One of the iconic features of Yosemite was the windswept tree on top of Sentinel Dome. This rounded mountain rises on the southern wall of the valley between Taft Point and Half Dome. Its rounded dome shape makes for a steep climb to reach its peak but the views are well worth it. I remember climbing this peak in the 1970’s. I remember admiring the windswept tree that I called the “bendy tree”. I remember visiting it again in the 1980’s and noticing that it was losing its greenery. On my most recent trip in 2008 I found the tree dead. I was sad to see such a well-known feature of Yosemite lying on the ground. At least it was still there, even in its fallen state. I was pleased when I found a young “bendy tree” growing further down the mountainside. It was quite small but may grow into a new icon of Yosemite. A fun activity I learned while there in 2008 was photographing people in flight. Careful camera angles can make a person jumping in the air appear to be soaring over Half Dome or any other tall mountain. It is a fun spot to do this with no need to risk ‘flight’ near any steep cliffs.
