Wandering In The Woods

I have found another way to enjoy my hiking in the woods by looking for unique Alligator Juniper trees and converting to B&W. These juniper trees with their tough alligator bark can grow into some strange forms and interesting shapes that you just do not see in most other trees in this area. This theme really started by going out 'wooding' with my Uncle as we looked for interesting pieces of wood that he would make into wonderful lamps and wood sculptures. So now I go out 'wooding' in a different way and look forward to getting out and being among the trees.

Growing Pains
This alligator juniper had a little of everything starting with a bottom burl, branches going all directions, charred side with lichen and alligator bark on the other half of the trunk.
Split Personality
Many of the alligator juniper trees I find hiking have a smooth side to their trunk where all the bark has fallen off plus a burn spot at the bottom. So my best guess is that these could be caused by a long ago lightning strike?
Alligator Ants
It is common to find ants on alligator juniper trees but I have never seen ants build a colony in a juniper until I found this tree. From the amount of sawdust coming out of the middle of the trunk they have been at this tree for awhile.
Twist And Turns
This alligator juniper was a very large tree with a thick trunk. One side was fairly smooth with alligator bark and this side was completely different with twisting patterns.
Beginning Of The End
This large alligator juniper had a few green branches left but was slowly fading away like the crumbling walls of an old fortress.
Burl Face
The tough alligator juniper bark can grow into all kinds of interesting patterns. No telling what you can see if you stare long enough. Can you see the face with the big nose?
Jaba The Juniper
For some reason this alligator juniper reminded me of the Star Wars character Jaba the Hut.