And because Americans have much to thank him for, today we remember when Teddy Roosevelt followed John Muir’s way.
Which, of course, we talked about when we hooked up with Teddy last year in Chicago.
And no, we’re not that old to have been there.
When the US President and the Scots conservationist and explorer made history back in 1903.
Teddy, steady go
But we did the next best thing, chewing the fat with Joe Wiegand.
Today’s foremost Teddy Roosevelt, who channels everything there is to be said about the 26th Commander-in-Chief.
And was quick to tell me when he picked up on my accent of his Scottish roots through his mum Mittie Bulloch.
But he had little to say on his friendship with Dunbar, East Lothian-born Muir.
Well, Teddy’s memory may be failing him, being 168 now.
Although Teddy and John went on a three-night camping trip together.
And the Scot took the time to persuade the American how he could help preserved the Great American Outdoors.
The Great Outdoors
During Teddy’s presidency he placed 230 million acres of public land under government protection.
Including the iconic landmarks such as the Yosemite Valley and the Grand Canyon.
He became a close friend of Muir who had written: “Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness.
“All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter.”
Walking in their footsteps
Now it was always Teddy and John’s earnest hope that we would check out the Yosemite Valley and Grand Canyon for ourselves.
While we can also mark John Muir’s legacy by visiting John Muir’s Birthplace in Dunbar.
Or walking the 134-mile John Muir Way.
From the east coast of Scotland, past my house in North Berwick, to Helensburgh on the west coast.
While Teddy’s Presidential Library will be in keeping with the Great Man on a different scale when it is opened on June 30.
A 93-acre site, a mile and a half west of Medora, North Dakota and celebrating the Great Outdoors.
And when Teddy Roosevelt followed John Muir’s way.
We’d expect too that there will always be a place for Teddy Bears to have a picnic.
