“Another glorious Sierra day in which one seems to be dissolved and absorbed and sent pulsing onward we know not where. Life seems neither long nor short, and we take no more heed to save time or make haste than do the trees and stars. This is true freedom, a good practical sort of immortality.” – My First Summer in the Sierra (1911) chapter 2. John Muir.
Our exit out of Yosemite involved crossing a pass over this range into Ansel Adams wilderness. We rose early to give us a lot of time to cross over Donohue Pass at about 11,000 feet. The early morning being renewed and awaken the senses. The best time to get ahead of afternoon thunderstorms that build up while being so exposed to the higher altitude, strong winds, and intense UV light. Once at the pass, we recovered a bit before the long descent over Island Pass and into Ansel Adams for an overnight stay at Shadow Lake.
In view here is the Lyell Fork, Lyell Glacier with Lyell Peak and Mt Maclure to the upper right out of view.
When a tree is felled, that is when a regeneration process of sorts begins. As trees fall into decay from exposure, the weather, and wildlife, they become a source of shelter and food for wilderness creatures. Pine needles and duff become bedding for deer and bear. They become the material birds to use among their nests. The bark provides shelter for insects. Insects that in turn become eaten by scavengers. Rough and calm winds carry bark and debris into the forest floor which in turn serves as fuel for natural wildfires that occur from time to time.
On a Summer afternoon heading down into the canyon, you often come upon fantastic views. The contour of the terrain, the color, and the range of flora comes into full display. The closer to the Fall season you are, the more likely you’re able to a greater variety of color both at a distance and up close.
Remember when such a bush spoke to us. Directly and indirectly. It’s the message (Gen 3:2-3) that was explicit and implicit by what it said and did. Ablaze metaphorically or otherwise to symbolize an intensity and state entirely dangerous and in demand of our attention. A command of authority by its beauty and behavior.
In early Spring with the forest floor still damp, you can feel and sense the quality of this area. Just before nightfall, I was out and about the Giant Forest area in Sequoia scouting about for wildlife and unique openings to contemplate and absorb the natural settings.
Quite often when you break trail, you navigate through the brush, over the boulders and make your way to areas that invite you to set up camp or just remain awhile. Here I was out on a heading to Aster Lake below Alta Peak in Sequoia National Park. The peak in the distance is Alta Peak.
While reaching for the Eastern approach to Mt. Lawlor, a view of Josephine Peak opened up before me. The wear and use of the land were apparent, but the character of this front country stood tall and true.
Another early morning through the forest near Wolverton led my partner and me through strong contrasts of shade and light. The range of colors and mood of the wilderness was a highlight of this outing. An unforgettable experience that continues to inspire me.
When it’s cold and you’re tired and exposed, at times the sun break’s through to bring new warmth. New warmth and new light among storm clouds as the sun skims further toward the upper levels of the horizon below.
Above and below the three different states of nature are before you. The darkened storm clouds above, the Pacific Ocean in the distance, and the harsh San Gabriel mountains below.
Above the desert region of the Mojave are the rolling San Gabriel mountains within the Sierra. On top of Mt Emma, a lovely mountain name, you take in the full view of occupied wilderness before you. You breathe the same air as angels.
© 2025 James Austin. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress. Designed by 
