181806 - ..
181807 - [On 140917 0540 hiking Half Dome next year planned to start
181808 - at 0600, but was delayed and so started at 0640.
181809 - ref SDS 52 YK4G
181810 -
181812 - ..
181813 - Map of the route is shown on the Internet...
181815 - ..
181816 - Map Trail to Half Dome Hike
181817 -
181818 -
181819 - http://www.everytrail.com/guide/half-dome-hike/map#poi-13
181821 - ..
181822 - Nobody else was on the trail that we could see either in front or
181823 - behind us. We started alone at 0800. Last time with Ross and Teavo,
181824 - we had to work our way through a big crowd of hikers, reported on
181825 - 950916 0700, ref SDS 10 NM76
181827 - ..
181828 - The change from crowded conditions 20 years ago reflects new park
181829 - policy requiring permits that limits hiking Half Dome to only 400
181830 - people each day, reported on 120130 1515. ref SDS 16 6D7K
181831 -
181833 - ..
181834 - Paved Path 1st Mile to Vernal Falls Foot Bridge from Trailhead
181835 -
181836 - The first mile of the Mist trail is a paved path on the North side of
181837 - the Merced river gourge. Kathy came along to hike toward Vernal
181838 - Falls. This trail is much different from Lafayette Reservoir. Kathy
181839 - hikes about 100 yards up the first difficult hill at Lafayette, then
181840 - the route is flat for a quarter mile or so. Over the next 2 miles
181841 - Lafayette has 3 or 4 moderate hills. Today, Kathy did well hiking
181842 - about .5 miles on the Mist trail before stopping to rest.
181844 - ..
181845 - I went on up. After resting, Kathy continued also, and nearly made it
181846 - to the Vernal Falls foot bridge that crosses the Merced river, about 1
181847 - mile from the trailhead.
181848 -
181849 -
181851 - ..
181852 - Foot Bridge to Vernal Falls New Drinking Fountains
181853 - Mist Trail Steep Narrow Stone Steps Past Foot Bridge to Vernal Falls
181854 - John Muir Trail Separates from Mist Trail Flatter Route Vernal Falls
181855 -
181856 - Took about 25 minutes to reach the Vernal Falls foot bridge. There is
181857 - a water station with about 6 drinking fountains. There is also a
181858 - building for a Ranger Station and restrooms.
181860 - ..
181861 - This seems much different from the prior hikes in 1994, and 1995. I
181862 - remember there was only a single water spigot at this location, and no
181863 - building. On the first hike in 1994, there was great relief finally
181864 - reaching this water spigot after hiking down 6 miles from below the
181865 - swishbacks, having failed to reach Half Dome, reported on 940917 0742.
181866 - ref SDS 2 HB94
181868 - ..
181869 - After crossing the bridge, the South side trail changes markedly for
181870 - the remaining .7 miles up to Vernal Falls. A hundred feet or so past
181871 - the bridge the trail divides at "Register Rock P." The Mist trail hugs
181872 - the vertical cliff of the Merced river gourge. A sign identifies the
181873 - trailhead for the flatter and longer John Muir Trail also to Vernal
181874 - Falls.
181876 - ..
181877 - Took the shorter Mist trail to Vernal Falls.
181879 - ..
181880 - Much of this trail is very steep, solid granite rock steps are formed
181881 - from large, irregular stones. The route takes strength and endurance
181882 - to climb, but also concentration to step correctly ascending the trail
181883 - up to Vernal Falls. Steps vary from 6" to over 18" in height and
181884 - width. At several places the path narrows to less than 3'. A metal
181885 - railing reduces danger of bumping the verticle cliff on the right side
181886 - and falling off the cliff into the gourge on the left.
181888 - ..
181889 - Reached Vernal Falls about 53 minutes from Happy Isle starting point.
181890 - Glad this was over. Don't like hiking vertically continually; however
181891 - legs and lungs felt strong. Paused to take few pictures and admire
181892 - the famous Emerald Pool.
181893 -
181894 - 
181896 - ..
