The Mountains are calling and I must go

The Yosemite Valley is renowned for its natural environment and is regarded as the centerpiece of Yosemite National Park, one of the oldest and most famous national parks in the world. Its scenic wonders like El Capitan – a one thousand meter high monolith – and Yosemite Falls – the highest waterfall in North America – attract over 5 Million visitors each year.

With most people only staying for a couple of hours their focus seems to be checking off the highlight list by taking pictures of themselves and of the view in order to have proof that they have actually been there.

Very few people seem to be present in the moment and really interact with nature. That way the natural scenery but also the animals and people seem to be part of an artificial world, that is only there to be looked at.

How do our preconceived ideas about such a place impact the actual experience and the place itself?