National Parks History

Shirley Sargent was still trembling with grief Saturday over the loss of treasured historical volumes, photos and artifacts that she collected for nearly three decades as Yosemite's unofficial historian. Never mind that she nearly lost her life. Or that she saw her home and all her personal belongings destroyed in the flames Thursday that swept through the tiny private enclave of Foresta, where she and 60 others lived quietly inside the park.

Shirley Harding stood outside the remains of the old Harmony Borax Works holding a decorated teapot dug up from the nearby 1880s Chinese labor camp. It is one of 100,000 museum objects now carefully catalogued in a computer at the monument office, said Harding, the curator.

Shirley Harding stood outside the remains of the old Harmony Borax Works holding a decorated teapot dug up from the nearby 1880s Chinese labor camp. It is one of 100,000 museum objects now carefully catalogued in a computer at the monument office, said Harding, the curator.

Shirley Sargent was still trembling with grief Saturday over the loss of treasured historical volumes, photos and artifacts that she collected for nearly three decades as Yosemite's unofficial historian. Never mind that she nearly lost her life. Or that she saw her home and all her personal belongings destroyed in the flames Thursday that swept through the tiny private enclave of Foresta, where she and 60 others lived quietly inside the park.

"Wales: Land of Nature & Legend" is a comprehensive 77-page guide to this scenic, historic corner of Britain. It has essays on gardens, national parks, history, legends, cities and more, plus seven suggested itineraries lasting two to seven days. There's also a map, events calendar and detailed information on climate, local laws and transportation. Call the British Tourist Authority, (877) 899-8391.

Twenty years ago, Lady Bird Johnson traveled to California's majestic North Coast to dedicate the 58,000-acre Redwood National Park, the most costly and possibly the most controversial U.S. national park ever created. It was a triumphant victory for conservationists at the threshold of the new environmental age.

For people who do business on an international level, gift-giving can be a challenge. Many of the presents that will be bestowed with heartfelt good will over the next few days could in all innocence cause cultural consternation. Some of the most commonly exchanged items during the holiday season are acceptable gifts only within a Christian culture. That four-pack of white cotton handkerchiefs that many American grandfathers receive, for example, wouldn't be acceptable to a Chinese patriarch.