181897 - [On 140917 0540 following year, getting to Vernal Falls
181898 - took about 63 minutes, 10 minutes longer than this year.
181899 - ref SDS 53 CI7O
181900 -
181902 - ..
181903 - Neveda Falls Trail Difficult to Find at Vernal Falls
181904 -
181905 - There seemed to be 2 routes up to Nevada Falls, however, nothing was
181906 - well marked. Asked some hikers and they pointed in 2 directions.
181907 - They said the John Muir Trail veering to the right is flatter and
181908 - longer.
181910 - ..
181911 - Took the left shorter, steeper trail to Nevada Falls. Hoped and
181912 - remembered the trail to Nevada Falls was less difficult than getting
181913 - to Vernal Falls. This turned out to be false hope. It seemed even
181914 - steeper and comprised of continual swishbacks. Many places the trail
181915 - was not evident, so there was risk and worry about taking a wrong
181916 - turn.
181918 - ..
181919 - About 70% of the way up to Nevada Falls was passed by a couple, man
181920 - and woman. We talked for a few moments. They had climbed Mount
181921 - Whitney a few days earlier, and were going up to climb the face of
181922 - Half Dome today.
181924 - ..
181925 - Mentioned the bartenders report last night in the Mountain Lounge
181926 - Room, where we had a drink, saying that rock climbing the face of Half
181927 - Dome is easier than the hike. 130917 0830, ref SDS 31 Z94I The guy
181928 - said he feels that is true.
181930 - ..
181931 - Reached Nevada Falls about 110 minutes from the start.
181932 -
181933 - 
181935 - ..
181936 - At Nevada Falls, there was a handwritten notice on a conventional
181937 - marking board explaining the trail I took is very steep, and the other
181938 - way is flatter and easier, called "John Muir Trail." Wondered why
181939 - there are not more signs telling people which way to go down below at
181940 - the foot bridge?
181942 - ..
181943 - Beyond Nevada Falls the Merced river winds through Little Yosemite
181944 - Valley about 4.2 miles from the trailhead at Happy Isle, so it seems
181945 - like half-way to Half Dome. The numbers are misleading, because the
181946 - next 4 miles turn out to be much more difficult.
181947 -
181948 -
181950 - ..
181951 - Little Yosemite Valley Asked Directions to Half Dome
181952 - De Ja Vu Woman Offers Water for Difficult Hike to Half Dome
181953 -
181954 - The trail splits again with the John Muir Trail to the right tracking
181955 - the river. A woman was coming down this trail, so I asked which way
181956 - to Half Dome?
181958 - ..
181959 - She said the shorter route is left but steeper with swishbacks.
181961 - ..
181962 - Said thanks and turned left.
181964 - ..
181965 - The woman asked if I have water? She said the trail to Half Dome is
181966 - long and very steep, and so hikers need water. This was de ja vu.
181968 - ..
181969 - About 20 years ago at nearly the same location, another woman hiker
181970 - offered water, reported on 950916 0700. ref SDS 10 FA5O
181972 - ..
181973 - Explained having come up from Happy Isle on the Mist trail. Cannot
181974 - imagine anything being longer and steeper. Pulled the pint bottle of
181975 - water in the coat pocket and held it up to show I have water, and so
181976 - far have not needed any.
181978 - ..
181979 - She smiled and said you will, and went on. Thanked her for the offer
181980 - and continued on the left trail.
181982 - ..
181983 - By now the sun was shining higher in the sky, so didn't need the coat.
181984 - Kept it on to carry the bottle of water in the pocket.
181986 - ..
181987 - Next time will consider a small pack for water, gloves, and to stow a
181988 - coat if needed to start. (see Assessment, below. ref SDS 0 BH5L)
181989 -
181991 - ..
181992 - Little Yosemite Valley Trail Relatively Flat .5 Miles
181993 -
181994 - The trail through the valley is mostly flat for about half-mile, but
181995 - very sandy. It is marked by small diameter logs on either side. A
181996 - path has been formed by hikers on the edge of the main trail because
181997 - firmer soil makes walking easier. This conserves energy. You have to
181998 - step over a few logs along the way that traverse the path and not the
181999 - main trail. These logs are mostly less than 2' in diameter, so this
182000 - is easier than walking in the sand.
