Marry Me in Yosemite (2022)

[bunniefuu]

Nice.

I can't find a spot.

All right, just lean back...

and I'll help you down, okay?

Okay.

Lower away.

- All right, lowering.

- All right.

Nice.

Whoo!

All right, all right.

Good job.

Ugh, it was a little scary

up there.

- Not as easy as it looks.

- No.

All right. Who's next?

- Zoe Best is in the house.

- Harris!

It's nice to see you.

How are you?

Never better.

- What do you think?

- It's wonderful.

I heard the book-signing

was a huge success

Yeah, I couldn't

believe the turnout,

especially after

that one newspaper

called my photos

"high school yearbook poses."

Ahh, forget about

that one review.

Your photos are great

and your book is selling.

Hm. I can do better.

Of course. That's why

I wanted to see you.

I've got an idea

for your next book.

Really?

You've done a great job

documenting Chicago

and the Midwest.

Now I want you

to take on the West,

starting with

Yosemite National Park.

Wow. Yosemite?

I... I've never even been there.

All the better.

You'll bring fresh eyes

to the place.

I want you to reveal Yosemite

like no one else has ever done.

I like the idea

of focusing on photography.

Nature photos as art.

But here's the thing:

I need everything in two months.

- Two months?

- This will lead

our fall collection.

Leave that to me.

But I need you

to get started ASAP.

- How many pages?

- A hundred or so photos

with very brief essays

this time.

Okay. As soon as

I get your contract.

It's all right here.

This could be the start

of a whole new line.

Zoe's Best of the West.

Yosemite... then Santa Fe,

Big Sur, the Rockies.

But Harris,

it's impossible to do

any better than Ansel Adams.

He was and always will be

Yosemite's master photographer.

And a national treasure.

But this book will be

your vision of Yosemite.

I know, it's just...

it's a little intimidating

following Ansel Adams'

footsteps.

This will be a breakout book

for you, Zoe.

I really believe it.

Okay!

Awesome.

Hello?

Hello?!

- Zoe?

- Harris!

Just checking to see

if you made it to Yosemite.

Yes, I, uh, got here

a couple hours ago.

The drive was fine.

I love it here already.

Good, good.

Can't wait to see the photos.

Keep me posted.

Will do. Okay, bye!

Man...

- Hi, good morning.

- Good morning!

- My name is Zoe Best.

- Sage Morning Star.

It's my first visit,

and this place is spectacular.

Welcome to Yosemite.

Thanks!

Are you here for a permit?

- A permit?

- Yeah,

for campsites in the wilderness.

Oh, no, no, no.

I'm working on a book.

My publisher sent me out here.

- A book on Yosemite?

- That's right.

I'm taking photos

of the park as it is today.

Well, this place is

a photographer's dream.

It really is.

Listen, I was wondering.

Do any of your park rangers

offer guided tours?

Oh yeah, there's

lots of organized hikes

led by rangers.

Well, I think I'm looking

more for a guide,

someone who understands

the ecosystem

and the famous landscapes.

You could hike to most of

the famous vistas from here.

You've got Yosemite Falls,

you've got the valley,

El Capitan from the Meadow.

Hm. That sounds easy enough.

But, hey, the ranger talks

really do help.

I would check it out.

Thank you so much.

Actually, I think

I might know someone

who can help you.

He knows the ecology

better than anyone.

He used to be a climber.

- A climber?

- A rock climber.

But he's sort of, um...

off the grid.

But if you can get

his attention,

he really knows his stuff.

I'm intrigued.

What's his name?

Jack Hawkins.

He's a naturalist.

A naturalist?

He knows the natural order

of things,

from plants to people.

My grandfather actually runs

this small little outfitter shop

just outside the park.

He might know

where to find Jack.

Where's the shop?

Hello?

Over here.

There we go.

You ever seen a woolly bugger?

No, I think that's my first.

You lookin' for a guide?

As a matter of fact, I am.

Well, you've come

to the right place.

Springtime fishing is great,

but you're gonna need some help.

Oh! No, I'm...

I'm not here for the fishing.

I'm looking for a guide

named Jack Hawkins?

Are you?

Is he in some kind of trouble?

No, no, no, uh...

your granddaughter,

the park ranger?

- Sage?

- Yeah.

She said that you might be able

to connect me with Jack.

Hm.

I haven't seen him

in a few weeks.

He pops up, then disappears.

Huh.

I, uh... the next time I see him,

I'll let him know

you were looking for him.

Thanks.

It's a great shop.

Do you get a lot of climbers

in here?

Oh yeah, all the time.

Hm.

I understand Jack is a climber.

Climber, guide, carpenter.

Interesting.

Jack's one of these

all-around capable guys.

Does a little bit of everything.

Do you happen to know

where he lives?

We did a blessing of his land,

up in the mountains.

A blessing?

I love that.

There's an unmarked road

back towards the park

off Highway 120,

just past Coldwater Springs,

on the left.

Thanks...

Kosimay Wilson.

Friends call me Kos.

Zoe Best.

It's lovely to meet you.

Zoe, give me your hand.

This will take you there.

Thank you.

Beethoven's Ninth

from Chicago's Orchestra Hall,

June 27th, 2017.

Bravo!

What the...

Bravo!

Stop that!

Okay, okay.

That was really magnificent.

Wait a minute.

First, you ruined my fishing,

and now this?

- That was you?

- Yeah!

I don't know who you are

or what you're doing here,

but now would be

a good time for you to leave.

