NATURAL RESOURCES BOOK REVIEW.

``John Muir's Last Journey''

Edited by Michael P. Branch

(Island Press, 2004, $16)

John Muir is universally and rightfully thought of as the father of Yosemite. Founder of the Sierra Club, a vigorous advocate in the fight against the destruction of the Hetch Hetchy who took his case to the highest levels of government, a prolific writer who introduced the beauty of California to a predominantly East Coast country, Muir is as entrenched in the mythos of this state as he was famous during his lifetime.

No one associates Muir with the Amazon or the Nile.

Yet, as these fascinating excerpts from Muir's journals show, California was happenstance in Muir's own plan for his life. The Wisconsin native dreamed of studying rain forests and exploring the headwaters of the Nile.

His famous thousand-mile walk from Wisconsin to Florida was but the beginning of that intended journey. He eventually made it to South America, but was forced to turn back and wound up in San Francisco.

It was there he heard about and decided to explore Yosemite. The rest is the history that has been taught generations of California school children. But what few know is that Muir never gave up on his dream and, at 70, embarked on the year-long journey that he details here. The rough notes and journals were never edited before his death three years later, and thus escaped general notice, though it is clear that Muir considered the trip the capstone experience of his life.

And what's also clear is that Muir himself probably would have shuddered at the thought he'd be considered the father of Yosemite, though he surely loved that valley. It's just that he, and his dreams, were bigger than that. He was a citizen of Earth. He was the first environmentalist.

- Michael A. Anastasi

ON THE INTERNET

The inevitable forces of summer are on the horizon and for those looking to cool down and be a little adventurous, check out www.ladiver.com.

Ladiver.com doesn't dazzle the eyes upon initial arrival, but it will lay out a complete diving menu to get you in the water and see what might interest you the most.

At the top of the page, you can browse at two diving points; beach and shore diving or boat diving - the first being recommended for those weary of long boat rides.

With shore diving, you can see what Catalina has to offer with ``An Internet Guide to Catalina Island'' which is extensive and gives you a sneak-peak at some of the spectacular marine life you might encounter up close. You can also dive underwater wrecks with a shore dive from Casino Point, an underwater park also located off Catalina Island.

If you want to try boat diving, you can click on any of the numerous local dive sites and see what charter boats are available. Other categories include ``Boat listings and reviews'', ``Dive shops and training,'' ``Instructors and programs'' and ``Local organizations and agencies'' to name a few.

Another important feature is the ``Current Local Weather and Ocean Conditions'' report which you can use for an up-to-the-minute guide before departing on your trip.

This Web Site is more of an informational site with some great links to other resources and independent companies. That allows for a more diverse search in which you can find the right dive for you and benefit from an underwater experience you'll never forget.

- Nate Brown

--Competition: The Degree Everyman Ironman Search is looking for two ordinary people, male and female over 18, who want to train for an Ironman triathlon.

The winners, judged on their 250 essay on why they want to be an Ironman (or woman), will have the chance to live and train in Southern California for six months with all expenses paid. They will also receive six months salary reimbursement, triathlon gear including a bike and a slot to compete in a real Ironman triathlon race.

Information: www.DegreeIronman.com.

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