Tag: John Muir

John Muir and The Pacheco Pass

“Looking eastward from the summit of Pacheco Pass one shining morning, a landscape was displayed that after all my wanders still appears as the most beautiful I have ever beheld.” — John Muir, The Yosemite


I Am NOT a Historian

I have, in the past (most recent past), allowed myself to be called a “Historian.” But, no, I am NOT a Historian.


Galen Clark – Guardian of Yosemite (1814-1910)

Galen Clark is probably Yosemite’s most influential person. He gave Yosemite his heart and soul constantly for over 50 years; more time than any two other, more famous characters of Yosemite’s first years. So why isn’t he better known?


James Mason Hutchings – Revisited

James Hutchings was probably the biggest promoter of Yosemite in the early days. He was hardly in the forefront of Yosemite’s evolution, but he was there and with recurring frequency. I posted a mini-biography on him last January.


The National Park Service and Yosemite

The first National Park, Yellowstone, was created in 1872. By 1916, there had been 11 other National Parks already created when the National Park Service, itself, was created on August 25 of that year. It seems the National Park Service came late to the party. What’s up with that?


George Fiske – Photographer (1835-1918)

George Fiske was an early photographer of Yosemite and the first one to live full time at Yosemite Valley. Like so many photographers of that era, not many of his images survive to this day; just a few prints and stereoscopic cards. Twentieth century photographer Ansel Adams held him in high regard.


Photos of Water Features

There are a number of “iconic” sights around the park and the valley to photograph. A few of them I can’t help but snap every time I visit. Of them are waterfalls, cascades and other water features.