182002 - ..
182003 - Past the valley, the trail gets steeper, but is still not difficult.
182004 - There is soil with shrubs, some grass, a lot of trees, and also open
182005 - space in Little Yosemite Valley.
182007 - ..
182008 - At about 1050, nearly 3 hours after starting the hike, took a picture
182009 - of a deer grazing about 20' away and adjacent to the trail. It seemed
182010 - comfortable with people walking by.
182011 -
182012 -
182013 - 
182014 -
182016 - ..
182017 - Trail then turns into large irregular stone steps comprising long
182018 - switchbacks of 5 - 20 yards, and going continually uphill, similar to
182019 - the .7 mile Vernal Falls trail, explained above, ref SDS 0 J65I, but
182020 - for about 3 miles. This trail is mostly open and mostly wider, rather
182021 - narrow and along the edge of a gourge, like the Mist trail.
182023 - ..
182024 - At this time, began overtaking hikers, mostly in two's - man and
182025 - woman, or 2 guys. Don't remember seeing anyone hiking alone. Passed
182026 - a few groups of 3 to 5 people. Also passing people coming down from
182027 - Half Dome. They either started at Happy Isle in Yosemite Valley much
182028 - earlier than 0700, or they stayed over in Little Yosemite Valley and
182029 - so made the top of Half Dome in half the time.
182030 -
182031 -
182033 - ..
182034 - Half Dome Trail Above Little Yosemite Valley Difficult to Find
182035 -
182036 - The trail is very rugged and often hard to discern direction. Where
182037 - there is soil, foot prints show the way. Asked for directions several
182038 - times and followed the crowd.
182040 - ..
182041 - Had to stop 3 or 4 times to rest for a few minutes. Drank a little
182042 - water ate a few bites of Cherrios from a plastic bag. This was a big
182043 - improvement from the hike in 1994. Ross was fine, but I had to stop
182044 - continually for 10 to 20 minutes, because legs were cramping, reported
182045 - on 940917 0742. ref SDS 2 HB48 Today, the legs never cramped, so only
182046 - needed a few short stops to take pictures.
182048 - ..
182049 - It was fun passing people on the trail. I got passed a few times
182050 - while resting, then passed those folks when they rested further up.
182052 - ..
182053 - In 1994, we got water at "The Little Spring," about 6 miles up at
182054 - elevation 7,200, reported on 940917 0742. ref SDS 2 HB54 The
182055 - following year, Ross reported getting water there again, and making
182056 - use of a purifying filter he purchased when we drove up the day
182057 - before, reported on 950916 0700. ref SDS 10 NN76
182059 - ..
182060 - Today, I forgot about The Little Spring, and didn't notice it nor see
182061 - anyone stopping to refill their water supply.
182062 -
182063 - [On 180912 0545 durng 3rd climb to top of Half Dome,
182064 - Lindsey stopped near top of Long Switchbacks to refill
182065 - water at a small, natural spring behind a large 6' diamters
182066 - tree cut out for the trail. ref SDS 54 XC4M
182068 - ..
182069 - At this point the trail gets steeper for about a mile.
182071 - ..
182072 - Around noon, reached elevation 7,900 feet and 6.9 miles. There is a
182073 - clearing with flat, rocky terraine, but somehow big trees are growing.
182074 - This is near the base of the Sub Dome. You can look up and see Half
182075 - Dome in the distance, but not the cables. They are on the other side.
182076 -
182077 -
182078 - 
182080 - ..
182081 - Rested here for about 5 minutes and took several pictures of the huge,
182082 - majestic gourge. Far on the other side are vast monoliths of solid
182083 - granite rock. Somehow trees are growing...
182084 -
182085 - 
182087 - ..
182088 - Headed up the trail a hundred yards and reached the base of the Sub
182089 - Dome. There were several groups of people sitting around and talking,
182090 - mostly in 2's and 3's.