I'm sorry about the fishing,

but your performance

here today, wow.

Are you Jack Hawkins?

Yes.

I'm Zoe Best, a photojournalist.

Kos said I could find you here.

Kos.

Yeah.

I don't care

what Kos said, okay?

It's time for you to leave.

Okay. I hear you

loud and clear.

Don't worry,

I'll show myself out.

Good. Bye!

You know, I was there,

by the way.

Orchestra Hall in Chicago,

June 2017.

It was incredible.

You know...

I was there too

at Orchestra Hall.

Best concert ever.

Top ten.

Are you from Chicago?

No. I was just there

that weekend for the concert.

What is it that you want?

I'm looking for a guide.

I do coffee table books

based on my photos.

Picture books

for couch potatoes.

Uh, no!

People really like them.

Yeah, armchair adventurers.

My last book was on small towns.

It sold really well, too.

What do I know?

My next book...

Your next coffee table book.

Is on Yosemite.

I wanna capture the history.

John Muir,

how it was discovered.

Art-like photos of everything.

You know, a million photographers

have been here and done that.

Well, I just need help finding

the famous landscapes.

You should buy a map,

they're all on there.

I wanna go off-map.

Finding new

and different images.

This isn't a theme park, okay?

People die when they go

all gung-h* into the mountains.

Well, that's why I need you.

You know the park and I don't.

Fine. I get it.

You're not into it.

Probably not.

You know what I think?

No, I don't know what you think.

I think that you're naive

and a little dangerous.

But I also think

that you need some help.

How long do you need?

A week, give or take,

just to get the photos.

Okay.

Okay, you'll do it?

I'll do it, but I have one rule.

Which is?

You do what I say when I say it.

The mountains are dangerous.

You got yourself a deal.

We get started tomorrow.

Mm, a week from tomorrow.

After I take care

of a few things.

No, no, no, no,

I... I have a deadline.

We need to get started now.

Sorry!

This was a giant waste of time.

You know, I'm gonna go

discover Yosemite on my own.

Suit yourself.

Just be careful

where you're going.

Thanks...

for nothing.

- Morning.

- Hey!

- So, did you find a guide?

- Uh, that would be a no.

Jack was tied up?

Jack was insufferable.

Yeah, he can be a little testy.

- A little?

- Well, he's got that

confirmed-bachelor edge.

But he's the best I know.

Too bad it didn't work out.

I did some research last night,

and I'll be just fine on my own.

You wouldn't happen to have

a map, would you?

Um, a few. Here.

Thanks.

I assume you're starting

with day hikes,

- no overnight permits needed?

- Right.

I'm going to take the trail

to Cascade Falls

and from what I read,

should be a pretty easy hike

on a beautiful day.

Careful... it gets a little

slippery up near the falls.

- Thanks, Sage.

- For sure.

Hello.

Gah! I'm stuck.

Help!

Help!

Help!

Help!

- Whoa there, bear.

- Help!

Go on, bear.

Get outta here, go on!

Help!

Help!

Help!

Help!

What are you doing down there?

Jack!

I'm stuck.

All right.

Gimme a minute, all right?

All right, Zoe, I'm gonna

throw the rope down.

Keep clear.

What happened?

My foot is stuck.

All right.

I'm gonna put some chalk on it

and it's gonna come

right out, all right?

- Okay.

- Okay.

- Ready?

- Yeah.

On three.

One, two, three!

Oh!

Thank you.

I thought I was a goner.

You know, that bear was

staring right at me.

Do you have food in your bag?

I had a protein bar.

You're lucky.

That's all I can say.

Now what?

- Start climbing.

- How?

You go hand over hand

and your feet will just follow.

What if I slip?

If you slip, I have the rope.

Just reestablish your footing

and keep going.

Okay.

Good, you're doing great.

Don't look down, look up.

Okay, Mr. Grouch.

Great.

All right, you're doing great.

Keep it up.

Almost there!

Yeah!

- Good job.

- Yes!

Okay.

I made it!

You must think

I'm a real knucklehead.

Yeah, something like that.

Someone said

they wouldn't help me!

Never go into the mountains alone.

Okay.

But you said

you wouldn't take me.

Don't even go there, okay?

You could have died.

Well, I didn't expect

to see a bear.

They live here.

We're the visitors.

Yeah, well, it'd be nice

if they'd let us

- just roam around.

- Most of the time, they do.

Just don't carry

unsealed food, okay,

especially protein bars.

I'm really, really grateful

you showed up.

Thank Sage.

Sage?

Yeah. You told her you were

hiking to Cascade Falls,

she got to worrying

you might do something stupid.

I don't know how

she got that idea.

You know,

you can stay mad at me,

but we're kinda bonded,

aren't we?

What are you talking about?

Well, you just saved my life.

That's kind of a bonding thing,

don't you think?

Jack.

I'm sorry.

I'm truly grateful.

I don't know what I

would have done without you.

I'll give you five days.

That is it.

You will?

I'll take you

where you need to go,

you'll snap your photos,

you'll head back to Chicago

and never come back again.

Ah! What a charming proposal.

Oh, and one more thing?

Gear.

You can't get where you wanna go

without these.

And this.

Are we expecting rain?

- Just trust me.

- Okay, is this where I go

from being a city girl

to a mountain girl?

Something like that.

There you go.

Here you go.

Changing room. That way.

Kos, looks like

I'm your best customer.

Today, you are my only customer.

Hate to ask, but when...

