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.
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!
Wandering through Time and Place 
Magnificent trees. Amazing photos.
That they are. Thanks, Peggy. –Curt
Gorgeous!
Thanks, Cindy.
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
Craggy and beautiful. Love the new theme.
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
Stunning, I especially like the blue of the sky!
Fortunately, the smoke cleared out enough to get those photos, Andrew! –Curt
Each one of these photos would make outstanding postcards, Curt!!
Probably right, G. 🙂 Now if anyone used post cards anymore… –Curt
I do, being such an awful photographer – I need them!!
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
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.
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
What beautiful countryside. Junipers are such special trees.
Alison
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
Such a sense of spaciousness and awe.
A good description, Arati. –Curt
Those rocks are extraordinary Curt. Definitely cause to slow down and take in all that beauty.
Good luck with theme selection. So many choices!
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
Wow. Terrific photos. I really enjoyed every photo. Thank You.
And thank you! It was a gorgeous area. –Curt
Love the new look of the blog. You’re always seeking new expressions of art, aren’t you? Happy New Year!
Thanks, Juliann. There is fun in variety. And it helps keep life interesting. –Curt
These photos are spectacular! I mean… jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Well done Curt.
Thanks, Crystal. It is an incredibly beautiful area, not that weren’t a few others in my 700 mile trip. 🙂 –Curt
Curt you have seen some of the most beautiful places on earth!! Really, these images are wonderful.
I’ve been both lucky and privileged, Sylvia. Getting there has been a challenge on occasion. 🙂 Thanks! –Curt