182091 -
182093 - ..
182094 - Cables Permits Given Another Party of 3 Hike Half Dome
182095 - Sub Dome Swishbacks Very Difficult Permits Required Hike Cables
182096 - Permits Hike Cables Given to Another Party Start Sub Dome Swishbacks
182097 - Half Dome Permits Given Another Party Hike Sub Dome Swishbacks
182098 -
182099 - A Park Ranger was standing at this point looking at the screen of a
182100 - notebook computer. He requested a permit for using the cables. Had
182101 - been wondering when the permit issue would come up.
182103 - ..
182104 - Reached into my pocket and produced the printed permit, as directed by
182105 - instructions received on 130415 1636. ref SDS 20 AX4O The Ranger said
182106 - he didn't need the permit, he just asked for a name. He found the
182107 - name in his notebook computer.
182109 - ..
182110 - Ranger asked where are the other 3 people in the group?
182112 - ..
182113 - Explained change in plans, only one hiker today, per the record on
182114 - 130914 1340. ref SDS 29 FQ9J
182116 - ..
182117 - A young girl, maybe 20 or so, walked over from a group and asked if
182118 - they could have the 3 non-used permits for the cables. The ranger
182119 - said it was okay, if the customer agreed.
182121 - ..
182122 - I agreed and took off.
182123 -
182125 - ..
182126 - Switchbacks Sub Dome Difficult Starting to Tire But No Cramps
182127 -
182128 - The trail here begins a long nearly, vertical series of very short
182129 - switchbacks stepping up, similar to the Vernal Falls Mist trail,
182130 - described above, ref SDS 0 J65I, but without the vertical cliff so
182131 - there is exposure to fall off either side. Unlike part of the Mist
182132 - Trail, the Sub Dome trail has no steel hand rails for safety, so care
182133 - is required to avoid falling due to fatigue or loss of balance.
182135 - ..
182136 - For much of this half-mile hike or so, used my hands on the steps
182137 - above to aid stepping upward on the stone slabs. Rested several times
182138 - and had to turn sideways for hikers descending from Half Dome to pass.
182140 - ..
182141 - Youtube video shows level of effort required for this hike, which many
182142 - claim is the most difficult part of climbing Half Dome...
182143 -
182144 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiL1uvHN3hE
182145 -
182146 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mveuJT6-8lw
182148 - ..
182149 - This was a much better situation than in 1994. At that time, legs
182150 - cramped so badly had to turn back, but was also worried that crowded
182151 - conditions on the Sub Dome swishbacks made hiking very risky, reported
182152 - on 940917 0742. ref SDS 2 HB75 Today, legs never cramped, and less
182153 - traffic made the hike a lot safer.
182155 - ..
182156 - About a third or half way up the swishbacks, the girl passed who took
182157 - our permits. She was with another girl and a guy, all seemingly in
182158 - their 20s. Nice to see young people exercising hard and enjoying the
182159 - verities of Yosemite. They each thanked me for the permits, as they
182160 - passed.
182162 - ..
182163 - Took nearly an hour to get up to the top of the Sub Dome, which is at
182164 - the base of Half Dome. Took a picture at 1255 of people going up the
182165 - cables. On site, it suddenly looked more difficult and risky than
182166 - expected. Pictures convey a false impression of people simply walking
182167 - up the side of a hill. This is very misleading, as explained below.
182168 - ref SDS 0 YX6J
182169 -
182170 - 
182172 - ..
182173 - Coming up the Sub Dome swishbacks it seemed nothing could be harder.
182174 - Seeing people struggling up the cables presented significant
182175 - cost/benefit issues on tackling this final ascent.
182177 - ..
182178 - Ross never mentioned that going up the cables was difficult, until
182179 - today, see below. ref SDS 0 FF5G When he did this hike in 1994, and
182180 - the following year in 1995, on returning, Ross described exhileration
182181 - and awsome views on reaching the top. Then fixed dinner with his
182182 - usual enthusiasm and energy, without any evident effects from the
182183 - hike. After climbing the switchbacks today, and then seeing people
182184 - struggle getting up the cables, it was clear why Ross was hours later
182185 - getting back to camp in House Keeping, after I arrived returning from
182186 - only the base of the Sub Dome and without having done the switchbacks,
182187 - reported on 940917 0742. ref SDS 2 CJ4L
182189 - ..
