Resilience

Image no. DVNP0301: Resilience.  Nov. 3, 2015, 12:43 PM.  Nikon D7000, 18-200mm VR at 24mm, f/16, 1/100th sec., ISO 160.  Image specs: 4928 × 3264, 5.3 MB.

Appearing to be long dead, this moisture-challenged juniper (mesquite?) on Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park was still alive.  Indeed, perhaps this has been its customary “I’m alive and healthy, thank you very much!” face for the last couple hundred years.  The arrival of the threatening storm clouds would be a blessing.