Offbeat Traveler: Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
In the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest near Bishop, Calif., stand some of the world's oldest trees. When the most senior of these were sprouting up, the great Pyramids of Giza were being built. Among the gnarled bunch is the Methuselah Tree, said to be the world's oldest. Named after the aged biblical figure, it is believed to be nearly 5,000 years old.
The pine forest, part of Inyo National Forest, recently reopened after a winter hiatus, with the visitor center open daily. Two of the three nearby hiking trails remain closed. The 1-mile Discovery trail is open. The Methuselah Loop trail is expected to reopen in the coming weeks.
Before you visit, here are six views of the forest and some facts to consider.
-- Jason La
The pine forest, part of Inyo National Forest, recently reopened after a winter hiatus, with the visitor center open daily. Two of the three nearby hiking trails remain closed. The 1-mile Discovery trail is open. The Methuselah Loop trail is expected to reopen in the coming weeks.
Before you visit, here are six views of the forest and some facts to consider.
-- Jason La
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Ancient trees
Bristlecone pines like these are gnarly ghosts on the landscape of Inyo National Forest near Bishop, Calif. The location of the oldest one, the Methuselah Tree, is kept secret for preservation reasons, so you won't see signs announcing its presence.
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Tommy Smith at 11:58 PM June 27, 2011
Please don't allow cartels to grow pot here
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THERE ARE PLENTY OF OLIVE TREES IN GREECE DATED 5000 YEARS AND ONE IS ABOUT 6200. SO THIS PINE FOREST CAN NOT HAVE THE OLDEST TREE.
THE NICE THING ABOUT THESE OLIVE TREES IN GREECE IS THAT THEY ALSO PRODUCE PLENTY OF OLIVES AND YOU CAN VISIT THE PLACE EASILY, PLUS YOU CAN ENJOY THE LOCAL FOOD RECIPES WITH OLIVE OIL. BILL GATES TOURED THE AREA THIS YEAR. (SOUTH PELOPONNESE, CRETE & HYDRA) THE HARVESTING OF OLIVES IS OFF TOURIST SEASON. SO IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TREES AND NOT INSIST IN THE SUMMER YOU WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO SEE ALL THAT FOR A VERY SMALL PRICE. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO TASTE OLIVE OIL (FROM UNRIPE OLIVES IN PARTICULAR) AS IT COMES OUT FROM THE PRESS WITH BREAD AT THE CHARCOAL. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR IT PEOPLE THERE ARE VERY FRIENDLY.
BEING THERE SEE ALSO SOME MUSEUMS. NATURE IS NICE BUT THE BEST CREATOR IS THE MAN (WHEN EDUCATED).