Yellowstone to Yosemite, narrated by Kevin Costner.
It’s a beautiful three-part series with breathtaking scenery and a fascinating look into the working relationship Teddy Roosevelt had with naturalist John Muir. Together, they devised a plan to appeal to Congress to preserve the national parks in our country–and much more.
Born in 1838 in Scotland, John Muir moved with his family to Wisconsin at the age of 11. His father was a harsh taskmaster, and John fled home in his 20s, roaming the state, then escaping the Civil War draft in Canada until finally settling in Indianapolis to work in a wagon wheel factory. He had a flair for inventing machinery, and when an industrial accident nearly blinded him, he believed he’d been given a second chance to pursue his dreams. He headed west to wander throughout California. He lived three years in Yosemite Valley and longer in the Sierra Nevadas, supporting himself with his writings about nature.
At the age of 42, he decided to settle down and raise a family. He married, had two daughters, and managed his wife’s family’s orchard in California. As the years rolled by, the wandering urge returned, and he felt compelled to see his parents and siblings in Wisconsin. It’d been 20 years, and he reached his father just in time for his passing.
The trip had been grueling, but he withstood the pain to remain in commune with nature and to become closer to God. Through his essays, he acquired fame and respectability, which eventually inspired President Theodore Roosevelt, a conservationist as well, to arrange a meeting with him in 1903. With Muir as his guide, the president spent three days camping in the California wilderness, avoiding the comforts of hotels to experience the wilderness first hand, including a ferocious blizzard. Their intense discussions revolved around the importance of protecting wild areas like Yosemite and cemented Roosevelt’s growing desire to expand the national park systems.
In the end, due to Roosevelt’s actions, that three-day camping trip resulted in five more national parks being established, along with 18 national monuments, 55 bird sanctuaries and wildlife refuges, as well as 148 million acres into 150 national forests.
Those numbers are even higher today as our leaders secured strong protections on federal lands.
Pretty cool, huh? Of course, the whole evolvement of national parks in the United States was much more fascinating in the series rather than my little summary here, and Kevin Costner does a superior job narrating.
I invite you to settle in and watch the three episodes if you can. I found it immensely informative. We watched the series on Fox Nation, but it’s also available on Roku and YouTube.
Have you seen Yellowstone to Yosemite yet?
Have you been to any national parks or national monuments?
Do you love to spend time in nature, camping or hiking? Or even just sitting by a lake or a river?
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Pam has written 30 romances, most of them historical westerns, but she's proud of her contemporary sweet romances featuring the Blackstone Ranch series published by Tule Publishing, too! Stay up on the latest at www.pamcrooks.com
I haven’t seen the series.
I’ve been to a lot of National Parks, monuments, and National Forests–my parents’ property abut one linked to the AT.
I’ve always enjoyed the mountains. Beaches, too, but mountains call to me.
Good morning, Denise. How wonderful that you’ve been able to travel to so many national treasures. I wish I could say the same. Beaches or mountains? Tough call for me. I love them both, but I suppose the cool, crisp air of the mountains takes first place over heat and sand. 🙂
I haven’t seen either of these.
The only National Forest I have been to is the Cherokee National Forest, because my sister lives there.
I really enjoy being out in nature. I love to sit by the river and listen to the sound of the water rushing by.
Oh, Bonnie! What is it about the sound of rushing water?? I absolutely am addicted to it.
When we went to Durango last fall, our Airbnb had a creek running through the back yard. My husband and I each took a chair from the deck and set beside the creek, watching the water and listening to its rushing sound. So cathartic and peaceful!
Good morning Pam! I’ve seen neither place. Monuments? Maybe Rock Mountain in Georgia. How they carve into the mountain is unreal. We have many state parks now in Florida. I do love the beach. The view and listening to the waves crash in. One of the places or waters I was amazed of, has to be the Great Lakes. The name fits. They are so great and vast, they sound like the ocean when the waves wash up.
What time I have is enjoying my flowers and backyard. I care for my mother a few days a week so not much time.
Best wishes Pam!
Howdy, Tracy! Florida is truly an oasis for nature, and I’ve not gone there as much as so many others I know. I have been to the Great Lakes–truly awe-inspiring–and cold! 🙂
You know, our own backyard can truly be our oasis, can’t it? I think I appreciate that more the older I get.
I’ve been to Yellowstone but not Yosemite. I’ve been to many national parks, but I’d love to also go to the redwood forest.
Yes, Janice! The redwood forest would be something to see. We had a family trip to Yellowstone when I was young, but Yosemite would be awesome. So much to see – so little time!!!
