Serendipity Saturday: The Tiptoe Tree
Nov 28th, 2009 by Kevin, FCD
The Tiptoe Tree
Bryce Canyon National Park
(click image to view larger)
It’s possible that this is one of the most photographed trees in all of Utah. I can think of a couple of candidates, one in Bryce Canyon and one in Zion, that quite possibly have been photographed more, but this tree would still be near the top of the list. It’s growing near the southwest corner of the Sunrise Point overlook, the plateau’s edge slowly but surely eroding away around this Limber Pine (Pinus flexilis). Affectionately known as The Tiptoe Tree because it stands on its roots, the base of the trunk is somewhere between 18 and 24 inches (45-60 cm.) above the ground. Obviously it didn’t start life that way, since it wouldn’t be possible for the seed to germinate levitating in mid air. Its days are numbered, but at least for now it appears healthy. This image was made last Winter on a clear and cold morning following a good snow with the Sun peeking from behind a lower branch.
Another great photo!