A Road Less Traveled

In March of 1868, John Muir arrived in San Francisco and immediately left for a week-long visit to Yosemite, a place he had only heard of at the time. After a grueling 5 days, he entered Yosemite Valley and was instantly in awe with what he saw. Giant cascading waterfalls that seemed to touch the sky itself, giant granite domes that looked as though they had been carved with a knife and pristine meadows full of life. From the very moment he experienced Yosemite, he fell in love with it and it was through that love and passion for nature that he ultimately helped shape what we now call the National Park System. In 1892, John Muir and others founded the Sierra Club,  ”to make mountains glad”, Muir once said. From 1892 to his death in 1914, John Muir sat as President of the Sierra Club. My great great Grandfather, William E. Colby, was among some of Muir’s colleagues throughout this time. The Sierra Club’s HQ was even held in his Law Offices for many years while Muir was President. As a proud life time member of the Sierra Club, I understand the dire need to speak up for nature when others won’t. Please visit the Sierra Club website and make a donation.

Although Yosemite Valley is but a small fraction of the entire National Park, after visiting for 4 days, I can understand why so many people are drawn to it. Sarah and I arrived to the South Entrance to the Park on October 8th and instantly fell in love. Before we knew it our time was up, but we have already planned a second trip to the park, this time in April when the snow is just beginning to melt and the waterfalls will be gushing. I hope you enjoy some of my photography work from America’s 2nd oldest National Park.