Tomorrow morning, 6 a.m.,

Sage's office.

I'll be there, all geared up.

Great.

- Hello!

- Hey!

So I heard you had

quite the adventure.

If you hadn't sent Jack,

I can't even think about it,

so... thank you.

You really need

to be careful out there.

Things do happen.

Yeah, and after all that,

he still agreed to be my guide.

Well, you'll be in good hands.

- Hello, by the way.

- Good morning.

You've met my grandfather, Kosimay.

It's nice to see you again.

Sometimes, Jack asks Kos

for advice.

He knows Yosemite

better than anyone.

I was born here.

My family goes way back.

- Four thousand years.

- Oh! Is that all?

Give or take.

We're part of the Miwok tribe.

- Good morning!

- Morning!

- Hey, Sage, how are you?

- Doing well.

- Nice to see you, Jack.

- Yeah, you too.

Well, if you guys need any help

with your planning,

just let me know,

I'll be over there.

Awesome.

- Thanks.

- Thanks, Sage.

And thank you for stopping by.

He knows every trail.

- Don't you?

- Most.

Here you go.

I wanna make things official.

Five days.

Looks good to me.

Let's get started.

Here's a list of the places

I wanna visit.

The closer I can get,

the better.

Yosemite Falls, El Capitan,

Cathedral Rocks...

No problem.

Yeah, I think we can knock

the first three or four

of these off today.

Really?

That's the good news.

Tenaya Creek,

very hard to predict.

See, right here, easy access,

but shadows, clouds, mists,

who knows?

Well, we can at least try, right?

- What do you think?

- Maybe,

depending on the weather.

I have this idea.

I wanna get a photo

of Half Dome,

one that no one

has ever taken before.

That's only the most

photographed mountain

in the world.

- Even Jack managed a shot.

- Oh.

Half Dome at dawn.

Getting close to Half Dome

can be real hard.

But there's a great view

from Mirror Lake.

That's a great idea, Kos.

You need his blessing

and his wisdom.

- Hm.

- Thank you.

All right, let's get going.

Did you remember your rain gear?

You know it.

Wow.

Yosemite Falls.

What a shot.

I'll use my 4x5 camera for this.

It's a wide-angle lens.

Great for landscapes.

This is the shutter control.

See the bellows?

I love this camera.

Now.

Viewfinder...

Okay, now focus...

This is incredible.

There it is.

Wow.

The quintessential

Yosemite photo.

It's almost too easy.

Get your rain gear on,

we'll get a little closer.

I've never seen

anything like it.

All those boulders?

It's called talus.

It's been here since

the last ice age.

They're huge!

You can't see from here,

but there are two more

waterfalls up above.

The falls are terraced?

Yeah.

The noise is overpowering.

The fountain of life.

Magical.

Huh!

Hey! None of me.

Please?

Nope.

Look, this book isn't just about

nice scenery.

It's about people like you

trying to conserve it.

Later, okay?

Come on, one shot.

I hate posed photos.

So don't pose.

Just jump up there

and look like a guy.

Perfect!

You handle those cameras

pretty well.

Tools of the trade.

So what are you?

A journalist or a photographer?

I went online.

Oh, you did?

My first love was painting.

That's why I went to art school,

but then I realized

that you can't make a living

as a fine artist.

Yeah, not easy.

Yeah, so I took some

photography classes

and I realized

I have an eye for it.

I'm sort of a tech geek.

So no training?

Well, I was in journalism

before I went to art school.

So lemme get this straight.

Your goal is to find

Yosemite's famous locations

and take artsy photos.

I am an artist.

My goal is to find new ways

to capture interesting images.

Hm. Well, I'm a scientist.

Wait.

I thought you were a musician,

you know,

conducting the orchestra?

Okay, you got me.

Music is my passion,

especially classical.

Don't get me wrong,

I love your art and all,

but your photos just don't tell

the whole story.

What do you mean?

I mean, Yosemite's ecology

is changing.

There are conservation issues,

environmental concerns.

Well, I was focused on the art.

Gotcha.

I saw your article

about water conservation.

I Googled you too.

- Huh.

- And I also saw

that you wrote a book

called Conserving the West.

What's that about?

Sustainability.

Of the park?

Of the West.

Its water, its land,

including Yosemite.

Huh. That's interesting.

The science, you know, conservation.

It's about testing

and measuring, you know?

Data analysis.

Your art, your photos

are beautiful,

but science reveals

what's inside the photo.

Okay, well,

this might surprise you,

but I'm intrigued by all that.

Do you ever collaborate,

you know, with other writers?

Not big on collaboration.

Oh, all good.

I don't need your help.

Look, I can get you

to the famous locations,

then you're on your own.

Great. Just how I like it.

So are there any places that

show conservation at work?

Oh, so now you want my help?

Well, only because

you're Mr. Conservation.

Hey.

I can show you what's happening,

just no collaboration.

I wouldn't think of it!

- Good.

- Mm!

Look at those spires.

It looks like they're

reaching for the heavens.

Cathedral spires.

When John Muir arrived here

in the 1860s

and saw this valley,

it was a full-on

religious experience.

Feel like I'm having one

right now.

"The range of light."

That's what he called

the Sierras.

I mean, being here was like

being in a cathedral.

Every read any John Muir?

I started reading

My First Summer in the Sierras

on the plane.

I love his writing.

He was a scientist,

but he connected man's soul

to nature.

It's where he found God.

Huh.

"The grand show is eternal."

That's how he described Yosemite.

