Old Veteran of Point Lobos

This summer, I was able to drive partway down a road known by many names. Whether it is the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), Cabrillo Highway, Shoreline Highway, or Coast Highway, one belt is meant: California's State Route 1. As incredible as the drive itself are the magnificent landscapes that unfold as you continue along. One of my personal highlights was visiting Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

Among the California's many parks, Point Lobos is known as a treasure due to its beauty and the variety of marine wildlife that call the area home. When I entered, I was slightly let down as I noticed how small the park seemed. How could this compare to the majesty of Yellowstone or Yosemite? It was as I was making my way on the trail away from the car park that I felt the wilderness and the majesty of the trees.

One tree in particular caught my eye because several other visitors were taking copious pictures. I couldn't resist so I pulled out my own camera and took over 40 pictures, only to stitch them together once I got home that evening. It turns out that this Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) has a name and is quite well-known. I read that is has been carbon-dated to be as young as 1000 years old.

In that time, hundreds of generations of humans have been born, lived their lives and then passed away. The question that I ask myself is what highway I will travel on in my own life while the venerable Old Veteran of Point Lobos silently watches on?

ps: For the full image, follow this link: https://flic.kr/p/272xEQR