Leslie’s knee was feeling better this morning so we decided to do the Bristlecone Cove hike in Great Basin. We drove to the park and up to the end of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. We started out around 1pm. The trail was only supposed to be 2.8 miles round trip, but turned out to be 3.5 miles round trip (577 ft of elevation gain and 2,722 calories burned). We took our time so Leslie could be careful with her knee. She did magnificently. It was a beautiful day for a hike, sunny, 59 degrees, and only a slight breeze. With the trail being at 10,000, we had to watch our breathing, but since we were taking our time and resting frequently, we really did not lose our breath. When we got to the Bristlecone Pine Grove, we walked the loop and read the interpretive signs. The Bristlecone Pines are magnificent. There is something about touching a living 3300 year old tree that just makes you feel grounded. We learned that Bristlecone trees do not rot. Their wood is so dense and full of resin, that they erode due to weather rather than rot. So a stump could be thousands of years old. The hike was very pleasant. Leslie watched her step and her knee held up great. When we got back to the Behemoth, we ate a belated lunch and enjoyed the subalpine atmosphere. We reluctantly headed back to Ely.
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| Sign at the start of the Bristlecone Loop trail |
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| Wheeler Peak behind Bristlecone Pines |
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| 3300 Year Old Bristlecone Pine Tree |
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| thousand year old stump |
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| Bristlecone Pine Stump |
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| Leslie on Bristlecone Pine Trail |
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| Bristlecone Pine Stump |
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| Bristlecone Pine Stump |
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| David leaning up against a 2200 year old Bristlecone Pine |
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