I have not watched the series but have put it on my “bucket” list. Traveling around the country every summer while growing up I’ve been to many of the National Parks, Forests and Monuments including those outside the lower 48 and the Canadian ones as well. My youngest son lives in the shadow of Devil’s Tower – always impressive to see when you get the first glimpse. If it weren’t for visionaries like Muir and Roosevelt these magnificent places would not have been preserved for generations to enjoy.
Good morning, Carol! Wow! You’ve had quite the travels! I’m jealous of you. 🙂
Yes, Muir and Roosevelt will be forever remembered for their dedication to conservation, and I think Kevin Costner gets kudos for spreading the word, too, via this series and giving those two men the credit for their work. It’s important for us and our children to know this stuff about our country, right? Nothing comes easy.
Have you seen Yellowstone to Yosemite yet? Not in its entirety yet
Have you been to any national parks or national monuments? Yosemite was a yearly visit for 2 weeks every summer while I grew up in CA. I have seen many other national parks growing up.
Do you love to spend time in nature, camping or hiking? Or even just sitting by a lake or a river? I used to love to spend time in nature. I loved to camp and see what God had made.
Hi, Lori! Since I live in the Midwest, I can’t imagine being able to see Yosemite every year – and for two weeks to boot! 🙂
It sounds like you’ve had some good memories in your lifetime. Truly treasures to reflect back upon!
I’m so thankful for the preservation of our national parks. Some of the most glorious exhibits of God’s creation. I’ve been to Yosemite several times and Yellowstone once when I was very young. I’d love to go back some day. The giant redwoods in northern California are amazing as well.
Hi, Karen! I can’t fathom the sheer immensity of those redwoods. I’d really love to see them for myself.
Yes, truly amazing creations. The United States has everything from deserts to mountains and everything in between. We should all take the time to appreciate them in real life if we can.
I have never been to Yellowstone or Yosemite though I have always wanted to visit Yellowstone.
I hope you get the chance some day, Barbara.
I have been to Yosemite – it is breath taking! And that was in 1969!
You’re really making me want to go, Teresa. LOL.
I haven’t seen the series, and the only National Park I’ve been to is really a historic site, Andersonville. I do like walking and hiking, though!! I’d love to go to National Parks! Maybe some day!
Ooh, Andersonville. I’d love to see that, too. I did some research on Andersonville prison for one of my earlier books, and I was fascinated.
Walking and hiking is the best!
Thanks for stopping by, Trudy.
I have been to Yosemite and it is beautiful!
I think that’s a unanimous impression, Alicia. LOL.
I have not been to Yellowstone, is Yosemite, but I have been to National parks.
They are truly a joy to behold, aren’t they,Bridgette?
Bryce canyon in utah 30 years ago. A memory i will never forget.
Bryce Canyon! I have two daughters that just went there. They lo-o-oved it!
Ron and I camp in as many national parks as we can while traveling. We are very thankful for them.
How nice, Kathy. I knew you traveled often, but I didn’t know you camped. What great memories you two are making! Yes, it would make the trips even better when you can stop and enjoy where you are, wouldn’t it? Fun!
I have been to Yellowstone three times and saw different areas each time. From the high points in our pasture I can see Mt Rainier, and North Cascades although they are 170-200 miles away. I have driven through their National Parks. I can also see from my yard the Hanford Reach National Monument area, also 100 miles away. With my mom’s family we sometimes picnicked in what is now the Saratoga Battlefield National Historic Park. We used the small monument of Benedict Arnold’s boot that was there at that time as the spot for home base when playing softball. :). Probably wouldn’t be allowed to do that today but it was just a state park at the time. Have also been to other National parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges. We have gotten our Christmas tree from the Wenatchee Snoqualmie National Forest many years.
I’ll have to look for the series. It sounds like a program I will enjoy.
WOW, Alice!! That’s quite a list. I think you get the prize today. Ha-ha!
Living in Washington State there are three National Parks (I forgot Olympic with its rain forest. Been there too.) and a lot of National Forest as well as wildlife areas all within easy driving distance. BLM recreation areas too.
I’m thankful for men like Muir and Roosevelt for all they did to secure national parks. I would love to visit Yellowstone one day. I’ve been to Mount Rushmore. It’s fantastic!
Oh, my gosh, Debbie. EVERYONE should go to Mount Rushmore any chance they get. It’s spectacular!
We have to research a bit on where to stream the show. Love being in nature walking or watching life go by. No I haven’t been to the national parks but visit the local and state parks.
Hi, Carrie. I have to agree with you–finding some of these shows can take a little work. Watching television is so different these days, but I hope you can track down the series. I think you’d like it.
Parks are wonderful, big or small, close to home or a long drive away. They are meant to be enjoyed however you find them!