Yosemite is, like all national parks, a magical place. It was made even more magical for me by Ranger Shelton Johnson, with his deep love of the park, of music, notably the music of the first inhabitants of the Valley. The first time I met him, he was showing the instruments he had made to play their music. Another time, I was late for a ranger walk with him, it was winter, the ground and the trees were covered with show, and as I searched for the group in back of the Ahwanee , I heard the tones of a wooden flute. Out from under a towering redwood stepped Ranger Johnson, with the group trailing silently after him. It was an otherworldly moment.
Sincerely,
Yosemite National Park
With its sculpted granite rock formations, towering ancient sequoia trees and spectacular waterfalls, it's no wonder Yosemite is one of the most celebrated national parks in the world.
State(s): California
Established: 1890
“The parks are magical places. But they enhanced by the wonderful and dedicated park rangers who guide, educate, assist, scold, empathize, amuse, inspire and generally amaze me. ”
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