Mystery Magnolia - Page 6/9
We
climb to 2,000 feet and enter a dense forest of Loquat Leaf Oaks (Quercus
rysophylla). Growing in the deep shade of these giant, old evergreens are
thousands of palms (Sabal Mexican) which vary in size from grass-like seedlings
to stately specimens up to 30 feet tall. Every once in a while, this lower
canopy of dark, blue-green foliage is punctuated by the bright, acid-green
leaves of a lone Brahea edulis palm that has made its way down from its usual
habitat on the high ridges above.
We slowly creep higher and higher — sometimes the tires barely make it from boulder to boulder. Often the door panels of the vehicle are only inches from solid stone on both sides. At 2:00 p.m. we have traveled 15.7 miles since crossing the river in the lowlands and have reached an altitude of 3,600 feet. We are traveling on a secondary ridge overlooking a breathtaking view that faces southeast. Through tall oaks, pines, and trunkless palms (yet another species) there are vistas of miles and miles of mountains fading into the distance. On all sides, tall rock formations thrust out of the grassy meadows. These monolithic stones, etched with intricate patterns of yellow, red, and orange lichens, are surrounded by pines with outstretched branches that sweep toward the earth. This combination of forms in a setting of gauze-like layers of mountains and valleys bring to mind recollections of early Chinese watercolors. Since we had no idea of the time involved in finding our way into these mountains, we failed to bring a tent or sleeping bags. There are only a few hours of daylight remaining to look for the magnolia, but despite this urgency, we know that it is necessary to eat and rest for a few moments. We are famished and exhausted from anxiety and the constant jostling of the vehicle bouncing from rock to rock. So why not stop here in the midst of a beautiful space? And just as important as food for the body, we would afford ourselves a moment to examine and admire the pines (Pinus nubicola) and palms (Brahea moorei).
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