The canyon walls in Fremont Utah tower higher than any of the surrounding land providing an excellent vantage point from which to see all. These intrepid weed lookouts perched on the narrow ledges have volunteered for the difficult job of sentinel. Rugged and resilient, these weeds take pride that they have chosen such a demanding mission, and they live alone, exposed to elements at great personal sacrifice. They could sound the alarm to warn of intruders threatening the community, or they could alert the hunters that a large herd of game is headed towards their hunting grounds. Perhaps they could save lives if they spotted a flash flood before it reached the settlement below.
But, perhaps these weeds have watched too many westerns, or read too many adventure novels about the old west. I do not believe that weeds hunt prey, nor warn their community of imminent threats. But it is fun to think that way, don’t you think? I look up to see the weeds, most likely a form of chaparral, growing tangled and bent against the canyon wall, clinging precariously to their ledge, with no soil to speak of, just crumbled sandstone into which to root. And I think, what mission have they signed on for, that this existence is the one they fight for? Is there a higher meaning to their choice of perch than meets the eye? Do they value their isolation and freedom so very much that this hard life is fitting? One can only wonder, especially when it comes to weeds, who tell no secrets.
Please come back tomorrow for a new “Weed Image of the Day” and let me know which ones you like.
We and our weeds are so much more than what we first appear to be.
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