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Can't beat this rest stop bench. This is our guide. She is from Spain and has been with Road Scholar for a while. She also leads other trips, including Mont Blanc. It's not an easy job for sure. Carlota was great though... other than, they could have fed us more beef.
European Beech (Fagus sylvatica). This particular beech is what's known as a "pollarded" or multi-stemmed tree. Historically, shepherds in Somiedo would cut the main upper branches of young trees to encourage "bushy" growth.
The "Elephant Skin" Bark
Notice the smooth, silvery-grey texture of the bark. Even as the tree ages and the trunk widens, the bark remains remarkably smooth compared to the furrowed bark of oaks.
TWO THINGS here from Gemini - first of all, it knows Carlota apparently... and its description of the moss: Moss and Lichen: The deep green "socks" of moss climbing up the trunk indicate the high humidity and clean air of the Somiedo Natural Park.
The "Buttress" Roots: You can see how the roots flare out widely into the soil, providing a sturdy natural "chair" for Carlota. These roots are essential for holding the steep, rocky soil of the PR-AS 11 trail in place.
European Beech (Fagus sylvatica). This particular beech is what's known as a "pollarded" or multi-stemmed tree. Historically, shepherds in Somiedo would cut the main upper branches of young trees to encourage "bushy" growth.
The "Elephant Skin" Bark
Notice the smooth, silvery-grey texture of the bark. Even as the tree ages and the trunk widens, the bark remains remarkably smooth compared to the furrowed bark of oaks.
TWO THINGS here from Gemini - first of all, it knows Carlota apparently... and its description of the moss: Moss and Lichen: The deep green "socks" of moss climbing up the trunk indicate the high humidity and clean air of the Somiedo Natural Park.
The "Buttress" Roots: You can see how the roots flare out widely into the soil, providing a sturdy natural "chair" for Carlota. These roots are essential for holding the steep, rocky soil of the PR-AS 11 trail in place.