The Ancient Brislecones pine groves are located in Nevada's White Mountains, about forty five minute drive from Bishop, California. The Inyo Nation Forest road leads up to eleven thousand feet to the ancient Bristlecone pines groves displayed in the galley. There is another grove, the Schulman grove, that is the first stop on the road, that provide a beautiful four mile hike among these ancient trees. The road to the groves has rewarding views of the Sierras to the west and prepared you for the dramatic vistas awaiting you above. Once at the parking lot of the ancient grove you are in the midst of the trees, (a bathroom is available, but no water. Given the altitude drink plenty to avoid dehydration and altitude headaches.) Some of these 4000 plus year old trees sculpture surreal scenes, I tried to capture those that reminded me of surreal paintings. A camp ground is available high up on the road with impressive views of the surrounding mountains. I was there during the first week of July, there were very few visitors.

The ancient brislecone pine groves are a magnificent photo venue, it offer unique subjects in a dramatic setting with opportunities for grand to intimate landscapes and nature. I found compositions for wide angle and midrange zoom. A graduated neutral density and a circular polarizing filter came in handy. In July the sunset light became dramatic around 8:15. There are no problems navigating down the road after dark.