Chapter 13, The Ascent of Mount Ritter, Chapter 14, A Geologist's Winter Walk Summary and Analysis

Muir makes many ascents up the Sierra Nevadas but his climb up Mount Ritter in 1872 ranks among his most difficult. This chapter also introduces a young Scotch artist, William Keith, who later becomes an important California landscape painter. The two become lifelong friends. During the hike, Muir wishes that he could be the artist instead of Keith but he is content to just look. They then spend several days at a camp site due to its beautiful view. When they leave, they make their way to Mount Ritter. Keith and another artist start to paint and Muir begins to climb.

The first day of climbing is fairly straightforward and the evening is so beautiful that it carries an almost religious significance...