Original subtitles

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.

It's a little scary.

Not as easy as it looks.

No.

All right.

Who's next?

Ellie Best is in the house.

Harris! 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

my photos high school yearbook poses.

Ah, forget about that one review.

Your photos are great, and your book is selling.

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'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 is 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 a little intimidating following Ansel Adams' footsteps.

This will be a breakout book for you, Zoe.

I really believe it.

Okay.

Just checking to see if you made it to Yosemite.

Yes, I 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.

Hi, good morning. Good morning.

My name is Zoe Best.

Sage Morningstar.

My first visit, and this place is spectacular.

Welcome to Yosemite. Thanks.

Are you here for a permit?

A permit? Yeah, for Can't Sights 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

landscape. 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.

Hmm, 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 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.

We're at the shop.

Over here.

There you go.

You ever seen a woolly bugger?

No, I think that's my first.

You looking 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 going to need some help.

No, 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.

Your granddaughter, the park ranger.

Sage? Yeah. She said that you might be able to connect me with Jack.

Hmm.

I haven't seen him in a few weeks. He pops up, then disappears.

Hmm.

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.

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?

He 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.

Cosme Wilson.

Friends call me Cause.

Zoe Best.

It's lovely to meet you.

Zoe, give me your hand.

This will take you there.

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.

Kaz said I could find you here.

Kaz? Yeah.

I don't care what Kaz 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 want to 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 want to go off -map, finding

and different images.

This isn't a theme park, okay?

People die when they go all gung -ho 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.

A week from tomorrow, after I take care of a few things.

No, no, no, no. I have a deadline. We need to get started now.

Sorry.

This was a giant waste of time. You know, I'm going to go discover Yosemite

my own.

Do it 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 could 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. Sure.

Hello.

Hello there bear.

Go on bear.

Get out of here. Go on!

Help!

Help!

Help!

Help!

What are you doing down there?

Give me a minute, all right?

All right, Zoe, I'm going to throw the rope down. Keep clear.

My foot is stuck.

All right.

I'm going to put some chalk on it, and it's going to come right out, all right?

Ready? Yeah. On three.

One, two, three.

I thought I was a goner. You know, that bear was staring right at me. Did 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.

Great.

All right. You're doing great. Keep it up.

Almost there!

Yeah!

Good job!

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 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.

Thanks, Sage.

Sage! Yeah, you told her you were hiking the 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 kind of 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?

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

Chicago and never come back again.

Ah, what a charming proposal.

Oh, and one more thing.

Gear.

You can't get where you want to go without these.

And then?

Are we expecting rain?

Trust me. Okay, is this where I go from being a city girl to a mountain girl?

Something like that.

There you go.

There you go.

Changing room, that way.

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, he'll be in good hands.

Hello, by the way. Good morning.

You've met my grandfather, Cosme.

It's nice to see you again.

Sometimes Jack asks Cos for advice.

He knows Yosemite better than anyone.

I was born here.

My family goes way back.

4 ,000 years.

Oh, is that all?

Give or take.

We're part of the Muwak tribe.

Good morning.

Good morning. Hey, Paige. 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, Paige.

And thank you for stopping by.

He knows every trail, don't you?

Most.

Here you go. I want to make things official.

Five days.

That's good to me.

Let's get started.

Here's a list of the places I want to 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, mist, who knows?

Well, we can at least try, right?

What do you think?

Maybe, depending on the weather.

I have this idea.

I want to get a photo of Half Dome, one that no one has ever taken before.

It's only the most photographed mountain in the world.

Even Jack managed a shot.

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, Cos.

We need his blessing and his wisdom.

Thank you.

All right, well, let's get going.

Did you remember your rain gear?

You know it.

So many falls.

What a shot.

I'll use my 4x5 camera for this.

It's a wide -angle lens.

Great for landscape.

This is the shutter control.

See the bellows?

I love this camera.

Now, viewfinder.

Aim open.

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 Talos. It's been here since the last IPA.

They're huge.

You can't see from here, but there are two more waterfalls up above. The falls

are tariff?

Yeah.

The noise is overpowering. The fountain of life.

Magical.

None of me.

Please. No.

Look, this book isn't just about nice scenery. It's about people like you

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.

You handle those cameras pretty well.

Tool 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.

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 let me 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.

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.

It's water, it's 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.

I can get you to the famous locations and you're on your own. Great. Just how

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.

Good. 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.

I 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.

You ever 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.

That'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.