182190 - Felt a little tired, but figured it wasn't going to get any easier
182191 - waiting around. Walked past everyone resting. Said hello to the 2
182192 - girls and the guy who got the permits. They were also sitting and
182193 - gazing up at people going up and coming down the cables. Turned out
182194 - later, they are in the picture of the cables, reported above.
182195 - ref SDS 0 TH3F
182196 -
182197 -
182198 -
182199 -
182201 - ..
1823 -
1824 -
1825 - 1255
1826 -
182601 - Gloves Cables Final Ascent Top of Half Dome Essential
182602 - Cables Difficult Ascend Top Half Dome Gloves Essential
182603 -
182604 - At the foot of the cables there is a crevice in the rock. There were
182605 - maybe 8 or so worn gloves, but it was hard to match them. Found a
182606 - left hand glove and it tested well gripping the cable. Could not find
182607 - a matching right hand glove, so tried a plain cloth glove without any
182608 - rubber grip. This slipped grasping the cable. By this time, a girl
182609 - was fishing around to find gloves in the crevice. Asked if she saw a
182610 - glove that might work better for my right hand? She found something
182611 - that seemed a better match with the left glove. Testing showed it
182612 - slipped worse than the plain cloth glove, so went with plain cloth
182613 - this trip.
182615 - ..
182616 - After the hike, research found recommendation for...
182617 -
182618 - Atlas Model 330 GLOVE WORK REGRIP BLK
182619 - SKU.............................. ATS330
182621 - ..
182622 - Seatle Marine...
182623 -
182624 - http://www.seattlemarine.net/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=1732&idcategory=0
182625 -
182626 - [On 140403 1254 bought 1 pair gloves locally at Harbor
182627 - Freight Tools for $5. ref SDS 46 6U5I
182629 - ..
182630 - [On 140403 1254 bought 2 more pair gloves from Seattle
182631 - Marine for $6 plus shipping. ref SDS 47 RE5I
182633 - ..
182634 - [On 140409 1601 received 2-pair gloves in US mail from
182635 - Seattle Marine; they fit perfectly, and seem to have a
182636 - great grip for climbing cables at Half Dome. ref SDS 49
182637 - PV7O
182639 - ..
182640 - Another source suggests...
182641 -
182642 - Atlas Model 370 Nitrille Coated Glove
182643 -
182644 - http://mrhalfdome.wordpress.com/2011/08/19/gripping-the-half-dome-cables/
182645 -
182646 -
182648 - ..
182649 - Cables Difficult Last 400' to Top of Half Dome Takes 30 Minutes
182650 -
182651 - It is difficult to explain the difficulty, at least for me, of
182652 - traversing the shear granite surface to the top of Half Dome even
182653 - using the cables. The peak of Half Dome was declared "perfectly
182654 - inaccessible" in the early 1870s, by Josiah Whitney of the California
182655 - Geological Survey. In October 1875, George G Anderson climbed to the
182656 - top of Half Dome by drilling and placing iron eyebolts into the
182657 - granite surface. (see Wikipedia as well...
182658 -
182659 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Half_Dome#Ascents
182661 - ..
182662 - Cables were later constructed in 1919, for hikers to reach the top of
182663 - Half Dome. Had expected from photographs of people using the cables,
182664 - e.g., see above, ref SDS 0 TH3F, that there was sufficient footing to
182665 - walk up the rock surface with cables merely helping to maintain
182666 - balance and provide safety from toppling down 4,000 feet to an early
182667 - destiny. This proved incorrect.
182669 - ..
182670 - Somebody on the hike today noted that not everyone, who makes it up
182671 - the sub-dome switchbacks, even attempts to make the final climb using
182672 - the cables to reach the top, and some who try, turn back. There is a
182673 - fatigue factor. Watching people struggle to climb with the cables can
182674 - be discouraging.
