Going In

image from www.sierraclub.org

"I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in."
John Muir

Growing up in the Bay Area, John Muir was a constant presence. Whether it was exploring the coast redwood forest in Marin named for him, visiting his home in Martinez on family day trips, or reminders of his passion and adventure every summer from teachings of the greatly missed Mrs. Terwilliger, his name and life continued to present itself; for his impact on our world and especially for that of Californians, cannot be undervalued.

Thankfully, the Oakland Museum of California has put on an exhibition celebrating his wild adventures, scientific contributions and ardent spirit that is well worth a visit. Each section of the exhibit provides interactive elements that appeal to both kids and the older folk. It also introduces modern day followers that carry the torch for preserving, appreciating and interacting with the natural world.

Highlights include animal dioramas connected to his behavioral observations, multi-sensory interactive explorations of some of his favorite lands (the vivid panoramic photos of Yosemite alone caused drooling from this particular nut) and selections from his journals and plant pressings.

The lone disappointment was the attempt to recreate some of his hairier adventures. These included sitting inside a tree during a wildfire and climbing to a ledge behind Yosemite Falls to view the moon. For such surely awe-inspiring events, the payoff was quite low.