Roots On A Rock

A final image from the Hocking Hills. So, the seed germinated in the crevice of this sandstone outcrop, which is a pretty dry and impervious place to be. Hard to get a grip on things. But the roots kept growing in a geotropic manner, i.e. down, and eventually found some soil. A reliable source of nutrients and water. And growth continues, and new leaves are produced in the spring and they fall off in the autumn, and flowers are produced, and pollinated, and fruits are formed - just like all the other trees in the forest. Powerful teaching here on equanimity.  

Old Man's Cave

Another image from the Hocking Hills (see Hocking Hills Rock Climbing). This one shows the large recess cave known as "Old Man's Cave". The cave gets its name from the hermit Richard Rowe (and his two dogs) who lived there in the early 1800's. Rowe is said to be buried beneath the ledge of the main cave. [NOTE: Go here for a little history about Richard Rowe and the circumstances surrounding his living in a cave (scroll down about halfway through the link)].

Hocking Hills Rock Climbing

The Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio has ninety-nine acres of forest that have been set aside for rock climbing and rappeling. I don't actually do either of these, but I certainly appreciate massive sandstone outcroppings. [NOTE: Go here for a little about the geology and cultural history of the Hocking Hills].