I went for a little walk in the Sandias late yesterday afternoon, in an area where the ground is perpetually covered with ponderosa pine needles. It was cool and breezy, a perfect time to be out.
Along with the ponderosas, I saw a number of alligator junipers, which are endlessly fascinating. Their bark is so unique and looks different on every tree.
I focused on their texture yesterday (literally and figuratively). A little later I came upon a tree that was mostly without bark and suspected that it, too, was an alligator juniper.
I love the mix of colors and textures in this photo.