Yosemite

Visiting Yosemite this weekend, I gained an insight into the mind of one of America's great photographers – Ansel Adams.  Gifted with an unblemished appreciation for some of this country's greatest natural features, along with a magnificent photographer's eye, Mr. Adams managed to capture black and white images of natural landmarks that have changed little since Columbus brought the seeds of drastic change from across the seas.  Having now seen the valley, and the epic brilliance of waterfalls cascading down from the high mountaintops, I have gained a sensory experience that many have not.  Yet, I would really not go so far as to consider this an episode of communing with nature. 

 

In many ways, this reminds me of my experience in the Uffizi looking at the great paintings that I have seen in artbooks.  I gained some new perspective, such the size of the work, or the intensity of the colors.  But beyond that, what am I learning that I have not learned in the books?  In some ways, the same can be said about Yosemite.  Is pulling off the side of the road, along with a busload of tourists on a "Scenic Overlook" to see a view that Adams captured really communing with nature?  To me, it is not.

 

To me, the true relaxing peaceful force of nature is found not on the paved highways, or roads, or nature paths marked out for people's convenience.  To me, the serene beauty of nature in her peaceful glory appears in scenes right out of a Frost poem.  To me, it isn't about tracking down that often-photographed landmark.  It is about discovering something new (or at least new to you).  A forest clearing covered in a fresh blanket of snow – no footprints… no people… no sign of civilization… just the undisturbed and serene beauty of the dormant trees, smooth landscape, and a gentle and crisp breeze.  Perhaps there, a long dead leaf may make its way down slowly from a treetop above.  Still intact in shape, the fragile and dessicated leaf displays in web-like glory the structure that at one time transported water and nutrients to help keep itself and the tree alive.  For this one moment while you look at this leaf, you learn something new, something unique.  You gain a perspective that you, and only you can learn.  You take in the shapes and the images that this leaf shares with you, and only you.  This humble experience is yours and yours alone.  Mr. Adams may have had some wonderful moments in this valley.  But he did not have this moment.  The tourists on the side of the road taking pictures of Bridal Veil Fall may capture some wonderful photographs, but they too will not share this moment.  This moment simple happened.  This moment involves you being in this off-the-beaten-path place at this off-the-beaten-path time.  This moment happened because you did something a little bit different than anyone else. 

 

And, of course, this moment happened because nature is magnificent.