I really wonder about what are the factors that cause such florescent vibrancy in this lichen. A majority of the rocks on this hike have ≈90% coverage of this lichen when present. There’s some at the summit of Mount Rose (10,776 ft) that is florescent orange. Is there a UV benefit? Nutrients?
I swear, I'm going to hike up a 14-er here in Colorado next summer. There are 53 peaks above 14K feet here, and there are trails to the tops of every one. Time to hit the elliptical. 😊
Comments
But my big hike for this year is Grand Canyon Rim to Rim. Heat is the factor there, not altitude.