Half Dome

Two weekends ago, my family traveled to Yosemite National Park to celebrate my Mother-in-law's 60th birthday. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends all gathered at the Yosemite Lodge to spend 3 days and 2 nights in the remote splendor of the Yosemite Valley. Three of us were lucky enough to set out on an early am adventure to summit Half Dome, one of the park's most prominent formations. We began before dawn on what would be a 9 hour 15 minute hike that spanned over 18 miles of forested, switchback laden, waterfall infested, horse-poop littered trail. After we crossed over the top of Nevada falls, we worked our way up the last 4+ miles of the backside of the massive rock. At this point, even though the sun was directly above, the temperature kept dropping. Clouds were moving in and our pace was slower due to both fatigue and the increased grade. At last, we reached the cables that support and guide hikers to the very top. The trek up the cables was scary. Very steep. Very little protection from the elements and from just plain falling. Of course we made it and were able to peer over the sheer edge of Half Dome into the valley below. Absolutely crazy. I highly recommend it if you are in the area. As with most hikes - especially in places this significant - there was a definite peace at the top. Not only the peace that comes with effort and accomplishment, but especially the humbling peace that comes with being surrounded by such awe-inspiring elements.