Chuck's Tree
Apparently, Ponderosa pines twist as they grow, creating a spiral growth pattern. The lightning bolt most certainly followed this growth pattern as the path of least resistance.

The Morning After, South side of tree,  OSP 1993, Friday Morning	Closer view of scar on south side. OSP 1993, Friday morning Look closely near the top and you  will see it reappear as it spirals around.
Close-up view of fresh scar, OSP 1993, Friday Morning	Same view, 8 years later  OSP 2001