I think the reason why I consider the aspens the soul of the Rockies, is that they introduce the element of Time. When I look at the grey cliffs, the talus and the lodgepole pine in this valley, it is a timeless scene. Unless there is snow, what meets the eye doesn't vary from season to season. The aspen change all that. Time and change is now present and with them, Life. Just a few golden trees make an enormous difference.
I cannot imagine the Rockies, from New Mexico to Montana, without aspens. They would be a poorer range and region. Should the elk, bear and trout go elsewhere, it would be a sore lack, but the aspens are the soul of the place.
One last comment. One of my seniors, a noble monk, experienced a great awakening on seeing the aspen leaves at his mountain monastery, turn in the wind.
I think the reason why I consider the aspens the soul of the Rockies, is that they introduce the element of Time. When I look at the grey cliffs, the talus and the lodgepole pine in this valley, it is a timeless scene. Unless there is snow, what meets the eye doesn't vary from season to season. The aspen change all that. Time and change is now present and with them, Life. Just a few golden trees make an enormous difference.
I cannot imagine the Rockies, from New Mexico to Montana, without aspens. They would be a poorer range and region. Should the elk, bear and trout go elsewhere, it would be a sore lack, but the aspens are the soul of the place.
One last comment. One of my seniors, a noble monk, experienced a great awakening on seeing the aspen leaves at his mountain monastery, turn in the wind.