Solitary in the High Desert

:)

A friend remarked that the lone tree (below) was living in a "difficult" environment. More to the point, it's an unforgiving environment...at least for us humans.  

While there are plenty of snakes, rabbits, scorpions, coyotes and spiders that find the high desert comfortable, these critters are usually solitary, coming together only to feed, breed, or get water.

A stone "yurt" displays its sedimentary layers, promising an even more spectacular shape in several thousand years. 

Thoughts of loneliness are as variable as sentiments, however.  The well-graded gravel road (above) is silent testimony to the thousands of travelers who have driven this pathway before. 

Massive cliffs border the San Juan River, blocking idle wanderers from taking this path.  Many have, however . . . some establishing small settlements like the town of Mexican Hat or bigger ones like Moab.

In the end, it seems we return to solitary trees in unforgiving environments ...some just ravaged and old...but more or less secure in their lonely surroundings.