Good morning brave hearts.
The adventure of opening the great wild to tourism was a profound feat of national significance. What lay at the heart of the lofty mountains was a prize of dollars and sense. The magnificent wild opened an opportunity for the Canadians to explore the great land, with it’s unending beauty and prizes of health and fitness benefitting the soul, the body and the mind. Unrivalled magnificence of stellar views, of grand landscapes with carpets of flowers, magnificent wild beasts, forest and birds and mile upon mile upon mile of exploration, adventure and discovery. Another superb mountain pass, a glimpse into the unending mountain chain, life and travel, peace and rejuvenation. The heart melts at the great beauty of the awesome great Earth, and the soul sings in praises of the almighty planet.
Joy! Joy in the discovery of yet another crystal clear lake, the colour of emeralds and turquoise. Jewels of the earth splashed onto the landscape with colour so rare and brilliant. Waterfalls and great glaciers, rugged, uncompromising land. The brave came forward for the thrill and excitement of discovery, to challenge their skills in the fabulous pursuit of mountain adventure. To climb the highest peak, to paddle the turbulent waters, to conquer the rapids and to proclaim their triumphant success. The challenge was so exciting and the adventure was so grand, that a call was heard at the highest office of the land. “More!” cries the spirit, as it soars with the eagles at the top of the mountain. A unnamed peak, so cleverly climbed and an expedition that can see for miles. “There’s more! We want more!”
The persistent horseman had travelled into the frontier, exploring and cutting trails for business and curiosity. Setting up camps and marking routes, their travels becoming documented feats of early exploration, where no man had gone before. They were the first to travel into the heart of the mountains and with their discovery came reports of more and more and more. Land for preservation, land for protection, land for tourism and business and wealth. Properly protected, the land becomes a haven of international acclaim. Mountain climbers and thrill seekers, artists and adventurers all swarm to the mountains to lay claim to their rights. To be the first to capture that title, to paint that view, to write that log and to name that peak. The race was on! To be the first, and with that title, to capture their place in the history of the nation. To be the praises of that song, to be the heroes of the day, to be the champion of that title. To carry gold in their pockets and bragging rights, forever!
The pastime of a pursuit of a new national dream, captured their imaginations, their hearts, their minds and their destiny. In 1886, awesome Yoho with it’s fossil find, and fabulous Glacier National Parks, in British Columbia were formed. In 1887 the boundaries of Banff National Park were expanded.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/yoho/index.aspx Yoho National Park, British Columbia
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/glacier/index.aspx Glacier National Park, British Columbia
With the formation of these two new national parks, Canada was now pursuing a legacy of national wealth in the preservation of the great outdoors. A conscience developing in the Canadian people, to marvel at the magnificence of the great land of Canada, to be the proud owners of special, protected places. A step into the lives of the early explorers is to witness a life of thriving good health and fitness. The dauntless being who returned victorious from that triumphant mountain expedition, reaches to us from the thriving brilliance of yesteryear. The earth saves us, oh human, and our history still claims us. The system of national parks is for environmental protection and for the health and vitality of the people. The great land calls us and from our beginnings we search and protect those significant areas that demand preservation.
For us, in Canada, the great wild has always been the fortune of our existence. Fortunate us, to have the great land and it’s outstanding wild places and wild creatures, to call us to health, fortitude, adventure and freedom. Yes, said the awesome great powers of the day. We will give you these grand landscapes of freedom, forever, for you to enjoy, oh Canadians. In health, in wellness, in joy. The new national dream was secured.
written by Dr. Louise Hayes
May 27, 2014