Jose portrait
  • Expedition: Sep 10-15, 2000
  • Jose
  • Kingsburg, Merced, and Tokay High Schools
  • Chain Lakes

I SEE...

I see the towering trees, the huge mountains with falling rocks. I see plants trying to squeeze out anywhere they can. I see a stream running over falling trees, with leaves going for a ride.

I HEAR...

I hear a stream flowing, trying to get to the bottom. I hear birds talking to each other from tree to tree. I also hear the breeze blowing by my ear.

I TOUCH/FEEL...

I touch a rock, because I'm sitting on it. I touch grass because it grows below my toes. I feel the air which is clean and pure. I felt the water which was clear and cold. I feel the sun which warms me with its rays. I touch the ground because I cannot fly.

I KNOW...

I know that I'm up here, where few have traveled. I know I've seen what few have seen and others wish to see. I know I get to see, feel, and hear something that is more natural than a baby. I know I am where people want to be.

An invitation...

I'M INVITING YOU to the most beautiful place in California. I'm not talking about beaches and the ocean, I'm talking about chain lakes. There is one path, that leads to four beautiful lakes, the next better than the last. This one path isn't easy, but the things you see on the way make it worthwhile. The 1st lake [is] kind of small, but beautifully put and surround[ed] by rocks. The 2nd lake [is] a little bit bigger with a wonderful white granite island right in the middle. The 3rd [is] about the same size as the first with an island and a lot of aquatic plants and beautiful trees surrounding it. The 4th and last that is so indescribably you just have to see it for yourself. It has clear blue water, surrounded by the enclosing mountains that give the lake its water. So I'm inviting you to a place that to feel the magnificence you would have to come.

I realized...

I REALIZED that a little motivation can go a long ways. Also because of this trip I left behind that can't do attitude because if I want to [do] it then I can.

WildLink is a proud partner of the National Park Service, National Forest Service, and Nature Bridge.