Silhouette of Bristlecone Pine trees and the Milky Way galaxy.

Reaching for the Stars

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California

These ancient Bristlecone Pines (Pinus longaeva) lived a short life - possiblly less than 2,000 years. Clinging to the marginal soils at 10,000 feet where other trees fear to tread, it's limbs were twisted by the brutal winds and harsh winters found at such high elevations. Photo © copyright by Chris Eaton.