182676 - ..
182677 - Youtube video shows how young people in good condition ascend the
182678 - cables, and illutstrates many struggle...
182679 -
182680 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhZQlaqzddg
182682 - ..
182683 - [On 130919 0630 hiker reported getting up sub-dome
182684 - switchbacks to cables, but not able to do the cables to
182685 - reach the top of Half Dome. ref SDS 32 JT5H
182687 - ..
182688 - Footing is very poor owing to steepness of the ascent, and to the rock
182689 - having been polished smooth by a summer of continual daily hikers
182690 - climbing up to, and coming down from, Half Dome. As a result, getting
182691 - to the top mainly entails pulling the entire body weight with hands
182692 - gripping the cables. This is aided by 2x4 members that span between
182693 - pipe posts drilled into the rock that hold the cables about 3' apart,
182694 - 3' high and spaced every 10 feet.
182696 - ..
182697 - Some authorities describe pulling hand over hand on a single cable.
182698 - May try this next time. Today, most everyone was using hands on both
182699 - cables to pull themselves up letting go of one cable while reaching up
182700 - 6" to move from one 2x4 resting position to the next one 10' up.
182702 - ..
182703 - Since only the left hand had a good grip, it was slow going getting up
182704 - the cables. Initially, I was behind the woman, who had helped me look
182705 - for a better glove, per above, ref SDS 0 TS53, but fell further back
182706 - trying to grip with only one good glove. Considered taking the glove
182707 - off and using a bare right hand, as a hiker reported using no gloves,
182708 - yesterday, when we arrived. However, he indicated this caused severe
182709 - injury to his hands, reported on 130917 0830. ref SDS 31 EC6M So,
182710 - decided to soldier on with the bad glove. Late arrival at the top was
182711 - not a critical issue today.
182713 - ..
182714 - Several people passed, including the party of 3, who used our permits.
182715 - They all thanked me again for giving our extra permits, as they
182716 - squeezed by pulling themselves towards the top of the Dome. The young
182717 - girl who made the request chatted for a few minutes resting while her
182718 - colleagues continued up. She said they were from the Chezk Republic.
182719 - The other girl never spoke. The guy spoke with better English, but
182720 - sounded French.
182722 - ..
182723 - Throughout the entire hike most everyone seemed to be from someplace
182724 - outside the US, comprising a totally cosmopolitan trek.
182726 - ..
182727 - Actually, rested several times using a cable support steel pipe post
182728 - (stanchion) to brace off and lay back against the rock. About
182729 - half-way up began coughing. A woman behind me said the air quality is
182730 - poor, which at first seemed incongruous. She explained there is still
182731 - a lot smoke in the air from forest fires the past month.
182733 - ..
182734 - At some point felt what seemed like a tear in the muscle of the right
182735 - leg above the inside of the knee. The woman behind said it was likely
182736 - just a sore quad.
182738 - ..
182739 - Considered turning back, and saying this was a good effort, and
182740 - resolve to bring good gloves next time.
182742 - ..
182743 - Others encouraged me to go on, including our group of 3, as Ross did
182744 - during the 1994 trip, reported on 940917 0742. ref SDS 2 HB32
182746 - ..
182747 - After a few minutes rest, the body felt good, and there were no leg
182748 - cramps, so struggled on, despite the mind having formed a firm
182749 - conviction that the "top" of Half Dome is only a mythical destination
182750 - that people rave about back in the Valley.
182752 - ..
182753 - Sometimes I could do two or even three 10' sections between 2x4 rests,
182754 - but mostly only 1. Progress was slowed, because others were resting,
182755 - which blocked going forward. People coming down, also slowed the
182756 - ascent. You have to let go of one cable and grasp the other with both
182757 - hands, so people can squeeze by.
182759 - ..
182760 - Another difficulty is granite slab overlays. About 60% of the way up
182761 - an overlay require stepping up and over raised rock, which multiplies
182762 - the body weight to lift. There is another similar overlay about 40'
182763 - further up. This seemed impossible, but after 8 miles, there was no
182764 - going back.
