Project Athena - Day 343 (Bark)

Charred Bark

This tree trunk is a remnant of the High Park Wildfire (2012) that burned for nearly three weeks straight in the mountains West of Fort Collins. It was caused by a lightning strike and charred over 87,284 acres of mostly national forest land plus destroyed almost 300 homes. As I recall what it was like to wake up everyday to the smell of fire and heavy smoke hanging in the air, I am very thankful for all the rain we have had recently.

Charred Tree Trunk

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 55-200mm lens • 60mm • F/5.6 • 1/125s • ISO 160

Project Athena - Day 341 (Bark)

Walking Sticks

Over the years, Lara and I have collected many walking sticks on our wilderness adventures. We love to bring this precious cargo home with us with the intention of stripping down the bark, sanding the wood to a smooth surface, then coating them with a clear polyurethane to keep the distinct look of the aspen wood. (No trees are harmed in this process, I promise) We've made some really gorgeous walking sticks over the years and given them away as gifts. These days, we find that life moves at a very fast pace and sitting on the porch whittlin' somehow does not happen. I miss it.

These sticks will be nice and aged by the time they are turned into one of those  gorgeous walking sticks.

Walking Sticks

Fujifilm X-E2 • Fuji XF18-135mm lens • 29.3mm • F/5.6 • 1/70s • ISO 400

Project Athena - Day 340 (Bark)

Bark Pants

I love this old cottonwood tree and thick, rugged bark that wraps itself around the trunk like a pair of comfy Levi jeans.

Bark Pants

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 55-200mm lens • 62mm • F/20 • .4s • ISO 100