There is no hurrying through land like this. The combination of junipers and rock sculptures called to both me and my camera.
I was surprised by the sheer beauty along the PCT south of Carson Pass. I had hiked through the region several times over the years, but my trail had always been slightly to the west. Somehow I had missed the incredible rock sculptures. That, and the junipers. If you have ever wandered the West, you are familiar with this gnarly, photogenic tree. Most of todays photos were taken near Pennsylvania Creek in the Mokelumne Wilderness, maybe 15 miles north of State Highway 4 and Ebbetts Pass. I’ll let the photos speak for the area.
Hiking down into Pennsylvania Creek, I found this juniper.And then this one, wedded to a rock.That night, I camped on the south side of Pennsylvania Creek. This was the view !Later, at sunset, the whole ridge.The next morning, smoky skies and the sun provided a red cast to the view.Farther along, I was treated to this view.Near the crest of the canyon, I found the juniper tree and rocks I featured at the top pf the post.The view included this leaning rock, which could be seen just behind the juniper.Another perspective.I considered this a real treat. And photographed it several times. This is it for today. But I’ll have several more views of the rock sculptures on my next PCT post.
NEXT POST: Back to Puerto Vallarta. P.S. I will be playing with various themes over the next few weeks, so don’t be surprised by the changing looks of my blog. ALSO: For those of you who haven’t read “The Bush Devil Ate Sam,” I will be posting a chapter once a month on the top ‘pages’ to give you a feel for the book and encourage you to buy it. Many thanks! This chapter reflects our first night in our Gbarnga home, appropriately titled: Armies of the Night!
Wanderer, writer, photographer and activist. I've now settled in Southern Oregon. 1.8 million acres of national forest are out the backdoor and the beautiful Applegate River is out the front door. I like travel, reading, history and wild places. I am married to the lovely, funny, bright Peggy.
Wow! How right you are to let the photos speak for themselves, Curt. They are stunning and I’m trying to imagine waking up to such a glorious landscape. Uplifting and inspiring! The trees are amazing and I’m taken with the one wedded to the rock…how unusual.
Peggy’s favorite was the juniper and the rock as well, Annika. I am always on the lookout for campsites with impressive views when I backpack. It’s surprising how often I find them. But that one was special. It reminded me in ways of the Grand Canyon. –Curt
And it’s possible that we aren’t of the generation that uses social media for all communication, G. 🙂 Peggy and I are so old-fashioned that we still send out Christmas cards with a Christmas letter!
We have noted that postcards are harder to find. When Peggy and I were in Puerto Vallarta in November, we noticed that the post cards were, for the most part, the same ones they had 10 years ago. The thought did pass through my mind that I could update them. (not) –Curt
Wonderful series and photos. It just never stops. Holland still has a few bits of original bushland dating back to pre-history. One those few acres have Juniper bushes. There are also juniper berries. I am not sure if they grow on those bushes.
Thanks, Gerard. It will be winding down before too long, however. Juniper berries are also a component of gin. 🙂 Sort of a bluish-grey color. My understanding is that junipers in Holland are on the endangered list. –Curt
I really like the new theme. Nothing like redecorating to start off a new year. It seems like you’ll be experimenting a big, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
The photos are fabulous, of course. I do love a good tree, or a good rock, and these certainly qualify. They must be relatives of the ubiquitous Ashe juniper that grows here in Texas. The next-to-last photo is my favorite; the light is beautiful.
It’s been awhile since I’ve played with themes. I had to upgrade to WP’s business level or run out of space for my photos, which is a bit ouchy. Anyway, all of their themes are available as part of their package.
There are several types of junipers. Not sure whether all are as beautiful as the Sierra trees. As for the next to the last photo, it is my favorite as well, Linda. I hung out for more than an hour in the quarter of mile that included most of the trees and rocks. –Curt
Probably one of the reasons that I would never make it as a through-hiker, Sue. I can’t resist stopping and admiring/appreciationg all the beauty, i.e. “smelling the roses.” 🙂 –Curt
The Bush Devil Ate Sam is an important record and a serious story, yet told easily, and with delightful humor. This is one of the most satisfying books I have ever read, because it entertained me thoroughly AND made me feel better informed. —Hilary Custance Green: British Author... Click on the image to learn more about my book, the Bush Devil Ate Sam, and find out where it can be ordered.
Special Thanks to Word Press for featuring my blog and to my readers and followers. You are all appreciated.
33 thoughts on “Stunning Rocks and Gorgeous Junipers… The PCT through the Mokelumne Wilderness”
leggypeggy
Magnificent trees. Amazing photos.