When I was driving

through the tunnel

into the valley,

it was sort of like

a religious experience.

That's a gift.

Like the Garden of Eden.

And our job is to protect it.

And my job is to capture it.

Nice!

Come on.

There's a great spot for

an artsy photo of El Capitan.

Hey!

Wait up, roadrunner!

We got a schedule to keep.

Hi.

Merced River's at its best

this time of year.

How's the fishing?

I wouldn't know.

Someone's phone

scared them all away.

Oh, yeah. Uh, okay.

- Thank you.

- Yeah.

El Capitan.

How's that?

Right in your own back yard.

Do you ever take it for granted?

I take it all for granite.

Really?

Sorry, bad pun, okay?

Look, I get to see new things

every day.

Weather patterns,

changing of the seasons.

- I get it.

- But there's a harmony

to this place,

how it all blends.

It's almost mystical.

The sheer cliff is stunning.

El Cap.

It's like a massive anchor

holding everything in place.

And people climb the face?

Every day.

When I drove by yesterday,

there must have been

50 photographers

in the Meadow taking photos.

Yup. All trying to be

Ansel Adams,

none of 'em coming even close.

That's exactly how I feel.

El Capitan above the Meadow.

Art?

Art.

Hey, look.

About halfway up.

Oh, I see them!

How do they do that?

Lotta chalk and strong forearms.

They look like toy figures

against a fake backdrop.

They're very real.

Over 30 people have been k*lled

trying to summit El Capitan.

Wow.

Sage said you're a climber.

I was.

Have you ever scaled El Capitan?

Several times.

Insane.

Yeah, it's not for everyone.

Hey.

Do you think I could go

to the basecamp or something?

I would love to take some photos

of the climbers.

Yeah. I'll take you to Camp 4

where they all hang out.

It's a good bit

of social history as well.

- Let's do it.

- All right.

So cool.

You know, in climbing circles,

Camp 4 is Mecca.

It started after World w*r II.

Some burnt-out soldiers

moved here.

Some became climbers,

others were just hanging out.

What did the park rangers think?

Well, there was tension

for years.

The rangers tried to evict 'em

but the Gis just wouldn't leave.

What happened?

Well, one year,

the river flooded,

washed away a lot

of the staff cottages,

so the park services built

a dormitory over here.

Suddenly, the park rangers had

a strong presence in Camp 4.

And the climbers?

Today, it's first come,

first served

for a seven-day permit.

Howdy.

- How's it going?

- Good.

How's the climbing today?

- Splitter.

- Right on.

Either one of you guys

summit El Cap?

I did last summer.

Yeah, me too.

She went the nose route.

In the rain.

Any ascent of El Cap is major.

Totally.

Uh, I'm doing

a photo book on Yosemite

and I'm wondering

if I could grab

a few shots of you two?

- Sure.

- Sure.

Awesome.

Hey, where you from?

- Chicago.

- Me too!

- No kidding.

- Clark Street.

Lincoln Park.

What's your name?

Uh, Zoe Best.

Ah! I have your book.

Super good.

You should put us in.

I... let's do it!

I would love that.

So keep your head up

Don't ever give up

It's what you make it

It's now or never

Maybe, um,

let's come together and get

a million-dollar smile.

Say "Yosemite"!

Love it, we did it!

Fantastic, I love it.

Letting go right now

'Cause it's your day

right now

Yeah, you got what it takes

in every single way

If you can just believe it

And leave it all behind

Yeah, let it go, let it go

Keep your head up

Don't ever give up

It's what you make it

It's now or never

Leave it all behind

Will that add to your book?

Absolutely!

You know, I love

that kind of serendipity.

Let me ask you,

'cause you're a climber.

Why do they do it?

It's just so insane.

Well, there's free climbing

with ropes and harnesses.

That's what I used to do.

It's fun.

And dangerous.

Not if you're cautious

and prepared.

And some climbers don't use

ropes or anything?

That's free soloing.

I did a little bit of that.

Never again.

Wow.

El Capitan is one

of the most difficult

rock climbs in the world,

but that's what draws people.

I guess it's all about

the challenge.

As for me, I like to keep

my feet on the ground.

Well, come on.

I'll get you to a mountaintop,

no climbing needed.

Oh, sounds like

my kind of mountain.

That's Half Dome

in the distance.

I've run out of superlatives.

Hey, check it out.

Aww.

Aww, I love this photo!

Sometimes,

Mother Nature shows off.

She's putting on quite the show.

You know,

it's hard not to appreciate

the park founders.

I mean, their entire goal

was to preserve and conserve.

I want my photos

to tell that story.

Oh. So they're not just

art for art's sake.

Places like Yosemite,

where nature is protected...

it is a great model

for sustainability.

Landscapes are for observation

and conservation.

Not just beauty,

but what's inside the photo.

Art and science.

If we're good to the land,

then the land will be

good to us.

Oh. I almost forgot.

Sage invited us over for dinner.

Well, more you than me, but...

I figure I'll tag along.

A home-cooked meal sounds great.

We're here!

Come on in!

Nice to see you again.

Nice to see you!

I'm so glad

you guys could make it.

Thanks for having us.

This place looks great.

Staff housing.

You know, those WPA guys really

knew how to build a cabin.

I love the Craftsman look.

Come on, make yourselves

at home.

Uh, Jack, there's wine

on the table for y'all.

Awesome. Thanks.

Um, so, how was your day?

Now I know how Alice felt

when she arrived in Wonderland.

