Ironmask Trees
We hiked up into the Ironmask Hills, zig-zagging up around Duffy Hill. The location of the hill is right at the wind break for the Thompson River Valley, so some of the exposed trees are subjected to winds and storms and a few of them develop interesting shapes, like this slanted-trunk fir on the hill’s slope break.
On a rocky hilltop, a number of old gnarled junipers have grown into the rocky slopes.
From wind storms and lightning strikes a few trees on open slopes are broken off and then form new leaders.
On open slopes there are many interesting trees to observe. There were a few giants too, located in sheltered areas on north-aspect slopes. All photos by the author. Click an image for a lightbox view.
When you are out hiking on windy-exposed areas, watch for more wind-shaped trees.