Strange Things: In the woods near Foos Pond

I was driving down Foos Creek Canyon today when I pulled over in a parking area near the exit to Foos Pond. I don't remember why I'd pulled over but, for some reason, I had gotten out of my car. As I looked up the mountain side into the trees, I saw a strange series of pilings going on for as far as I could see.

It was the combination of size and scale that made this sight so compelling. I ventured up the hill and into the trees to get a better look. As usual, I also wanted to get a few good images. Each piling was constructed from dozens of tree trunks arranged into densely packed teepee formations. They looked eerily similar to the medieval pilings used to burn someone "at the stake." It was creepy and happening upon this strange sight reminded me of the Blare Witch Project.

I know how much work it is to clear a small piece of forest. The amount of work it would take to arrange this scene made the whole thing that much more impressive. In a way, it was disturbing.

As I continued up the hill, it occurred to me that I was now some distance from my car. For a moment, I thought this might be a bad idea. It looked like the last thing someone sees or, worse, like the last mistake some makes.

This was probably the work of the US Forest Service thinning woods that have grown too dense or the removal of excess fuel before the onset of summer. Regardless, it was strange and walking through it made me feel alive.

Life is full of surprises. You just never know when you'll find something interesting.