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Muir's Wild Ride Activity



Each Backcountry teacher was sent a compilation of Muir's writings called The Wild Muir. This book was created by Lee Stetson who performs the very moving and thought provoking Muir performances in Yosemite each summer. We are also fortunate to have video of his Hetch-Hetchy-themed performance by special arrangement.

Online in the Backcountry Literature section, and published in The Wild Muir, is the telling of this exciting, totally invigorating story of a true event that is believable ONLY because it's author was one of the only men in the world who would ever have done such a thing !

Please have the students read the passage online - or read to them from the book. Online, we have separated out the beginning section as John Muir on Trees in Storms, and created John Muir's Wild Ride that focuses solely on the wild tree adventure. You can do the same in the book if you chose to read it out loud in class. If they print it online, then they should select John Muir's Wild Ride.

Once they have heard this amazing story, ask them to draw an illustration of Muir clinging to his flexing tree, swaying from side to side, while the storm rages around him. Please send us your three best pictures for posting online. Post the others in your classroom to remind them of this exceptional man as we proceed through the year.