Here’s a great little piece from the July issue of Smithsonian Magazine. It goes into some of the myths and perceptions surrounding the iconic John Muir. The writer describes him as a "gilded age flower child." That’s about the best analogy I can imagine.

Climbing around in the Sierra you sort of feel like Muir is following you around. All the guide books mark his first ascents – Mt. Ritter, Cathedral Peak, and on and on. I’ve actually just begun reading Muir’s work, an activity long overdue. His My First summer in the Sierra is currently on my bed stand.

Here’s a complete list of John Muir’s writings. I’ve got some work to do.