February 2024 - 29

THIRD PLACE
Resilient
Vedauwoo Recreation Area
Matt Ley | Cheyenne, Wyoming
Nikon Z 6II; 1/8 sec., f/11, ISO 100
I
have a favorite tree. This particular
tree is an ancient, gnarled limber
pine that probably pre-dates the
state of Wyoming by a couple hundred
years. If you've driven Interstate 80
between Cheyenne and Laramie, you
have probably seen this tree. The trunk
and branches are twisted and contorted
making it resemble a figure balancing
precariously on the windswept prairie.
This tree is a survivor. It stands alone
on a rocky ridgetop with barely any soil,
surviving hurricane-force winds, bitter
cold and extreme drought. This tree
has persisted in the face of adversity,
successfully fighting off countless threats
including the bark beetle epidemic that
claimed so many of its fellow comrades.
I've been fortunate to photograph this
tree in all types of conditions. On this
particular outing, thunderstorms and
torrential downpours were on the agenda.
As the storms passed, gorgeous light
from the setting sun came under the
cloud deck casting the landscape in a
beautiful amber glow. A vibrant rainbow
appeared paired with its duller twin.
Still in the torrential downpour, I began
firing off shots, frantically cleaning my
front lens element between every photo.
Most images were worthless, completely
obscured by water droplets. I was
soaked, and my gear was soaked, but
somehow I managed to capture one or
two droplet-free images. The light faded
and the rainbow disappeared, I happily
drove home in wet clothes thankful for
the experience. I braved the conditions
with the resilient tree and came away with
a decent shot. I hope to photograph this
tree for many years to come. Hopefully
the tree will outlive us all.
Wyoming Wildlife | 29

February 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2024

February 2024 - 1
February 2024 - 2
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