Last week, when told that we were going to Yosemite this weekend, V commented to my parents that it was one of those places that truly spoke to her of God, His majesty and beauty, for what else could set such forces in motion that could create such a veritable paradise. Over the course of the weekend, I was reminded of these words of hers several times; the awe-inspiring mammoth granite cliffs, the thundering waterfalls overflowing with water, the vernal showers of mist that drenched us as we approached the falls, the freshness of spring air in the valley, the snow-clad mountain peaks, the bright white slopes along the road, the clear, cool, refreshing waters of the myriad springs and creeks, the oh so massive and ancient sequoias telling silent tales of ages past, the wildflowers peppering the hillsides with their saturated color - each and every one of these sights, sounds and smells proclaimed the ethereal beauty of this world, all that is therein, and the unimaginable beauty of He who is the source of it all. Seldom have I been so overwhelmed by the power and glory inherent in nature that we so often take for granted. If you haven't been to Yosemite yet - GO NOW! And I highly recommend this time period at the end of winter and beginning of spring to get the best of both seasons.
The mountain sat upon the plain
In his eternal chair,
His observation omnifold,
His inquest everywhere.
The seasons prayed around his knees,
Like children round a sire:
Grandfather of the days is he,
Of dawn the ancestor.
-- Emily Dickinson
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5 comments:
I love Yosemite!!!!
From the writings of John Muir:
"... no temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite. Every rock in its walls seems to glow with life. Some lean back in majestic repose; others, absolutely sheer or nearly so for thousands of feet, advance beyond their companions in thoughtful attitudes, giving welcome to storms and calms alike, seemingly aware, yet heedless, of everything going on about them. Awful in stern, immovable majesty, how softly these rocks are adorned, and how fine and reassuring the company they keep: their feet among beautiful groves and meadows, their brows in the sky, a thousand flowers leaning confidingly against their feet, bathed in floods of water, floods of light, while the snow and waterfalls, the winds and avalanches and clouds shine and sing and wreathe about them as the years go by, and myriads of small winged creatures birds, bees, butterflies--give glad animation and help to make all the air into music. Down through the middle of the Valley flows the crystal Merced, River of Mercy, peacefully quiet, reflecting lilies and trees and the onlooking rocks; things frail and fleeting and types of endurance meeting here and blending in countless forms, as if into this one mountain mansion Nature had gathered her choicest treasures, to draw her lovers into close and confiding communion with her"
wow thanks so much for sharing that - that's beautifully expressed!
very poetic NIkhil -- i thoroughly really enjoyed reading these reflections. Muir was quite the poet too! (as we learned on our snow shoe walk with a park ranger).
Gosh, those are beautiful pics, Nikhil!! Did you take them?
yes i did... :)
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