![](http://www.bismarckmandanblog.com/images/2021/10/gnarly_tree_70488-90.png)
I saw this tree along a gravel road in Morton County and had to stop and take a few shots. I had the right sky for something so twisted and nearly grotesque. What a testament to the tenacity of creation!
![](http://www.bismarckmandanblog.com/images/2021/10/gnarly_tree_70497-9.png)
Clearly this tree has endured some things, but it doesn’t appear as though it’s given up. Reach for the sky!
![](http://www.bismarckmandanblog.com/images/2021/10/gnarly_tree_70482-4.png)
I’m no Tim Burton, but I see an elegance, a grace, even a beauty in this tree. That’s why I jammed on the brakes as I careened down the adjacent gravel road at 45 mph, threw it in reverse (I drive a manual transmission truck, so I can “throw” it into any gear I please), and whizzed back to take a few shots of this remarkable tree.