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Funston Camp, July 13,1908 Darling Helen. Its just 2 weeks since I started for the Sierra, my old home I find it hard
to leave. Am feeling so much better, almost like myself. I intended to leave the party at the soda. aprings above the Upper
kern Lake return by the giant Forest Visalia, but couldn't help coming up higher. We just returned from a trip to the basin
of the Grand Arroya near the kahn had grand time. July 15th. Failed to get this letter into the mail. Expect it will go tomorrow.
Have not yet heard from you but expect a letter by next mail. My address, as given in other letters is c/o Sierra Club, Mineral
King, Cal. about 114 set out yesterday for Mt. Whitney I intended to go also, but my horse was required by a party going
to Mineral king tho getting strong did not like to take so long hard hurried a walk, So am taking my ease in mine parlor under
the Kern Cottonwoods pines, 6600 footies above the yellow torrid plains of San Joaquin, looking at the trees lilies etc. drinking
snow water its music. Oh the glorious crystal floods how they clash surge chant on their bowldery way through the wilderness.
l've been lecturing talking, tongue on sounding on about as ceaselessly as the passing waters, but tomorrow I think I'll steel
out of camp for a quiet day along as of yore. I am always turning to you wishing you were well enough to be here. But the
air the fine is not so downright delicious at daybreak as it is on the Mohave or Arizona plateaus. Hever mind, my darling,
we will with God's grace have many a glorious trip together. I suppose I'll be back home in bout a week than if you need
me I'll make haste to the desert tell you this. kern Mountain story. Remember me to all the kind Van Dykes Funks, Heaven
keep you safely my darling may you ever feel me neat however high the mountains broad the plains between us. Your friend,
father lover John Muir