“ Yosemite National Park : Nature ’ s Gem ”
Third Place
Kylie Sullivan 6th Grade Ms . Cook Nordstrom Elementary
“ Yosemite National Park : Nature ’ s Gem ”
No amount of words now , or ever , will be able to capture the exquisite allure and charm of the nature at this national treasure . The scenery that envelopes you is stunning and magical – an extremely rare quality that only Yosemite National Park possesses .
Finding a National Treasure with beauty and scenery that is equal to the magnitude of that at Yosemite is difficult , for the beloved nature there captivates the hearts of everyone that visits , and steals the breath of all – which is why if I could travel anywhere in the United States , I would definitely go to Yosemite National Park .
Having been to Yosemite myself , I know what a great place it is . When I ’ m there , there ’ s no place I ’ d rather be . I always marvel at the silent beauty , and at the park ’ s ability to bring families together . The last time that I visited Yosemite , the most amazing thing occurred – it snowed ! As the delicate , angelic snowflakes gracefully made their descent to the vibrant green grass , everyone ran outside to bask in the snow . That is a moment I will carry with me for the rest of my life . I will never ever forget how stunning it was to see the huge sequoias dusted in the powdered sugar snow .
A picture ’ s worth a thousand words . When it comes to describing Yosemite , this saying couldn ’ t be more accurate . No matter how hard you try , no words can precisely describe its beauty . The graceful harmony of the flora and fauna combined with the iconic waterfalls and grandeur of the rock formations combine to make one stunning , breathtaking scene . Since everyone , including myself , that has visited this park has always wanted to come back to see the allure , no wonder why Yosemite is also known as “ Nature ’ s Gem ”. A gem is precious because it is unique and rare , and that is exactly what John Muir , the person who discovered Yosemite , saw when he first came upon it . Although the creation of Yosemite National Park dates back over 100 years ago , the history is timeless . The story of Yosemite goes to show that one man can change the world , and make history . While visiting California , John Muir , a nature enthusiast , asked for directions to see wildlife . A native then turned and pointed into the Sierra Nevada Mountains – the heart of Yosemite . When John Muir first laid eyes of Yosemite in 1868 , he knew that he had found something special . Even though the park is stunning and beautiful , there is so much more to it , and the first one to notice that was Muir . He saw beyond Yosemite ’ s “ pretty face ” and saw it for what it really is – a gem of nature . Using his poetic imagery , Muir , the visionary , worked ceaselessly to keep Yosemite intact and in its original state . As time passed , people began to see what Muir saw . They learned to look beyond Yosemite ’ s beauty and connect with nature . They became one with nature , and embraced it . The fact that people can visit and admire Yosemite ’ s beauty is one thing , but the fact that they can immerse themselves in nature and answer Mother Nature ’ s call makes Yosemite a national treasure . Without John Muir , the United States , and perhaps the world , would ’ ve been robbed of an amazing place .
In the end , I see Yosemite National Park as a shrine to human foresight , with its mighty granite formations , elegant waterfalls , and the tranquility and persistence of life , rather than just an ordinary valley . The fact that one sole place has the ability to change one ’ s life for the better is unbelievable , and exciting . By visiting this park , everyone will benefit from the sights and feelings that run freely here , which is the thing I admire most about the park . Is Yosemite a valley , a national Park , a National Treasure , or truly “ Nature ’ s Gem ?” Oh , no … it ’ s so much more than that .
14 THE GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP P Morgan Hill Freedom Fest 2015