Look at that!

"Moon and Half Dome."

You know, I've taken

some spectacular shots,

but none of them are this good.

Ansel Adams was

something special.

- Thanks.

- You're welcome.

So, any highlights

from your day?

The whole day was a highlight!

But I loved getting close

to El Capitan.

- And Cathedral Rocks.

- Mm, where we met John Muir.

Jack's muse.

We all follow in his footsteps.

You know, back in the day,

developers had turned Yosemite

into a tourist trap.

- Really?

- Yeah, it's true.

So John Muir knew he had

to do something about it,

so when Teddy Roosevelt

visited in 1903,

he took him camping

down in Mariposa Grove.

That photo's incredible.

That camping trip

led to the preservation

of Yosemite Valley.

It's true.

No John Muir,

no Yosemite National Park.

Here's to John Muir.

And to those who were here

before him.

- Aho.

- Aho.

I see that you've added

to your library.

Zoe's Best of the Midwest.

Yeah, I picked it up

at the Ansel Adams Gallery.

I didn't know that.

Thanks, Sage.

I understand why

you're like focusing

on Yosemite's landscapes,

but most of the photos

in your book are of people.

I want to get beauty shots,

but I also like human stories.

Like, today we ran into climbers

at El Capitan.

I had to restrain her from

getting into a harness herself.

The climbers had great stories.

Maybe your book

can also tell our story.

Absolutely.

It's part of history, right?

I like your Alice in Wonderland analogy.

You know the line

"curiouser and curiouser"?

When you dig below

the surface here,

it can get a little complicated.

Like?

White people tend to think

they discovered Yosemite.

It was never undiscovered.

My great-grandfather

was born here,

and his father was born here

as well.

The Ahwahnechee

were here all along.

Ahwahnechee?

The original people

of Yosemite Valley.

Part of the Miwok tribe.

There were hundreds of them

living here, right?

Their cedar huts were scattered

throughout the valley.

One family here,

another family there.

Plenty of fish and deer

for food.

It was a good place.

Then the miners arrived

during the Gold Rush,

thought they'd discovered paradise.

That's when trouble began.

There were a lot of tragedies,

and not just a culture clash.

As I understand it, there was

a bounty on our people.

A vigilante group

called the Mariposa Brigade

led sort of an invasion

of Yosemite.

Many were k*lled

or forced onto reservations.

That's so sad.

America's past is not perfect.

It's complicated,

and there is a lot of pain,

but it's all a part

of its story.

Do any Indigenous people

still live in the park?

The last were gone by the 1960s.

But their spirit is still here.

They'll never leave.

I want to take photos of some

of the historical places.

There's plenty in the park.

Tenaya Lake and Creek.

The Ahwahnee Hotel

and even Half Dome.

And as they say, a picture's

worth a thousand words,

if it's the right picture.

- Harris.

- I'm looking for John Muir.

Is he around?

- He's everywhere.

- Good, good.

- He's the man, you know.

- So I hear.

You need to dig

into his writing.

I'm on it.

I'm also digging into

the Native American past.

It's tragic but it's important.

I agree.

So it's going well?

This place is spectacular.

I mean, you should see

El Capitan.

Send some photos.

We ran into some climbers

scaling the wall.

It's intense.

- Did you find a guide?

- I did!

Yeah, he's an interesting guy.

Former rock climber.

I think you'd like him.

- He was even quoting John Muir.

- Hm, sounds perfect.

Yeah, he also did some writing.

Wrote a book called

Conserving the West.

- Hm, I've heard of it.

- And we're just getting started.

I can't wait to see

where it leads.

Don't forget your deadline.

Right.

Right, right.

I'm on it.

I'm just imagining 200 years ago

when the Ahwahnechee people

lived here.

They just picked

such a beautiful place.

So peaceful.

Yeah, it's like Sage said.

History can be painful,

but the more we know

about our past

the stronger our future can be.

- How's this?

- Yeah, that's great.

- Great.

- Perfect.

I went to the gallery today.

A present.

Conserving the West

by Jack Hawkins.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

There's a whole section

on water conservation.

Our most important resource.

Look.

I know I said

I don't need your help,

but I was wrong.

You know more about Yosemite

than I ever will.

How 'bout you help

co-write the book with me?

Like I said, I'm not big

on collaboration.

I know.

But...

If I were to get involved,

I write as a scientist

and you write as a journalist.

And you're good, too.

Thanks.

But I don't think our styles

would mesh.

How about you write sections

under your name

and I write sections

under my name?

I might go deeper than you want.

I'll take my chances.

This might work out.

You can highlight conservation

and help me find photos

to go with your points.

Maybe.

I do have one ground rule though.

Here we go.

I'm in charge.

You do what I say when I say it.

You're the book boss,

I'm the trail boss.

Even-steven!

Okay, Zoe Best.

You got yourself a partner.

Yes!

Woo!

That shot is incredible.

Do you see that rainbow?

We do what we can.

Jack.

I think this is the best photo

I've ever taken.

Really?

It's pure magic.

Ah.

Is this your

art-at-a-new-level shot

for the cover?

Maybe.

Well, I'm glad for you, seriously.

I've always wanted to know

what's at the end of a rainbow.

Me too.

Woo!

Careful.

Woo!

Whoa!

Careful, Zoe.

- Oh.

- You all right?

- Yeah, sorry.

- It's all right.

Let's just take a break

for a minute, yeah?

- Okay.

- Yeah.

Everybody should have

a guide like you.

