Juniper trees are among the heartiest living things you can find on our planet.
They thrive in the high desert areas of the Southwest, where summers are hot, winters are cold, and it can be windy as hell just about any time of year.
At Monument Valley in particular, the environment is about as harsh as it can be and still grow a Juniper tree. With an average rainfall total of 4.5 inches, the Junipers here really have to make a little rainfall go a long way.
Just look at the one in the photo and you can see it has a hard life. Sun-beaten. Wind-battered. Sand-blasted. Roots planted in sandy, nutrient-pour soil. And the occurrence of a good rainstorm seems like a half-miracle.
I suppose it does have a beautiful view to look at, though. It may not have eyes, but I hope it knows it grows in a special place.
That’s it for this Friday Daily Dose. Enjoy your weekend if you can, my friends.
-Jake
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