" ... the inward symphony goes quietly on. "

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from Yosemite Trails
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The Sierra, south of Yosemite not far from where Chase wrote the following.

Marie Lakes Basin, photo by j develyn.

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For those who have spent time in the wilderness, Chase's evocations here
may quicken the nerves of inspiration, such do the words call up those
' little clairvoyances, ' he so eloquently describes. I am, for the moment,
back on the trail experiencing those same feelings.



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" It was one of those blessed mornings of long silences, when the trail is easy

to keep and one's thoughts turn inward and revolve upon themselves. One whistles

sotto voce, notes a million things, infinitely small and precious, and receives

freely those little clairvoyances of the past which shake the heart for a moment,

but leave it calmer...the mind is clear and cool like the wind. One praises God,

but only occasionally becomes aware of it. The golden silence sings in one's ears,

and the inward symphony goes quietly on. "

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