John Muir vision Archives

When John Muir wrote: “The great poets, philosophers, prophets, able men whose thoughts and deeds have moved the world, have come down from the mountains…” he was too humble to imagine that he would become a great poet, philosopher and prophet whose thoughts and deeds moved the world. He was, however, keenly aware of the spiritual trails that Moses and Jesus blazed and he was ready, willing and able to blaze his own trails. However, he had no way of knowing that on March 28, 1868, at age 29, his walk from San Francisco to Yosemite Valley would drastically alter his life and influence the course of Western Civilization.Two of his great “deeds” were founding The Sierra Club and being considered the “Father” of the US National Park System. Currently there are over 400 US Parks, monuments, reserves and wilderness areas that host over 71 million annual visitors.Perhaps, however, his greatest achievement has been to encourage his millions of followers to use the wilderness as a means of exploring the physical, mental and spiritual dynamics of their personhood. Muir experienced a “born again” moment on his first visit to Yosemite and thereafter his mantra was; “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul.”

Peter and Donna Thomas were inspired to embark on an extraordinary, 4-part journey, retracing the footsteps of Muir on his legendary walk from San Francisco to Yosemite Valley.

1) They began with exhaustive research about Muir, his walk and related circumstances.
2) After careful preparation, they actually began their walk at the intersection of Davis St. and Broadway in San Francisco and ended at Yosemite Valley. Along the way they took copious notes about the flora, fauna and historical landmarks as well as noting the current human factors that require necessary detours and trail modifications.
3) Then they thoughtfully and meticulously co-authored, Muir Ramble Route, featuring Peter’s carefully written text along with Donna’s creative drawings and maps. The book is a wonderfully insightful blend of Muir’s walk, nature study and a trail guide for any who may want to follow Muir’ original walk.
4) And finally, they have proposed establishing a designated MRR trail, which would encourage others to make the 300-mile trek. This will require the cooperation of cities, counties, state and private property owners to allow access and minimal camping (or lodging) facilities approximately every 10 miles.

Muir Ramble Route is superbly written and belongs on the bookshelf of John Muir lovers and lovers of the great outdoors.

Note: This review has been greatly influenced by the fact that, for 24 years, I taught a high school advanced biology class that featured John Muir and the wilderness ethic. Each year, The Class had the privilege of spending one week in the Yosemite backcountry, one week at Grand Canyon and one week studying the biology of California’s north coast.

Lowell H. Young
Author: Biodesign Out For A Walk

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“These temple-destroyers, devotees of ravaging commercialism, seem to have a perfect contempt for Nature, and, instead of lifting their eyes to the God of the mountains, lift them to the Almighty Dollar.” John Muir

The Fb photo of Yosemite Valley and the quote, “We love being the third most popular National Park,” was posted by, “Yosemite Nation.” I have seen many of their posts without knowing who they were. A quick check on their website reveals exactly who they are and what they are dedicated to:

Yosemite/Mariposa county bureau of tourism.

John Muir would properly observe that they are dedicated to the “Almighty Dollar.” How else could they claim to “love” the fact that 20,000 visitors are encouraged to enter Yosemite Valley each day in August? This number does not account for 1800 YNPS summer employees who live in The Valley or commute from Mid-pines, El Portal, Mariposa or Foresta. It also does not reflect the nearly 2,000 Delaware North employees or Yosemite Conservative volunteers who live in The Valley. There appears to be about 10,000 potential beds and sleeping bag spaces at DNC hotels, lodges, and campgrounds.

I don’t k now if there is a known peak daily total number of humans in two square miles that includes YNP headquarters, Yosemite Village, Yosemite Lodge, Curry Village, the stables and Ahwahnee Hotel, but the number is probably in the mid-30,000 range. Historically, these numbers only occurred on the three summertime national holidays, but are now common on most August days. The results include terrible traffic jams, trails with hordes of people that look like masses flocking to rides at Disney Land. Daily garbage is no longer measured by cans, but tons, and human sewage and waste-water is pumped to lower elevations in millions of gallons per day.

John Muir disliked crowds of people, hotels and crass commercial development. Yosemite Nation, Yosemite Conservancy and Yosemite NPS, have converted The Valley that Muir called a cathedral into a huge cash cow and desecrated his memory and vision.

The Ahwaneechee and other Native American tribes lived in the Yosemite Valley area for an estimated 3,000 years. There are a growing number of YNPS critics who point out that some of the damage they are doing may be irreparable and will surely not survive another 3,000 years.

John Muir vision

Muir Ramble Route: By Peter and Donna Thomas

Yosemite Temple Destroyers