There is Actually Something Good on TV
But we still don’t have cable or satellite to get any of it.
This week, we’re in luck, though!
PBS and the National Park Service are showing the series “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” on a big screen TV on the lawn next to the gazebo in Christiansted. Last night we went and learned how John Muir and others worked tirelessly to get Yosemite and Yellowstone set aside as the first National Parks.
It is very awe -inspiring.
I can’t think of a much better way to spend an evening than being outdoors relaxing on a cool, comfortable night. The lights of the harbor buoys flashed red and green, and the moon shone golden on the dark water as people fished off the boardwalk and kids ran around playing.
Unfortunately, there were only a handful of folks out there. A couple of families and individuals and us. Hopefully many others were watching at home.
The series continues every night this week at 8pm at the Christiansted National Historic Site. We’re going to be there every night but Thursday, when we have turtle night patrol duty.
Hope to see more people there tonight!
September 28th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
I love it! We watched last night, and really enjoyed the discovery and exploration of Yellowstone which is in my back yard. I have always felt that my religion, my God if you will, is found in the beauty and wonder of the natural world. It is great to live in places that are special, the Virgin Islands certainly fits into that category. Isn’t it amazing how some people just don’t get it? I hope they show a segment on the creation of the National Park in St. John…
September 28th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
I was thinking of you while watching the Yellowstone part, Trudi. I totally agree about the “God” thing, too. John Muir’s feelings and writings really hit home.
The hypocrisy of people who purport to believe in a “God” but continue to do destructive things to “his” creation is one of those things that makes me berserk.
September 28th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
We just watched the 2nd installment of The National Parks and I think John Muir was a prophet! How fortunate our country had two men like Muir and Roosevelt alive at the right time, and the same time to begin setting aside such special places. And still, the fight continues, which is why it is so important that at least one area of St. Croix’s South Shore will have a safe haven from speculators and developers. I am going to have to read more of Muir’s writings…
September 29th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Me too Trudi. You know how sometimes people ask “If you could meet and talk to just one person in the history of the world, who would it be?” And the answers are always “Jesus” “Gandhi” “George Washington” “Elvis” or whatever. I thought of this last night while watching the 2nd installment and mentioned to Terry that for me, it would be John Muir, hands down.
September 29th, 2009 at 11:04 am
I know, Trudi.
During last night’s episode, Michael talked about how we’re sometimes asked what historical figure we’d like to meet if we had the chance, and that John Muir would be a good choice.
The fight does get tiring, but becoming aware of his perseverance is so very inspiring.