June 26, 2005
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Just got back this weekend from hiking Half Dome in Yosemite. On Friday I drove 4.5 hours to Merced where we were staying at the Vagabond Inn since everything else closer was already booked way in advance. Got there at about 1AM and slept for 4.5 hours since we had to get up early for the hike. Drove for 1.5 hours to get to Yosemite where we parked and took the shuttle bus to stop #16 Happy Isles which is where the trailhead is. We didn't start the hike until about 9 which is a lot later than what I was expecting. The total hike is about 17 miles with 4800 feet elevation gain at an altitude of 8,842 feet.
The first part of the hike takes you to the bottom of Vernal Falls.
We accidentally took the John Muir trail going up which added an extra 1.5 miles to our hike. Going down though we took the Mist trail which was fun and aptly named because you definitely get wet from all the waterfall's mist. The two trails converge at the top of Nevada Falls.
From there you hike around to the other side of Half Dome. There are some rock climbers who climb the face which is something I want to do one of these days. We passed by the backpacker's camp where some people who choose to do the hike over more than one day can camp.
To get to the top you have to climb these steel cables for about a quarter mile that are at a 45 degree angle. There are gloves that are left by the bottom of the cables that you can use to protect your hands. It was really crowded and it was tough waiting while you're hanging onto the cables. Also some parts are so steep that you have to literally pull yourself up the cables...very tiring on the arms.
We finally made it to the top at about 2:30pm. Unfortunately, a thunderstorm had been heading our way and it was starting to look pretty dangerous as we could feel a few drops of rain and could hear the thunder rumbling. Lightning hits Half Dome at least once a month and we had heard a story of how 2 backpackers got hit with lightning, started convulsing and fell over the edge. So we took our pictures at the top and started down the cables.
The hike down wasn't as bad but it still took us a long time. We got back to our car at around 8pm just before it started to get dark. The total hike took us 11 hours. We were starving by this time so we decided to grab a Chicken Pesto Supreme pizza at Degnan's Loft in Yosemite Village. The pizza was pretty good but the service is very slow. Got back to our hotel around 11:30pm and just crashed.
Today we slept in until noon and then I drove back to L.A. I'm pretty sore now with a couple of annoying mosquito bites since we forgot to bring bug spray. This was a great training hike for Mt. Whitney in August.
(Note: the above pics were not taken by me...I stole them from someone else's website to give you an idea of what the hike is like. I forgot my digital camera at home...doh. We bought a disposable camera but I won't be able to post my pics until we get them developed and scanned. Talk about old school...I feel really sorry for people without digital cameras)
Comments (15)
All this traveling u do makes me jealous
beautiful!!! i went on a short hike today.... was nice to get away and clear my mind.... nothing compared to your hike though =)
Hey! I don't have a digital camera... yet.
Nice!!! Did you guys swim at all? When we went hiking, there was a little pool of water that was a little ways down from the falls. Everyone was swimming, so we all decided to jump in too. The water was cold, but it was still a lot of fun.
I know I say this nearly every entry you write, but you make me so jealous with all of the things you're always doing!
This is crazy! I hiked Half Dome too! Did you guys hike on Saturday? I was trying to make it up to the top but had strained some wierd muscle in both of my legs and I could only make it to the "two miles to half dome" marker" and then I had to turn around, but my buddies made it to the top. And if it was saturday, it was at the same time as you guys! Crazy! The weather was awesome wasn't it?! sunny, warm and just right for a hike!
WOAH that's crazy. Yosemite is beautiful. Did get to see many wildlife?
awesome pics of halfdome, when i was a lil kid, they tried to drag me up there but i wouuldnt go cuz i thought i'd fall off the top....yea i kno, i wasn't very bright as a child....
sweet. i did the one day halfdome trip last year. i've only done the one day trek 2 times, but i've finished backpacking trips by going up there maybe . . . i think i'm around 15 times now. the next time i attempt the john muir trail again . . . i want to start at whitney and end by going up halfdome and into the valley. last time i cut out 80 miles into it . . .
lol...i guess i know what you're getting lanny.
was just about to compliment you on your picture taking skills
i've never gone to Yosemite. that's a must do on my list.
Whoa... I met up with my sister (gogglegirl) for lunch today and we started talking about travelling. She asked me if I subscribe to you and that you get sent out to travel a lot by your work. You must have heard us talking about you because I came home and all of a sudden you're subscribed to me! haha~
We'll talk about your V-Unit membership next time we have pho.
ryc: I knew someone who worked there. Yeah its NICE! I like St. Regis. That would be a nice place to get married as well. Just anything along the beach that is a relaxation type resort is ok by me. I like the Bacara cause its a private beach.. not so much hustle around., like your in your own world
how did you like goodluck bar? that rickshaw was awesome. if only i could take it for a joyride
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you certainly do alot of traveling. so what are your plans for the long weekend?
Nice. I love Yosemite. Ok Ok. I love California. So much to do! =) Funny though, my husband and I ate that same pizza at Degnans but had the opposite experience. Service was great but the pizza did a number on our stomaches! hee hee