Excerpt: Biodesign Out For A Walk: “NO WONDERLAND WOULD be complete without pygmies and giants, and Mendocino did not disappoint. It may be the only place on our planet that features pygmies and giants in both plant and animal kingdoms. There is still at least one remaining sequoia sempervirens that towers over 350 feet tall, … [Read more…]
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 … [Read more…]
It is intriguing to note that, even though Teddy Roosevelt traveled the world seeking adventure, one of his greatest experiences occurred in 1903 when he camped with John Muir near Yosemite’s Glacier Point. He was inspired and encouraged by Muir to initiate the American Antiquities Act which led to creating 18 National Monuments preserving over … [Read more…]
Warning: Henry Van Dyke’s epic poem, “THE GRAND CANYON,†is “soul food†and beyond the “fast-food†attention span. However, it just might be the most important poem you will ever read.Van Dyke plumbs the depth of Grand Canyon and the depth of the human soul. He challenges believers and non-believers to set aside their baggage … [Read more…]
I wonder what the person was thinking when he/she ordered this sign. Is the photographer standing outside and looking into “the wildernessâ€? Does the trail, with a beginning and destination, not disqualify the area as true wilderness? Does the sign not reflect man’s insatiable need to tame, name, define and label everything like an alpha-wolf … [Read more…]
Ellis Island – Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10Pb2ia28QM From a purely biological perspective, what has evolved into what is currently called the United States, is simply a matter of ecology. Darwin would describe it as “survival-of-the fittest,†but it involves plants and animals seeking a place on the planet to live. From a … [Read more…]
“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. Dam Hetch Hetchy! As well dam for water tanks people’s cathedrals and churches, for no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the … [Read more…]
“When we contemplate the whole globe as one great dewdrop, striped and dotted with continents and islands, flying through space with other stars all singing and shining together as one, the whole universe appears as an infinite storm of beauty.” – John Muir It is highly likely that only the most ardent followers of John … [Read more…]
“Into this one mountain Nature gathered her choicest treasures, to draw her lovers into close and confiding communion.” – John Muir Fans of John Muir clearly understand that his love of nature stirred every fiber of his being. For him, nature was not only a pathway to the universe, but also a pathway … [Read more…]
Controversial issues can not exist without at least two conflicting points of view. Although John Muir’s primary vision for Yosemite Valley was a place for spiritual renewal, he also described it as a place to play. In a discussion about whether to allow automobiles into Yosemite Valley, he reluctantly agreed that it … [Read more…]