Curt Mekemson
That they are. Thanks, Peggy. –Curt
cindy knoke
Gorgeous!
Curt Mekemson
Thanks, Cindy.
Annika Perry
Wow! How right you are to let the photos speak for themselves, Curt. They are stunning and I’m trying to imagine waking up to such a glorious landscape. Uplifting and inspiring! The trees are amazing and I’m taken with the one wedded to the rock…how unusual.
Curt Mekemson
Peggy’s favorite was the juniper and the rock as well, Annika. I am always on the lookout for campsites with impressive views when I backpack. It’s surprising how often I find them. But that one was special. It reminded me in ways of the Grand Canyon. –Curt
Animalcouriers
Craggy and beautiful. Love the new theme.
Curt Mekemson
Glad you like the new theme, AC. And yes, it was craggy and beautiful. I am enjoying going back and looking at the photos myself. –Curt
Andrew Petcher
Stunning, I especially like the blue of the sky!
Curt Mekemson
Fortunately, the smoke cleared out enough to get those photos, Andrew! –Curt
GP Cox
Each one of these photos would make outstanding postcards, Curt!!
Curt Mekemson
Probably right, G. 🙂 Now if anyone used post cards anymore… –Curt
GP Cox
I do, being such an awful photographer – I need them!!
Curt Mekemson
And it’s possible that we aren’t of the generation that uses social media for all communication, G. 🙂 Peggy and I are so old-fashioned that we still send out Christmas cards with a Christmas letter!
We have noted that postcards are harder to find. When Peggy and I were in Puerto Vallarta in November, we noticed that the post cards were, for the most part, the same ones they had 10 years ago. The thought did pass through my mind that I could update them. (not) –Curt
GP Cox
I send out Christmas cards, but I don’t have enough to talk about to send a letter, but I do write a personal note inside.
gerard oosterman
Wonderful series and photos. It just never stops. Holland still has a few bits of original bushland dating back to pre-history. One those few acres have Juniper bushes. There are also juniper berries. I am not sure if they grow on those bushes.
Curt Mekemson
Thanks, Gerard. It will be winding down before too long, however. Juniper berries are also a component of gin. 🙂 Sort of a bluish-grey color. My understanding is that junipers in Holland are on the endangered list. –Curt
shoreacres
I really like the new theme. Nothing like redecorating to start off a new year. It seems like you’ll be experimenting a big, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
The photos are fabulous, of course. I do love a good tree, or a good rock, and these certainly qualify. They must be relatives of the ubiquitous Ashe juniper that grows here in Texas. The next-to-last photo is my favorite; the light is beautiful.
Curt Mekemson
It’s been awhile since I’ve played with themes. I had to upgrade to WP’s business level or run out of space for my photos, which is a bit ouchy. Anyway, all of their themes are available as part of their package.
There are several types of junipers. Not sure whether all are as beautiful as the Sierra trees. As for the next to the last photo, it is my favorite as well, Linda. I hung out for more than an hour in the quarter of mile that included most of the trees and rocks. –Curt
Alison and Don
What beautiful countryside. Junipers are such special trees.
Alison
Curt Mekemson
Obviously one of my favs, Alison. Rarely do two of them look alike. I can’t wait to take Peggy in to see the country. –Curt
Arati
Such a sense of spaciousness and awe.
Curt Mekemson
A good description, Arati. –Curt
Sue Slaght
Those rocks are extraordinary Curt. Definitely cause to slow down and take in all that beauty.
Good luck with theme selection. So many choices!
Curt Mekemson
Probably one of the reasons that I would never make it as a through-hiker, Sue. I can’t resist stopping and admiring/appreciationg all the beauty, i.e. “smelling the roses.” 🙂 –Curt
Sartenada
Wow. Terrific photos. I really enjoyed every photo. Thank You.
Curt Mekemson
And thank you! It was a gorgeous area. –Curt
Browsing the Atlas
Love the new look of the blog. You’re always seeking new expressions of art, aren’t you? Happy New Year!
Curt Mekemson
Thanks, Juliann. There is fun in variety. And it helps keep life interesting. –Curt
Crystal M. Trulove
These photos are spectacular! I mean… jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Well done Curt.
Curt Mekemson
Thanks, Crystal. It is an incredibly beautiful area, not that weren’t a few others in my 700 mile trip. 🙂 –Curt
spanishwoods
Curt you have seen some of the most beautiful places on earth!! Really, these images are wonderful.
Curt Mekemson
I’ve been both lucky and privileged, Sylvia. Getting there has been a challenge on occasion. 🙂 Thanks! –Curt