It's Not Just the Lake

Many things suffered in the drought. The ancient oak trees have had a difficult time. The California Valley Oak is a hearty tree. It can withstand many adverse conditions for many years, but this drought has lasted several years, and has taken a toll on these mighty trees. 

This tree was alive not too long ago as you can see tiny leaves on the branches but alas, the rain soaked soil could not support the weight of this giant. It sprawls over the terrain, a reminder that it tried to survive.

This tree has not fallen yet, but it has lost leaves and branches. An oak tree will shed branches that are weak in an effort to survive. The problem with this defense is "stuff" can attack the massive breach in the trunk where the branch was which makes the tree even weaker, especially if the draught continues. This tree lost the battle.

Sadly, this oak lost the battle too. Branches are broken, the tree is shedding protective bark, yet the Spanish Moss clings to the tree. 

It looks like it's weeping.

Not all die. Some form shady oaken tunnels over the roadway.