You've been awesome.

Well, I bet you say that

to all the boys.

I do, but this time

I actually mean it.

Well, I don't love guiding,

but sometimes it works out.

Thanks to your friend Sage.

I'm glad she connected us.

Yeah, you weren't so happy

on that first day.

You were such a grouch.

Yeah, you were invading

my space.

I needed a little help.

Yeah, you were pretty lost.

I was lost.

I was hoping that you would

just turn back around

and head back to Chicago.

And now?

And now...

I'm seeing the park

through your eyes, as art.

And I love it.

Sage says that you are

a confirmed bachelor

who lives alone in the woods.

I'm happy.

Okay, so I'm just gonna

ask you this.

Between us and the mountains...

Does it ever get lonely living

there alone all year round?

No.

No, I mean...

It just seems like...

There's plenty going on

even in the winter.

But no love life up here?

If you're trying to make me

a profile in your book,

let's just stop right there.

I agreed to write about

Yosemite, not about me.

No, it's just inquiring minds

want to know.

Have you ever been in love?

Are you always this nosey?

I'm a journalist.

No.

You're kidding.

You asked, I answered.

And the reason is...

I don't need a reason.

So you like living alone?

- How 'bout you?

- Me?

Yeah.

Well, if I'm gonna be honest...

my work is my love.

Okay, well...

There was Harley, a sculptor

I met in art school.

But that didn't work out.

And then there was Billy.

Well, actually,

there were two Billys,

but I didn't really love them.

Look, I guess

I'm just old school.

I have a different view

of what love actually is.

You know how I'm about nature

and weather patterns

and what each day brings

to Yosemite?

I do now.

Well, for me

it's all about the land

and the details within it.

And if I ever do fall in love,

it'll be because

of the little things.

Do her eyes sparkle

when she laughs,

and does her smile

touch my soul?

What sounds does she make

when she's sleeping?

And how does she react

to a sunrise

over a mountain ridge,

or when the Alpine glow

washes over the face

of Half Dome?

What brings her joy, you know,

and how does she accept sadness?

And what does she see

that I don't see?

When I wake up next to her

in the morning,

am I excited to share

a new day with her?

And is there this unspoken look

between us that says,

"Yes, the world

is a better place

because we're in it together."

It'll be like that, you know.

The details.

I guess you never

really thought of it.

Look.

The Alpine glow.

It's beautiful.

Exactly perfect.

Look.

I have an idea

if you're up for it.

Try me.

There's this great little

country dive bar

not too far from here.

Food's pretty good

and there's live music tonight.

I'm in.

So, are you getting

what you need?

I have a ton of beauty shots

and a lot of stories, but...

I still need that one photo

that takes it to another level.

Hmm.

We're still on art patrol.

Something like that.

Mm.

You sure were right

about the food.

I'm glad you like it.

This place is amazing.

What, no country bars

in Chicago?

Not like this.

Grab your partners, ladies.

Here we go.

With everything I've done

Too much and then some

I ain't too much

worse for the wear

Between learning my lessons

and counting my blessin's

I realize

I really don't care

As long as I wake

with a smile of my face

From some dream

in a rear-view mirror

I could have ended up

anyplace else

But I know

that I'm better off here

You dance pretty well.

For a mountain guy who spends

his winters alone?

Yeah.

For that guy.

You dance pretty well too.

Hm.

For a Chicago girl

who doesn't get out much?

Yeah, for that girl.

Oh, as long as I wake

to your smiling face

The rest of the world

disappears

I wouldn't trade this

for anything else

Woop!

Hey!

Oh!

I wouldn't trade this

for anything else

I know that I'm better

[]

The rainbow photo is incredible.

Thanks.

I love that one too.

Zoe, this book's

gonna be spectacular.

I'm excited.

Have you found

the structure yet?

I mean, the shots look great,

but where's the book heading?

I'm not sure.

I'm adding a conservation angle

with Jack

and I'm building

an emotional arc

about the people I've met.

- I still need that one photo.

- To show off the park.

To show that I'm an artist,

not just another photographer.

What about the park

and what it means?

Don't worry,

it's all about the park.

I just want an image that soars.

Sounds good.

How's Jack working out?

Better than

I could have imagined.

He just have all this insight

about the land.

In fact, I have asked him

to co-write the book with me.

- Really?

- Yeah.

I think he's perfect.

Keep those photos comin'.

I will.

Bye.

Yes.

Back when I was rock climbing,

I used to come down here

to swim,

just to cool off.

Have you always lived up here

near the park?

I've been coming up here

since I was a kid.

My father taught biology

at Cal State Sacramento.

We spent our summers here

camping and hiking.

I caught the climbing bug.

Your parents let you?

Not at first.

I majored in Natural Science

at Berkeley,

but my father always complained

I was majoring in climbing.

Sounds like you were.

Well, I climbed my way

through graduate school.

That's when I became interested

in conservation.

And started writing about it.

Writing was like climbing.

Put one step in front of another

and then another,

and pretty soon I had

a best-selling book.

That's how you got

your mountain cabin.

Somethin' like that.

Let's talk about you, though,

and what you're missing,

that photo.

What about that shot

of the rainbow at the falls?

I love it, but...

Mm, doesn't define you

as an artist.

I need a photo of Half Dome,

one that no one

has ever gotten before.

I am really stuck on this one.

What if we backpack

towards Half Dome?

Let's do it.

All right.

Let's check in with Kos.

We need some gear

and he may have an idea or two.

- Okay.

