While writing the ToMarket Geotourism Journey Blog this morning with advice about special journey trips themes, it seemed like a good idea to provide an example. One way to create an engaging theme around the journey journals of famous adventurers certainly can be found in the 3 Core Principles of the John Muir Hwy Geotourism Project. For  newsletter members who have not had a chance to consider this model for a place based project, the design paradigm and specific principles are summarized here.    

These 3 principles form the basis of why this geotourism experience has value and appeal to visitors.  The principles are oriented toward the joy of using the natural environment for mental, spiritual and physical development modeled after John Muir as exhibited in his life, writings and journal notes.  These same principles are also found in the journals/notes and history of other iconic nature and science writers (e.g. Charles Darwin). Being able to recreate this mental/spiritual/physical state of being and immersion awareness by connecting directly through Muir's words within the still preserved natural context of what he saw in 1868-69 lies at the heart of the unique geotourism trip theme.

Taken together with the vacation theme of fun, learning and fitness venues for exploration, they represent an opportunity to enlighten visitors from around the world while enriching the natural and human communities along the Historic John Muir Route in Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties.

1)    Importance of intellectual and physical rigor --- This is required according to each individual's personal, physical and mental capabilities in reading, analyzing, assimilating/understanding scientific principles, the physical laws of nature and the body of knowledge in all fields of study available to modern students of all ages. Each individual must apply rigorous study and retention.  This forms the basic cognitive structure that will serve as the scaffolding to allow the visitor to attain the next level of participation in "Being Young John Muir" to the full extent possible.

2)    Application, integration and synthesis of observations in natural settings - Through the direct and simultaneous immersion in the natural world and Muir's uniquely perceptive language, participants will gain a window into his process of transcendent vision into nature as God's creation.  This development in him as a young man fostered the incredible mental and spiritual growth that visitors can follow, learn from and inherit.  Attention to detail in observation techniques, note taking and the thorough use of critical thinking provide the tools needed to gain the ultimate value of this geotourism visit. It is reinforced by the cultural heritage of Muir's My First Summer in the Sierra journal writings.

3)    Unbridled joy from sharing a passion for nature - At the heart of Muir's lyrical, yet scientifically robust writings, beats an immensely bountiful passion for nature that can best be found in the physical presence of the ecosystems that can be observed along the Historic John Muir Route.  Muir chastened his readers that the greater value for all his followers resides in getting out of the libraries and books -after building your knowledge base - and placing your body and soul in the environment itself.  The power of the passion and joy he constantly shared can only be truly translated to others in this way.  Docent guides can be of great aid in this opportunity for growth and full understanding of how Muir can bring his joy to visitors in this way.