For the last few years of leading the Biodesign Class, I had a longing to participate on a trip, but not be the leader. I fancied that I would enjoy being the camp-cook and dish washer, as long as I could observe the young adults interacting with the wilderness. It never happened! However, 20 years … [Read more…]
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.†– Pierre Teilhard de Chardin Many of the older Scots claim that they can communicate spiritually with deceased family members and friends by a process they call “kything.†If this is so, I am guessing that John Muir … [Read more…]
Dear Lowell and Christie, The first day I walked through the door to room 103 I had no idea how an advanced Biology class would influence the rest of my life.  Some of the concepts we learned and the ideas we shared took shape as threads that would be intricately woven into the fabric of my life. … [Read more…]
After Biodesign students explored Yosemite, Grand Canyon and the Mendocino coast, it was not uncommon for them to vow publicly (or privately) to return to one of the areas when they became adults. I have no record of how many achieved that goal, but I do know of one ex-student who has climbed Half Dome … [Read more…]
Thursday, 8-25-16 marks the 100th anniversary of the US National Park Service. The NPS has often been described as, “America’s Greatest Idea,†and if this is so, John Muir may arguably be considered “America’s greatest naturalist.†It is impossible to imagine how the Park Service would have evolved without his vision, passion and dedication. After … [Read more…]
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” Maya Angelou Never before in human history has there been such a wealth of knowledge that has allowed man to contemplate the great panoply of mysteries and miracles including: The origin of God—The Universe—Life … [Read more…]
The Biodesign Class of 1978 was only the second class to reach the top of Yosemite’s world-famous Half Dome. They donned their backpacks and labored for 10 miles while gaining nearly 5,000 feet of elevation. The last ½ mile involved climbing a steep series of granite stairs and ascending 400 feet of twin cables up … [Read more…]
“Loren Eiseley is less concerned about man conquering nature than nature, in the form of God, conquering the human heart.†Time Magazine. AFTER nearly 75 years, I have concluded that life is mostly (if not totally) a journey into mystery. E.g. how could I have possibly guessed that a simple, innocent question from a student … [Read more…]
Although today is the Summer Solstice (the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere) we have already lost 2 minutes of daylight in the morning and in about two weeks the Earth will begin its tilting process that will lead to the autumnal equinox in September. For 1000s of years, people have used … [Read more…]
INTELLIGENT MEN DECIPHERING “INTELLIGENT DESIGNSâ€: “For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.†Hebrews,†3. “All of Nature is but a metaphor of the human mind.†Emerson It is illogical to assume that physical, mental and spiritual designs can be more complex than the artist/creator of the designs. … [Read more…]