Memorial Day may be more than nine months away but we’ve already started planning our trip to Yosemite next May. It seems only fitting that the place that led to the creation of America’s national parks is our first long-term camping destination.

The wilderness activist John Muir first visited Yosemite Valley in 1868. He then worked the High Sierra as a ranch hand, shepherd, carpenter and builder. Writing of Yosemite’s wonders, Muir became a spokesman for preserving the area’s natural beauty.

In the last 25 years of his life, Muir continued writing, devoting much of his time to the Sierra Club he founded in 1892. He led the effort to have Yosemite designated a national park in 1890, and then secured additional protections through his association with President Theodore Roosevelt.

Needless to say, we’re eager to see for ourselves this “heart of the wilderness” about which Muir so eloquently wrote. Yet we know we’ll also be competing with some 4 million other visitors who arrive at the park each year wanting to capture a bit of Muir’s enthusiasm. That’s why we’re planning our trip so far in advance. If you’ve been to Yosemite, we’re interested in your experiences. Let us know what to expect.