Born in Dunbar, Scotland, John Muir grew up in an almost repressive home. His father was a strict disciplinarian and ruled his home with a fierce authority. It was little wonder that Muir would sneak away from home on what he called "scootchers" or high-adventures. From scrambling onto the roof of his house during a storm to descending into the depths of castle ruins, Muir was constantly climbing. The adventures continued after his family moved to America.

Wisconsin proved to be the ideal location for the young Muir to begin his eduction in the natural world. But all of that would have to take place after his "chores" were done each day: chores that would include clearing fields for the plough, building a house, and digging a 90 foot well. It was during this last "chore" that Muir came close to dying from breathing deadly "choke-damp" that had settled into the well. Once he had recovered sufficiently, his father sent him back down to finish the job!

By the light of a candle, alone, in the middle of the night, and in the cold basement of the house, Muir discovered that he could invent labour-saving devices and other mechanical devices. These inventions soon brought him public acclaim at the Wisonsin State Fair, and would eventually change his life. Leaving home to attend college for a few years, Muir would continue with his "scootchers," only now on a grand scale.

After nearly losing his eye-sight in an industrial accident, Muir abandoned the "world of men" to see God's creations. He walked from Kentucky to Florida on his "1,000 mile walk to the Gulf." From here, he made his way to California. Upon reaching San Francisco, Muir asked "Where can I find a wild place?" He was pointed towards the Yosemite region, and his life was forever changed. It was there that Muir realized his life's calling, and he would spend the next 40 years pursuing it.