Outdoor Conservation Book Club discussion

It's been awhile since we read any John Muir and I haven't read this one myself yet so that's why I picked it. It's basically a publishing of the journal he kept while spending 4 months tending sheep in the now Yosemite area.

Here's a descriptive blurb about it - "First published in 1911, My First Summer in the Sierra incorporates the lyrical accounts and sketches he produced during his four-month stay in the Yosemite River Valley and the High Sierra. His record tracks that memorable experience, describing in picturesque terms the majestic vistas, flora and fauna, and other breathtaking natural wonders of the area. Today, Muir is recognized as one of the most important and influential naturalists and nature writers in America. This book, the most popular of the author's works, will delight environmentalists and nature lovers with its exuberant observations."

John Muir and Yosemite/Sierras are pretty synonymous in my brain, and I've been to Yosemite and loved it so I can't wait to dig in!

I wanted to read this because I've always associated the Sierras/Yosemite with John Muir. And I've been to Yosemite National Park so I wanted to see the area through Muir's eyes in 1869. Yosemite National Park was established later in 1890, after many people advocated for its protection, including John Muir extensively. This book is basically the journal of Muir during his summer sheep herding in 1869, plus walkabouts and wanderings. I kept looking at a map to see where he was every time they moved camps or he wandered. It's fascinating trying to picture the area so long ago but also not that long ago, not really. His writing rambles a bit sometimes but also is often very reflective and insightful!