- All right.

I saw this photo of Half Dome

in your book.

It's a beauty.

I got lucky one day.

It's nice but there's a million

just like it.

I think it's a masterpiece.

Think of all the times

you've seen Half Dome.

Do you ever see anything new?

I always look for the face.

The face?

A legend has been passed down

about a woman named Tis-sa-ack

who quarreled with her husband.

She was very upset,

so she ran off to the east

and formed a huge mountain.

But her tears of guilt

forever stained her face.

You see what happens if you...

Don't go there, Jack.

I'm just saying.

Later, her name got changed

to Half Dome.

And from a certain angle,

you can see her face

and the tear stains.

But getting that photo,

well, I don't know.

That's it.

That's the photo I need to get

of her face.

The problem is,

Half Dome faces west.

Most photos are taken

from the south,

from the John Muir Trail,

- right?

- That's right.

That's where Jack took

his photo.

From Nevada Falls.

Long ago, my grandfather

helped John Muir

create a different trail

all the way to Half Dome.

- From the west?

- Right.

But that trail was closed.

Yeah, the Park Service

closed that trail

several years ago

because of a big accident.

So, that's it, there's no way

for me to take the photo

- of her face from the west?

- Not safely.

What's that saying,

"the better part of valor"?

So, I guess that's that.

'Fraid so.

The idea hit me

early this morning.

He called and said

the look on your face

yesterday hurt his heart.

Kos.

Thanks.

So what's the idea?

When I was a boy,

my grandfather took me camping

way up Tenaya Creek.

That's when he told me

about the old trail.

- The one that's closed?

- Past that one.

It's a long hike,

but we kept going,

above the creek,

up a little ridge,

and there it was.

The face of Half Dome.

- Close?

- Close enough to see her tears.

How was it?

Was it steep?

Not too bad.

Jack, what do you say?

Can we get a wilderness permit

to camp up there?

There's campsites

along Tenaya Creek.

- There you go.

- Awesome.

Thank you so much.

All three of you.

Well, time's a-tickin'.

Let's pack up and hit the trail.

- Bye.

- See ya.

Bye.

Be safe.

Good luck.

What a great view.

See that canyon over there?

Uh-huh.

That's Tenaya Creek.

That's where we're headed.

All right.

Come on, roadrunner,

let's get to it.

This looks like our spot

right here.

Oh.

Is this where we're camping?

Yes, ma'am.

All right.

How far is the photo ridge

from here,

the one that Kos

was talking about?

Well, I'm guessing that we take

the trail up as far as we can

and then, if we're lucky,

we'll find it.

I'm feelin' lucky.

Come on, let's find a spot

to pitch our tents.

Okay.

Whatever it is you've made,

it smells delicious.

Pre-cooked chicken alfredo.

My fave.

The thermos right there

has got some Chardonnay in it.

Would you care to pour us

a couple of glasses?

What do you think

of our dining room?

Perfect.

- Bon apptit.

- Bon apptit.

And Jack, thanks.

Mm, not bad.

Did I mention I was serving?

You've come

to the right restaurant.

I heard the chef is amazing.

So, tomorrow morning

we're gonna find

the face of a young girl

stained with tears,

the Holy Grail of photos.

Do you think Kos will put

my photo in his shop?

Absolutely.

So, I was thinking,

my book is gonna tell

the story of Half Dome.

But I also want to tell

your story.

No, I don't think so.

I mean, I can't stop

thinking about you.

Your story is amazing.

And you've been coming here

as a boy

and becoming a climber

and a conservationist.

There's a romance

to who you are.

Well, I have to admit,

I've been thinkin'

about you too.

- You have?

- Yeah.

Like what?

How do you feel

about lemon cookies?

I thought you'd never ask.

See this band of stars

right here?

- Uh-huh.

- That's the Milky Way.

Oh, and these three stars

in a row right here,

- you see 'em?

- Yeah.

That's Orion's belt.

- Is that the Big Dipper?

- Uh-huh.

And that's Cassiopeia

just below it.

- A sh**ting star!

- Yeah.

Jack.

Huh?

I love this.

Me too.

I wish I could preserve

this moment forever.

So, what's next?

I mean, after the face of tears.

Tomorrow's my last night.

Back to Chicago.

I've done so much this week.

Thanks to you.

Went by too fast.

Do you think we'll mesh?

No.

But complement, yeah.

There is something else.

There is?

It's just...

the other night

when we were dancing...

I looked into your eyes

and it was like

looking into your soul.

Never had that feeling before.

Like knowing

if we're together...

the world is a better place?

Yeah, like that.

Like that.

We should probably

get some sleep.

- Big day tomorrow.

- Yeah.

Good idea.

- Jack.

- I hear 'em.

What should we do?

- Let 'em howl.

- Jack!

Scram!

Get out of here!

Get, get!

You know, they live here,

we don't.

Do you think they would hurt us?

No.

Just hungry.

Probably smelled our food.

- Thanks.

- Yeah.

Back to bed?

- You okay?

- Yeah. I'm fine.

- Good.

- It's just coyotes, right?

Right.

I mean, nothing to worry about.

Nothing to worry about.

Okay, good, well,

I'll just, uh...

snuggle back into my bag.

- Okay.

- Okay.

- Jack.

- Yeah?

Are you gonna be okay?

Yeah, I'll be fine.

Okay.

Good.

- Zoe.

- Yeah?

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Good morning.

Mornin'.

- How'd you sleep?

- I kept hearing coyotes.

