#ForestFriday "I seem to keep making the odd choices here. But I have always been fascinated with the artistic shapes formed in stumps and fallen giants. More in alt text."

The image shows the massive root system and hollowed base of the Fallen Monarch, a giant sequoia located in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park in California. History: The tree fell over 300 years ago and was largely hollowed out by fire. Over time, it has served as a saloon, a hotel, a horse stable for the U.S. Cavalry, and living quarters for early settlers. Location: It sits right along an accessible loop trail just north of the Grant Grove Village