Life force

Another walk in the woods and I saw an interesting configuration through the trees. The tree in the middle of the photo was likely partially downed during a storm, but proceeded to grow. The original crown decayed, but the tree kept growing upward to the light, probably through one branch. Now this tree is of average height in this forest, a testament to the insistence of our wonderful mother nature.

Another theory which explains this phenomenon is that the horizontal tree acted as a nurse log for a brand new tree which sprouted and grew in the detritus and dirt collecting on the decaying tree.

I think the former is the best explanation.

Ain't nature great?