September 29, 2009

Krummholz


K is for Krummholz. Way up on the highest knoll, 500 meters above the foothills where the kinnikinnick grows, much higher than the katydid sings or the kildeer flies, a persistent hiker or rider can reach the krummholz formation.   The word krummholz comes from the German for "twisted wood". It consists of stunted spruce or fir growing under inhospitable conditions near tree line, the altitude above which no trees will grow.  In the Uinta mountains of Utah, tree line is about 11,000 feet, 3350 meters, above sea level.   From that height , the vast openness makes a keen-eyed kid with a knapsack, or even a (k)rusty old
(k)urmudgeon, feel like he's "knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door", playing king of the mountain or keeper of the west. 

Who could be a killjoy or feel out of kilter when
(k)onfronted with such beauty?  The views are better than 24 karat gold, and a single (k)lick of a (k)amera provides the keepsake of a lifetime.  A man can give thanks to the kindness of the gods for the (k)atharsis of such an experience.

For more of Denise Nesbitt's ABC's, click here.

38 comments:

  1. Terrific post! Lots of Ks, beautiful and funny! And I can see that Daisy is having fun as usual!

    Have a great alphabet day!

    Sylvia

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  2. A great take on the letter K - I really enjoyed it :)

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  3. Wonderful K post....and breathtaking photos! Krummholz is something I've not heard of..

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  4. As always, I am Knocked over by your post!
    Isn't it strange how the trees stop growing just right there?

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  5. We get some Krumholz in the high meadows and tundra areas at Sunrise, Mt. Rainier, as well. I can never remember the word, though.

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  6. Always enjoy your (K)lever posts, Janie! It must be quite an experience to see these breathtaking views from this vantage point. Beautiful photos, including your header!

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  7. As always Janie, (k)lamoring for more (k)lever posts. I love your pics & the beauty of Utah.

    Have a lovely autumn week. TTFN ~Marydon

    PS TY for popping over today ... That teacher is a blessing to the world ... one day the children will realize, hopefully the memories she gave to them.

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  8. Kute Kute Kute Post, Diane. Love all of your 'K' words... The Krummholz is WAY up there... I probably wouldn't grow if I lived up there either.

    When we go to Clingman's Dome in the Smokies --which is about 7000 feet plus I think, there are no trees growing on the top there either.

    Kute Post... Loved it.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  9. What a gorgeous view that is! So pretty! Fantastic!

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  10. keep (k)limbing (k)lear to the top!

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  11. This is such a kool post. I really enjoy your alphabet posts.

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  12. Hi Janie

    (K)rikey that's high...

    but kaleidoscopic...

    Happy days

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  13. I did not know before now what a Krummholz is! In NC we think we're up high at 6600 feet. lol

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  14. Interesting elevation, lots going on to the observant eye. To think that our "uplands" are 3-4 feet above our lowlands, its quite a difference from 11,000 ft. I love Krispie Kremes by the way!

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  15. Beautiful! I can't ride a horse but I want to visit that place! Absolutely love it!!

    - Pixellicious Photos

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  16. Learned another new word today. Thanks. The view is Forever I think!!

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  17. Fascinating. I didn't know of Krummholz, although I am aware of the tree line. This is a spectacular scene!

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  18. Ah, I love this! Such alliteration always gets the teacher in me going! lol

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  19. wonderfully keen post as usual!

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  20. You knocked me out with Ks! I hardly knew any...

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  21. Good views. You are an active grandmother I can tell. Thanks for stopping by for My World Tuesday.

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  22. There you go again with your 'Kreative way words'... You are a humorous master at it, Janie!
    I also enjoyed the wonderful views and my new lesson for today.

    Please say Hi to Steve and pet the rest of your perfectly pleasant pets
    Pam :)

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  23. You are so imaginative with your ABC posts, great job with a tough letter! And those photos are showcasing some uber-beautiful skies.

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  24. I turned around and asked my wife of 54 years who is "Krummholz?" She replied, "He used to be our allergist."

    It is cold here. 45 degrees here at 1:00 PM today.

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  25. Oh you're just too (k)reative, you (k)razy thing!! I'm sure I've said it before, but I just love it here ~ ♥

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  26. Some pretty pictures to express such an excellent explanation.

    Greetings from creativity and imagination photos of Jose Ramon



    Thanks for your visit and your comments.

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  27. I am so envious of your hiking trails! To see such glorious countryside on horseback is the best way! We will take a trail ride when we get to Utah! Only the tourist one, but better than nothing.

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  28. Beautiful country for riding. I really miss having a horse. I invite you to come see my post about The King. -- Margy

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  29. That is a new word for me, we certainly see Krummholz in the Sierra.
    I assume that it is hunting season as it is in our mountains and you are not just making a fashon statement.

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  30. I enjoy your text and photos, making me to believe that you love what are you doing! Good for you my dear friend!

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