Yosemite, Temple of Nature

Yosemite, Temple of Nature

John Muir was a man who loved the outdoors. He was a naturalist,
conservationist, author and protector of all nature.


Roosevelt and Muir, 1903 historic photo

He helped save Yosemite Valley and Sequoia National Park.
When he came to Yosemite, he climbed the mountains, forged trails
and discovered this place that he called “God’s natural cathedral”.

He said:

“No temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite…..
the grandest of all special temples of Nature.”

He encouraged people:

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will
flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow own
freshness into you, and the storms their energy, where cares will drop
off like autumn leaves.”

He reminded us:

“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.”




We have visited Yosemite Valley many times in different seasons.
On the first day of July, we had another great trip back to the Valley,
and this time we were with our children and grandchildren. We stayed
overnight in a house at Yosemite West, which was surrounded by
magnificent groves of pine trees.

Although we felt "枕中雲氣千峰近”, we did not have the opportunity
to experience “床底松聲萬壑哀", or "濃濤喧大壑", due to lack of “風”
in the trees. We however enjoyed the incredible view of “萬松青一色”
from the deck, and the true meaning of "高松出眾木, 伴我向天涯 ".

Our two grandsons, aged 2 and 5 respectively, knocked on our door
and came to our room before dawn. We went out and walked together
holding hands under those stately pine trees in the cool misty
morning. It was quite a refreshing and memorable experience.

Yeh Tze