enormous dead tree

enormous dead tree
Originally uploaded by szueechen

It's hard to tell from the photo, but this was a gigantic dead pine tree that had split from the root and fallen over. It was an incredible sight. It is supported only by about 1/4 of the original tree, which is still attached to the root. Most of the tree has fallen over (the horizontal part), and much of the trunk was hollow.

The image of my friend Mike is there to help provide some perspective. Some of the boys tried to jump up and grab the horizontal tangling part of the tree to see if it would topple...it was scary. Lots of creaking noises. Good thing no one seriously tried to hold on, because it would have been very bad if the trunk broke from the support and started rolling down the rock piles. Although one day it'll probably happen on its own anyway.