IN THE SPRING OF 1868, a young John Muir first visited California, arriving by sea in San Francisco.
He stepped off the boat and soon inquired about the quickest way out of town. "Where do you want to go?" he was asked, to which Muir replied, "Anywhere that is wild." Then the budding naturalist started walking and did not turn back until he had experienced the wonders of Yosemite.
The compelling story of that historic journey is one the prolific Muir never wrote out in its entirety. Inspired by his legacy, Peter and Donna Thomas have compiled this account of the trip, based on John Muir's personal correspondence and published articles. The result is a warm, personal, and entertaining look at a beautiful part of California through Muir's eyes.