Musings
The Marmot
The marmot lies on gray rock, a mass of skin and soft fur; he rests, soaks up sun. He wears a blanket of his own silvery-brown comfort, glinting in…
Remember the Sky
Remember the river? Your toes curl over slippery rocks, soft gush twists through the valley bound by sprouted grass, thin strokes shivering in the breeze. Remember the mountains? Enormous bodies…
Amazing trail, amazing people
John Muir Trail hikers rave about its extraordinary scenery, but perhaps for once we should rave about its extraordinary hikers. Among this year’s class are U.S. Army Sgt…
Yosemite ranger reflects on “the most beautiful place in the world”
Shelton Johnson, an interpretive ranger who’s educated visitors to Yosemite National Park for more than 24 years, shared these thoughts and insights in a special interview with Hayate Moro…
Yosemite first-timer had “a really great experience”
I’m hanging off the side of a rock ready to take my next steps up and not fall. I look down at the ground far below. The only thing…
Plastic: not fantastic for Earth, wildlife or us
Would it be possible to go a full day without using any plastic? For the majority of us across the world, the answer is no. There are little things you…
“Fool’s gold” can forge golden memories
We reached the foot of the mountain early, which should have tipped us off; climbing trips never go ahead of schedule. But the summit looked inviting and achievable, so the…
Bidding farewell to Royal Robbins
We bid a sad but fond farewell to Royal Robbins, who died this week at age 82. The noted climber who pioneered routes on Half Dome and El Capitan not…
RIP Scott Cosgrove: great climber, great friend
Scott Cosgrove, a 52-year-old climber of extraordinary accomplishments in Yosemite and elsewhere, died this week near his home in Santa Monica. His cause of death is unknown, though…
Happy hiking with kids, the “no nightmare” approach
Zach suddenly stopped in front of me as we trudged uphill through the woods north of Yosemite. “Pole break, dad.” I shifted the pack on my back. I was carrying…