Tree Bones

Kuro and I usually walk in the evening. This time of year the sun has long set and, depending on her phase, we sometimes see the moon as she watches us walk.

Last Sunday, we had nice weather and knowing we wouldn't be able to walk at our usual hour because of a dinner date, we set out in the afternoon.

Our mountain was out, the sun was shining and Seattle wore its pretty face.

As we walked along, I was struck by the way the slanting afternoon sun highlighted the trunks and branches of the trees along our route. I remarked to Kuro that with the sun and the lack of leaves, we clearly could see the bones of the trees. 

Lichen and moss hitching a ride on this old tree.

The bones of an old Birch shining in the sun. 

This pine wears needles year round so needs sturdy bones to bear the extra
weight of our occasional snow falls.

Young Oak trees modestly wear their dead leaves all winter.

Mister Douglas Fir is a heavyweight among city trees. 

This old ornamental plum is gnarled and battered. The large burl at his
base would yield beautiful woodwork at some master's hands. 

This ornamental is healthy even though it has peeling bones.

In the spring these ornamental cherry trees will be umbrellas of white.

But their strong feet wreak havoc with city sidewalks.

The bones of this Japanese lace leaf maple will be invisible when she soon dons her red cloak.

This birch shows grotesque bones caused by botched surgery when she was young.

Whenever we pass, I admire the twisted old bones of Ms. Lilac. Her spring
finery is white and her perfume is a wonderful introduction to the season.

This young tree is just getting started in life. Her owner planted her in a poor location
so I'm afraid she won't make it to tree old age.

This old madrona still reaches for the sun.

This pine has a split personality.

During this walk we discovered some amazing shapes and colors most of which are hidden later in the year.

I decided it was a good walk.

Kuro says any walk is good.