We got a schedule to keep.

Hi.

Merced River is 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 backyard.

Do you ever take it for granted?

I take it all for granted.

Really?

Sorry, bad pun, okay?

Look, I get to see new things every day.

Weather patterns, changing of the seasons.

I get it.

There's a harmony to this place, how it all blends.

It's almost mystical.

The sheer cliff is stunning.

Old 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.

Yep. All trying to be Ansel Adams, none of them coming even close.

That's exactly how I feel.

El Capitan.

Above the meadow.

Art?

Art.

Hey, look.

They're halfway up.

Oh, I see them.

How did they do that?

A lot of chalk and strong forearms.

They look like toy figures against a fake backdrop.

Yeah, they're very real.

Over 30 people have been killed trying to summon 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 base camp 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 War 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 them, but the GIs just wouldn't leave.

What happened?

Well, one year the river flooded and washed away a lot of the staff cottages,

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 summon 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.

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 are you from?

Chicago. Me too.

No kidding.

Clark Street.

Lincoln Park.

What's your name?

Zoe Best.

I have your book.

Super good.

You should put it in.

Let's do it. I would love that.

Would that add to your book?

Absolutely.

You know, I love that kind of serendipity.

Let me ask you, because you're a climber, why do they do it? It's just so

insane.

Well, there's free climbing with ropes and harnesses, and 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 tolling.

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.

I papped him in the distance.

I've run out of superlatives.

Hey, check it out.

Oh, 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.

You know, 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.

Well, come on, make yourselves at home.

Jack, there's wine on the table for y 'all. Awesome, thanks.

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 with something special.

Thanks. You're welcome. So, any highlights from your day?

The whole day was a highlight, but I love getting close to El Capitan.

And Cathedral Rock.

Where we met John Muir.

Jack's muse.

We all fall in his footsteps.

You know, back in the day, developers had turned Yosemite into a tourist trap.

Really? That'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 is 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 beforehand.

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 landscape, 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

was born here as well. The Awaneche were here all along.

Awaneche? The original people of Yosemite Valley, part of the Miwok

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.

When the miners arrived during the gold rush, I 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.

were killed 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 Iwani Hotel, and even Half Dome. And as they say,

a picture's worth a thousand words, if it's the right picture.

He's everywhere.

So I hear.

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.

We ran into some climbers scaling the wall.

It's intense.

Did you find a guide?

I did.

Yeah, he's an interesting guy, a former rock climber.

I think you'd like him. He was even quoting John Muir.

Sounds perfect.

Yeah, he also did some writing.

Wrote a book called Conserving the West.

Hmm, 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 Awanichi people lived here. They

picked such a beautiful place.

So peaceful.

Yeah. It's like stage 7.

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 about you help co -write the book with me?

Like I said, I'm not big on collaboration.

I know.

Bye.

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 will 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 point.

Maybe. I do have one ground rule about it.

There 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.

Evens even.

Okay, Zoe Beth.

You got yourself a partner.

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?

Pure magic.

Huh.

With your...

Art at a new level shot?

For the cover?

Maybe.

I'm glad.

For you, seriously.

I've always wanted to know what's at the end of a rainbow.

Me too.

Careful.

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.

And thanks to your friend Sage.

I'm glad you connected us.

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 a part through your eyes. It was 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 going to 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

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 nosy? 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 about you?

Me? Yeah.

Well, if I'm going to 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. I

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

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?

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?

Is there this unspoken love between us? I said, yeah.

The world is a better place because we're in it together.

We'll be like that, you know, the details.

I guess you never really thought of it.

Look.

The Alpenglow.

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.

Are you getting what you need?

I have a ton of beauty shots and a lot of stories, but I need that one photo

that takes it to another level.

Hmm.

We're still on our patrol.

Something like that.

Hmm.

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 that.

We have your first lady. Here we go.

Everything I do, too much of this, I need too much worse for the way.

From some dream in a rearview mirror.

I could have been dead of any places, but I know that I'm better off

here.

I've always been carried along on the wings of a... We're a mountain guy who

spends his winters alone.

Yeah.

You dance pretty well, too.

Hmm.

Is there a Chicago girl who doesn't get out much?

Yeah.

There's that girl.

The rainbow photo is incredible.

Thanks. I love that one too.

Zoe, this book's going to be spectacular.

I'm excited.

Have you found the structure yet? I mean, the shots look great, but where's

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 at 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 has all this insight about the land.

