On Friday, June 19^th I set out on a hiking expedition with my friend, Branson to reach the peak of Half Dome in Yosemite.  Having learned that the Half Dome trek was THE hike of hikes in Yosemite, I vowed months ago to try it before leaving California. 

Knowing we were in for quite a long day, we set out in the Mustang (from the Fitzgerald’s in Mountain House) at about 4:00 AM.  We arrived in the Valley after the sun had come up, and hit the trail about 8:00.  Our backpacks were full of all of the necessities: a few liters of water, sunscreen, insect repellant, trail mix, cheese, jerky, jackets, safety harnesses (if we felt skittish on the cables), etc.  I was also sporting a new hat to cover my bald head (Dana claims that it is a cheesy boy band hat, while Branson said I looked like a retro British hipster, hmmm.).

The first part of our hike was up the famous Mist Trail.  We soon found that it was aptly named.  In the morning light, vapors from the pounding falls formed rainbows from many vantage points.  The thundering sound, the drenching mist, and the contrast of light and shadow made the early morning walk quite surreal.  Resting frequently and taking pictures, we reached the top of the second (Nevada) falls by 10:30.

The middle part of our hike through the wilderness offered a brief respite from the continual climb upward.  As we approached the upper part of our hike, Branson and I were amused by the sign (see picture) warning about the mysterious connection between human excrement and dying trees on Half Dome.  As we approached the infamous cables (required for the last 400 feet or so), the landscape opened up to reveal an incredible vista of the Sierras with granite as far as the eye could see, sharp, snow capped peaks, and lichen stained cliffs.

The cables made for a memorable experience.  The crowds of people waiting to ascend helped create a carnival atmosphere.  It was clear that people were excited with adrenaline pumping, anxious to complete the last part of their journey.  We waited in line nearly 30 minutes before getting on the cables where we slowly made our way up the back face of half dome (over the course of another 30 minutes or so).  People were generally kind and helpful to one another.  Branson and I dispensed with our safety harnesses since we had no intention of going outside the cables (a speedy, but dangerous endeavor).  I really wasn’t nervous until the last 100 feet when the climb gets fairly steep. 

The top was everything you would expect it to be: an unsurpassed 360 degree vista, an adrenaline rush associated with the 3-4000 ft drop off, people doing crazy things that would probably make their spouses wet themselves….you get the picture.  When we arrived (about 3:00 or so), Branson found a comfortable “easy chair” of granite to take in the views (He did not want to leave).  I called Dana to let her know that I had not fallen to my death (at least on the way up), and overall we just took in the thrill of the place and the satisfaction of having made it!

Still needing to descend, we still had half of our hike left.  Fortunately, I got my second wind and we were able to descend rather quickly (although, again I must confess that going down the cables proved to be a fairly harrowing experience.  I did not really want to talk to anyone until I was off of those suckers).  Branson and I reached the end of the trail about 8:00 PM as darkness fell upon the valley (and the mosquitoes began to swarm).  It took nearly 12 hours to complete the 16 mile, 4500+ ft climb, but it was truly a remarkable experience, the memories of which I will savor for many years to come.  After the drive home and a shower, I fell into bed (at about midnight) next to a half-sleeping (but relieved) Dana, happy, but truly exhausted!

Russ