A couple of weekends ago, my friend and I decided to try our luck for good weather and go to Yosemite to climb Half Dome. It was post season, so the cables on Half Dome would be down (i.e. off of their posts) and the wooden slats used for footing removed. If the rock had been wet even a little, the attempt would be aborted due to slick conditions. However, our luck panned out and we had perfect conditions on climb day. It was one of the more nerve-wracking climbs I've ever done and as such, it greatly built my confidence. Yosemite is truly majestic and beautiful and I'm so thankful I got to take it all in from the top of Half Dome. I love the outdoors!
 |
| Backpacking 4.7 miles into Little Yosemite Valley at 6,100', this was our camp for the first night. Two communal fire rings provide a chill, social gathering place for outdoor enthusiasts spending the night here. |
 |
| With foggy conditions the day before, this was our first view of Half Dome in the morning of climb day |
 |
| Duly noted! |
 |
| Majestic terrain |
 |
| Climbing up the subdome |
 |
| Trees persevere and hang on here |
 |
| At Half Dome proper and looking up to see the overhangs for the first time. Yikes! |
 |
| Just breathing while going hand over hand, Batman and Robin style |
 |
| Taking a break on the side of Half Dome. Wearing
a harness in this instance is not to prevent injury, anchors are few
and far between, but a last ditch effort to prevent death if a fall were
to occur |
 |
| At the top! We had all of Half Dome to ourselves with no other people for an hour, another advantage of going post-season |
 |
| Lunch amidst grandeur at 8,835' |
 |
| Chilling on the edge of Half Dome, happy and content |