In fact, I've asked him to co -write the book with me.

Really? Yeah. I think he's perfect.

Keep those photos coming.

I will.

Bye.

Back when I was rock climbing, I used to come down here to swim and 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

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

-selling book.

That's how you got your mountain cabin.

Something like that.

Let's talk about you, though, and what you're missing, that photo.

What about that shot of the rainbow at the fall?

I love it, but... It 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 Kaz.

We need some gear, and he may have an idea.

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 Tessiak who quarreled with

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.

Do 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

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 Deere 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

to Half Dome. From the West?

Right, but that trail was closed.

Yeah, 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.

Afraid so.

The idea hit me early this morning.

He called and said the look on your face yesterday hurt his heart.

Cause.

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 Hafto.

Close? Close enough to see your 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? This campsite's along Denier

Creek.

There you go. Awesome.

Thank you so much, all three of you.

Well, time's a -ticking. We'll 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.

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 Koss 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 feeling lucky.

Come on, let's find a spot to pitch our tents.

Whatever it is you made, it smells delicious.

Pre -cooked chicken alfredo. My fave.

The thermos right there has got some chardonnay in it. You care to pour us a

couple of glasses?

What do you think of our dining room?

Perfect.

Bon appetit. Bon appetit.

And Jack, thanks.

Mmm, not bad.

Did I mention I was starving?

You've come to the right restaurant.

I heard the chef is amazing.

So, tomorrow morning, we're going to find the face of a young girl stained

tears of the Holy Grail of photos.

Do you think Kaz will put my photo in his shop?

Absolutely.

So, I was thinking, my book is going to tell the story of Half Dome,

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 thinking 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 them? Yeah.

That's Orion's Belt.

Is that the Big Dipper?

Uh -huh.

And that's Cassiopeia just below it.

A shooting 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 compliment?

Yeah.

It's just the other night when we were dancing, I looked into

your eyes and it was like looking into your soul.

I've never had that feeling before.

Like knowing if we're together, the world is a better place.

They should probably get some sleep.

They did, Mo.

Good idea.

Jack!

I hear him.

What should we do?

Let him howl.

Jack!

They live here. We don't... You think they would hurt us?

No. Just hungry.

We smelt their 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... I'll go back into my bag.

Okay. Okay.

Jack? Yeah?

Are you gonna be okay?

Yeah. I'll be fine.

Okay.

Good.

Zoe. Yeah?

Good night.

Good morning.

Morning.

How'd you sleep?

I kept hearing coyotes.

I was lights out.

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.

Whoa, that's strong.

Hmm. Should 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

day. Whatever his fate, long life, short life, stormy or calm, he's forever

rich.

What a writer.

I got goosebumps.

John, you're a lamb!

I

think

you're going to like this.

Wow. Worth the walk?

More like full dome than half dome.

This is it.

This is the shot that you've been waiting for.

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.

Paws 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.

I said last night. No, I just... A hot bath and a quick nap, all I need.

I'll see you on the patio at 7?

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

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.

Zoe's Beth.

It's been magical.

Our first day.

How's that half -dome shot?

It's so beautiful.

Oh, and Harris loved what she 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 copy table book, not a textbook.

I'm a scientist.

I mean, we agree that I would write the way that I write. I know.

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! Hey, Zoe.

I'm so glad you called. Yeah, I'm 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 was thinking... No, Zoe.

I'm done.

I'm sorry I couldn't help.

But, Jack, you did help.

You're on every page of this book, every photo, and I... Sure, it's going to 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.

I know, Harris, but I need more time.

I'm glad that you like the photos, but they're not going to 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.

What a surprise.

Come on in. Thanks.

You found it a little stuck.

And that bear keeps staring at me.

I did some rewriting, simplified some things. There were sections of your

I loved.

We've 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 Book.

I like the adventure of making this one.

To our adventure.

Zoe's best of the wet.

Yosemite.

Well, gotta catch a flight.

Back to the mountains?

Yeah.

Who am I kidding? 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.

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 in Yosemite Falls.

Do you, Zoe Beth, 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 Beth 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.

Next Saturday, the true love before he can say I do. The court doesn't have a

copy of your divorce papers.

You two are still married.

We're what?

Honey, I'm home.

He needs to say I don't. I'm married to one man and engaged to another.

You got any plans tonight?

It's just a clerical error. It's not some big sign from the universe.

You sure about that?

Merry -go -round. All new next Saturday night at 8. Only on Hallmark.