2n4RbwBQkdis-BDbpx-Z414J9n9QYxSe-tyShk7gxInuRL7D110ifMKbw1M9sVS1dNCFYMORop7DkM_sqB2uXpT0OG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="792" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2kNKY60k5ripfLCemByJGochIxKwLgXUTwAfNfnWWdzxOp612TxX20PUH9_pBOpHXGyA7HlkquBs_voHnmkatUI1YU6iZ1P2n4RbwBQkdis-BDbpx-Z414J9n9QYxSe-tyShk7gxInuRL7D110ifMKbw1M9sVS1dNCFYMORop7DkM_sqB2uXpT0OG=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tumbleweed Lichen and Pricklypear Cactus.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBy3lQUa0xE0kdBC9kiOsfBVa5VHpuEBBbPRZj6N1ZgBaHEmsA2MYG9CxCxvXwCHiMPkv2l0dyzNRRBbPzyEPOrcqd646PyPpNzuzWhd0r9Y-hCYsD6Jp06-BECbKIZVCkDChXReUkuwRvHmLDrDAzoDvImyc6zsfuBCCG72Z8Zb3gP31tIAIuveIL" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="864" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBy3lQUa0xE0kdBC9kiOsfBVa5VHpuEBBbPRZj6N1ZgBaHEmsA2MYG9CxCxvXwCHiMPkv2l0dyzNRRBbPzyEPOrcqd646PyPpNzuzWhd0r9Y-hCYsD6Jp06-BECbKIZVCkDChXReUkuwRvHmLDrDAzoDvImyc6zsfuBCCG72Z8Zb3gP31tIAIuveIL=w400-h286" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In some places, Tumbleweed Lichen dominates the ground cover.</td></tr></tbody></table>Last month I predicted Easter Daisies (<i>Townsendia</i>) would be blooming now, but I was wrong. The daisies know better. In fact, we woke up to snow this morning.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCxfr2YV6k6q2Eag6wJsidl2DfD3Oj5Vz0qe8BkHwLh1KZb5FjSF_ZbrHsalw_oX2QjM8cfJ2L5teKdM_CSS2Gl2VHdjObCPNFPrRuFBFJY1vDi8J38tm0SDTw_Z3eclBtj4eE0jpOlA5JuzG1zGXCgzSgflEfBFpVFFKC6uvWDTM9bq0CWowAUz90" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="936" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCxfr2YV6k6q2Eag6wJsidl2DfD3Oj5Vz0qe8BkHwLh1KZb5FjSF_ZbrHsalw_oX2QjM8cfJ2L5teKdM_CSS2Gl2VHdjObCPNFPrRuFBFJY1vDi8J38tm0SDTw_Z3eclBtj4eE0jpOlA5JuzG1zGXCgzSgflEfBFpVFFKC6uvWDTM9bq0CWowAUz90=w400-h381" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter Daisies wisely waiting for spring.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Sources</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to Judy vA for the articles included here. She met these vagrant lichens in her yard when she lived in Laramie. Thanks also to Jozien and Lysandra for id advice via iNaturalist.</div><div><br /></div><div>Perry, Tyrell. 2018 (Winter). "What are Lichens?" Barnyards and Backyards. U. Wyoming, College of Agriculture. <a href="https://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/_files/documents/magazine/2018/winter/0118lichen.pdf">PDF</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Popova, Maria. 2023 (Mar 25) <a href="https://www.themarginalian.org/2023/03/25/lichens/">Lichens and the Meaning of Life</a>. <i>The Marginalian</i>.</div><div><br /><br /></div>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10788942181934895493noreply@blogger.com13