On the Road……Spirit Rock’s namesake
I think Spirit Rock should bring over a Japanese bonsai master to do some pruning to this Valley Oak. Sacrilege? Perhaps. But once upon a time there was a rock with a small tree. As the tree has grow…well it just seems slightly unbalanced to my eye. Check out the depiction on the upper left of the meditation center’s website which suggests an earlier aesthetic.
Show on map
it might be a little late to bonsai this guy.
as a botanist, I suppose it’s no surprise that I don’t mind the rock being eclipsed by such a delightful tree, and actually I’ve enjoyed seeing the visible ratio of tree to rock change over the years. perhaps if you were to stroll out to the other side of the meadow, you could see a more favorable rock to tree ratio–although never having done it myself, I can’t promise anything…
Laura
9 Jun 09 at 8:02 pm
I agree with you on the angle of view. I’ve even thought about taking that stroll you mention, but there’s some fencing that seems to be an issue. I don’t actually think the land or the rock is on the meditation center’s property. Also, I’m lazy and I want to see the rock and tree from the road as I ride past 🙂
Nathan
9 Jun 09 at 8:38 pm
ah yes, now that you mention it I remember hearing that, that the iconic rock was not on their property. very non-attachment of them, propertylinewise. also, I think I win the lazy contest, as I’m on the see-it-as-I-drive-by-in-my-car bandwagon! maybe someday I’ll take the stroll, hop the fence, snap the shot.
Laura
11 Jun 09 at 12:05 am
Upon closer inspection what is really contributing to this whole “problem” is that the riparian vegetation around that seasonal creek to the east of the rock is actually blocking the view, I mean the classic “view” of the rock and the tree that I always appreciated. I suspect you used to see the the rock from farther away as you approached in a car and were thus treated to the more favorable angle of view. Now, with the growth of the riparian vegetation, that angle is cut off and you really only get a 90 degree view as you pass by, almost having to look over your shoulder just to get a glimpse…okay anyone have Jack Kornfield’s phone number?
Nathan
15 Jun 09 at 8:13 am