- I was lights out.

- Hm.

You made bacon and eggs?

How are you not married?

- Grab a seat.

- Thanks.

Ooh, this muffin looks good.

If only I could find

some coffee.

Well, ask and you shall receive.

- Thanks.

- You're welcome.

- Cheers.

- Cheers.

Whew, that's strong.

Mm.

Shall we dig in?

Let's do it.

We'll grab our stuff

on the way back.

Okay, thanks.

Yeah.

All of this,

this beautiful canyon.

It's life-affirming.

You just paraphrased

my favorite John Muir quote.

Yeah?

What's his version?

"Never again will one faint

by the wayside"

who gains the blessing

of one mountain day.

Whatever his fate,

long life, short life,

"stormy or calm,

he is forever rich."

What a writer.

I got goosebumps.

John Muir lives.

I think you're gonna like this.

Jack!

Wow.

Worth the walk?

More like "Full Dome"

than Half Dome.

This is it.

This is the shot

that you've been waiting for.

It's so immense.

One of the largest rocks

in the world.

Look at her face and her tears.

Yeah.

What's wrong?

See how Half Dome bends

outward toward the left

near the tears?

Yeah?

That's the shot.

That's it.

It's perfect.

Great shot.

Thanks.

Kos was right.

It was worth the effort.

It's quite a shot.

I'm absolutely wiped out.

You know, if you're not

feeling up to it tonight,

- I totally get it.

- It's our last night!

- No, I just...

- A hot bath and a quick nap's

all I need.

I'll see you on the patio

at seven?

Perfect.

- Bye.

- See ya.

- You look amazing.

- Thank you.

You clean up very well.

This is really nice.

So, before I forget,

what's the deadline?

Uh... photographs

by the end of the week.

And the essays?

I hope you're a fast writer.

Get me some photos,

I'll start hammering.

Okay, I'll send some tonight

and an outline of what I need.

I really wish

you weren't leaving.

Yeah.

I feel like we just got started.

You think this will beat

the Chardonnay in a thermos?

Oh, nothing will ever beat that.

But it will come close.

To Zoe's Best.

It's been magical.

You really nailed that photo

of Yosemite Falls.

Our first day.

How's that Half Dome shot?

It's so beautiful.

Oh, and Harris

loved what you wrote

for the introduction.

"This valley, caretaken by

our Native brothers and sisters"

for thousands of years,

now preserved forever

and for everyone

"as a magnificent national park."

And the teaser you wrote

about nature on the move

and El Capitan,

the Pillar of Power,

I love it.

Great.

I mean, this is great.

So, you like

my first three essays then?

I loved your intro...

but your essays...

there's just so much science.

It's a coffee table book,

not a text book.

I'm a scientist.

I mean, we agreed that I would

write the way that I write.

I know.

I kn... I know.

I'm sorry.

I can't use your essays.

They just don't fit.

I'm really sorry.

No, I mean, I get it.

You're the book boss, right?

Look, uh...

- I'll talk to you later.

- Jack.

- Jack.

- Hey, Zoe.

I'm so glad you called.

Yeah, I am sorry,

I've just been...

Oh, no, no, no, it's okay.

I'm just happy

to hear your voice.

I'm really sorry

that my essays didn't work out,

but I'm sure you can

finish this on your own.

Oh, but Jack,

I... I was thinking...

No.

Zoe, I'm done, uh...

I'm sorry I couldn't help.

But, Jack... you did help.

You're on every page

of this book,

every photo, and I...

I'm sure it's gonna be great,

and I've loved spending time

with you,

but we're in different worlds, Zoe.

It's time for us to move on.

Goodbye.

Bye.

I know, Harris,

but I need more time.

I'm glad that you like

the photos,

but they're not gonna make

any sense without the narrative.

What happened to Jack?

We had creative differences.

I see.

Okay, okay.

Look, I'm sorry, but...

I can only give you

two more days.

That's it.

I understand.

Thanks, Harris.

- Hello.

- Jack.

Uh, what a surprise.

- Um, come on in.

- Thanks.

You sounded a little stuck.

And that bear

keeps staring at me.

Well, I did some rewriting,

simplified some things.

There were sections

of your essays I loved.

We got work to do.

Do you have a printer?

That's it.

Finished.

I couldn't have done it

without you.

You're the one

that made it great.

Oh, so now you like

armchair adventure books.

I liked the adventure

of making this one.

To our adventure.

Zoe's Best of the West.

Yosemite.

Well...

I gotta catch a flight.

Back to the mountains?

Yeah.

Who am I kidding? I...

I came back here

because I'm in love with you.

I'm in love with you too.

Whatever happens

for the rest of my life,

I want it to be with you.

Me too.

Forever.

Forever.

So, your book did well.

Very.

What's next?

Have you ever been

to the Grand Canyon?

Your next book.

Our next book.

Harris sent me off

with a contract.

The Grand Canyon.

And I also have

another question for you.

As a journalist?

As the woman

who's in love with you.

Okay.

Will you marry me?

Are you always this forward?

Only with you.

Yes, I will marry you

in front of these mountains

and Yosemite Falls.

Do you, Zoe Best,

take Jack Hawkins

to be your lawful

wedded husband,

to love, honor, and cherish

from this day forward?

I do.

And do you, Jack Hawkins,

take Zoe Best

to be your lawful wedded wife,

to love, honor, and cherish

from this day forward?

I do.

I now pronounce you

husband and wife.

You may now kiss the bride.