Against the Odds: Seedling on a Rock!

[best appreciated at full size against black]

There's a steep trail that takes me to the top of our ridgeline and a couple of weeks ago, while taking pictures of Henderson's Shooting Stars and Buttercups, I passed a rock and stopped in my tracks. Wait a second...what did I just see? I backtracked and took a closer look. Yes, that's what I thought! A tiny seedling was trying to sprout on a rock withe just a dusting of dirt and moss to grab hold of. Wow, talk about perserverance! I thought the red leaves were beautiful against the grey of the rock, and it was amazing to find a seedling growing in such an inhospitable place! I'll check back there to see if it's beat the odds or not and if it's still growing, I'll take a picture and we'll find out what it turns into! :)

UPDATE: I went to check on this seedling and I am sorry to report that it has died and lays dried and crumpled on its side, there on its monument. :( I applaud your try, little one, may you live forever with this image. (I didn't even consider taking a picture because I want everyone to remember it so beautiful and strong as it stretches for the sky here.)

This image was taken in March, 2012.