A Mountain is Never "Conquered"

 

"When a mountain is climbed, it is said to be conquered – as well say a man is conquered when a fly lights on his head.  Blue jays have trodden the [Half] Dome many a day; so have beetles and chipmunks, and Tissiack [Half Dome] will hardly be more conquered, now that man is added to her list of visitors.  His louder scream and heavier scrambling will not stir a line of her countenance . . ."

John Muir

Photo: Sunrise alpenglow on Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, CA, July 28, 2011