White Mountains-Bristlecones466 I was fortunate to participate in a photo excursion to the White Mountains in California. The White Mountains are home to the ancient Bristlecone Pine Trees, which are believed to be the oldest living organisms in existence today. Up until the discovery of Prometheus (5,065 years old) the oldest of the pine trees was Methuselah, sitting at an impressive 4,845 years young. Its location remains publicly undisclosed in order to protect it from vandalism, but like its namesake (the biblical figure Methuselah who was reported to have lived for 969 years), it is a reminder of how very temporary we are as humans. I have a tremendous respect for trees, and as I stood there in the presence of these ancient beings, who’ve wisely found shelter nestled away at 12,000 feet from the hustle and bustle of mankind, I realized that I have an obligation to share this story with others. Each tree stands tall and still, some rather lush, others a bit weathered, but all quite shiny and exuberant. Though you can’t quite get a sense of it from the photo, the shine of the bark belies a very rough texture. Each tree had its own unique pattern and shape, not unlike a fingerprint.