This was "take 2" on Half Dome. Last year we attempted it and couldn't make it to the top because I had very bad cramping in my legs. I was determined to have a different outcome this year, so I made some changes in my preparation and approach.
Firstly, I did not work out for a few days before the hike. I think this was a big factor in the cramps I had last year because I did a leg workout the day before our hike last year. Secondly, we brought more water with us and also a filtration device, because last year we ran out of water on the way down. The third change was bringing salt and electrolyte supplements with us and using them a few times throughout the day.
We started out at 4:30am to take advantage of the cooler morning temps and get a head start on the rest of our group. They are younger than we are and faster, so getting started earlier meant we could go at a pace that was easier for us. It was a bit scary doing the first hour in the dark, I imagined bear and mountain lion lurking around the giant boulders on the trail. Luckily we only saw a bobcat and that was actually in the road on the way to the trailhead.
The hike up the Mist Trail was just as difficult as I remembered from last year. I had knee arthroscopy in 2015 and still have a partially torn meniscus, so all those step ups on the Mist Trail become painful for me. We were rewarded with a beautiful view of Vernal Falls at sunrise and even some mist this year since the falls are still flowing pretty nicely thanks to all the rain and snow we had this year. We carried on up to the top of Nevada Falls, more steps and climbing up rocks. There were also a lot more bugs this year, yuk!
Once at the top of Nevada Falls we headed through Little Yosemite Valley heading to Half Dome Trail. It was about half way to the subdome that our friends caught up to us, so our timing was perfect. We made it to the ranger checkpoint at the subdome in good time. A special permit is required in order to continue up and over the subdome and up the cables to the top of Half Dome. The ranger checked our permit and we were good to go.
The subdome seemed a little less scary than last year and we all stopped to regroup before starting up the cables. Going was up was definitely hard but doable. It definitely takes some arm and leg strength but takes some mental determination as well. Two of our group have a fear of heights so this was a major accomplishment for them and I really admire their veracity.
Once at the top we looked around enjoying the views, had a little rest, took a bunch of celebratory photos and then prepared for the descent. Smoke from the nearby wildfire was starting to blow towards us as we headed down.
Personally, I thought going down the cables was much easier than going up. We basically went down backwards/sideways, holding onto one cable with both hands. Thank goodness we had good gloves because we could feel the heat from the friction right through the gloves. We finally all made it down to the subdome and started the long hike back to the valley floor. Elevation gain 4,000 feet and distance of 8.1 miles on the way up! Bad news: you have to hike back down now.
Three of us opted to take the John Muir Trail down from the top of Nevada Falls. It added an extra 1.5 miles but we wouldn't have to go down all those steps on the Mist Trail, and my knee was already pretty sore.
We made it back to the trailhead at 15 hours which is an hour better than our time last year. I finally can check Half Dome off my list of things to accomplish! Hooray!
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Half Dome Hike - Yosemite Photos
Wildfire smoke 
Half Dome (from Yosemite Valley floor) 
Me on the "diving board" at the top
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