182766 - ..
182767 - Couple of guys went up the outside rather than between the cables,
182768 - pulling themselves hand over hand using only a single cable, like
182769 - climbing a rope. Noticed they had good gloves, and seemingly better
182770 - footing. Could be the path on either side of the cables has better
182771 - footing, because it has not been polished smooth with heavy traffic.
182773 - ..
182774 - A few people had safety lines attached to the cables that slid with
182775 - them as they moved up or down. This slowed everyone, because they had
182776 - to disconnect and reconnect at each of the 60 or so cable posts.
182777 -
182778 -
182780 - ..
182781 - Half Dome Peak Reached 5.5 Hours
182782 -
182783 - Suddenly, the end of the cable was reached and the slope dropped
182784 - dramatically, so it was possible to walk the rest of the way to the
182785 - top of Half Dome. Hard to believe I could walk.
182787 - ..
182788 - It was about 1340, 5.5 hours after leaving the Valley, and about 52
182789 - minutes to ascend the cables. Yesterday, the guy who did the cables
182790 - without gloves, per above, ref SDS 0 LQ8K, related reaching the top of
182791 - Half Dome in 3.5 hours. ref SDS 31 FG4G That would be optimistic for
182792 - me, based on today's experience.
182794 - ..
182795 - Everyone seemed to be sitting and resting at the edge of the dome
182796 - looking out over the Valley.
182798 - ..
182799 - The woman who helped select my gloves, per above, ref SDS 0 TS53, was
182800 - walking toward me from the North point toward the rounded back side of
182801 - the Dome. She was kind to take a picture recording completion of the
182802 - project...
182803 -
182804 - 
182806 - ..
182807 - Checked for messages on the cellphone. Ross had called and requested
182808 - a progress report. We had discussed trying to call from the top of
182809 - Half Dome, when he and Claudia called last Saturday, reported on
182810 - 130914 1340. ref SDS 29 3N6F
182811 -
182813 - ..
182814 - Ross Notified Reached Top of Half Dome Cellphone Call
182815 -
182817 - ..
182818 - Called and told Ross I was on top of this thing, following up our
182819 - prior hike 20 years ago on 940917 0742. ref SDS 2 0001
182821 - ..
182822 - He seemed pleased, and asked what I thought of the cables? He also
182823 - asked if the legs feel rubbery?
182824 -
182825 - [On 131203 2115 Ross mentioned that he and Claudia will try
182826 - to join the trip to Yosemite next year on 140916. up,
182827 - ref SDS 43 LZ5N
182829 - ..
182830 - Explained the cables were difficult for me (a gross understatement),
182831 - but the body held up. No cramps this trip, as occurred previously in
182832 - 1994, reported on 940917 0742. ref SDS 2 HB72 Hiking the past few
182833 - years, and especially the past few months doing Mount Diable and the
182834 - Rim Trail at Lafayette Reservoir were good preparation.
182836 - ..
182837 - Mentioned that taking nearly an hour to climb the Sub Dome
182838 - switchbacks, per above, ref SDS 0 TH3F, and then taking another 35
182839 - minutes climbing to the top of Half Dome using the cables, ref SDS 0
182840 - U76J, it is clear today, that I was not nearly as close to completing
182841 - the first hike in 1994, as it seemed at the time, reported on 940917
182842 - 0742. ref SDS 2 4977
182844 - ..
182845 - Ross agreed.
182847 - ..
182848 - Told Ross he was correct saying on Saturday that the 17 mile Half Dome
182849 - hike, seems much harder than doing 14 mile Mount Diablo hike, and the
182850 - 5 mile Rim Trail at Lafayette Reservoir, reported on 130914 1340.
182851 - ref SDS 29 KG8J There is nothing like the cables in my training, nor
182852 - the extended sub-dome near-vertical switchbacks, and especially
182853 - nothing like the continual steps of varied height and width, and
182854 - irregular surfaces. None-the-less doing these lessor hikes, plus
182855 - 11-mile dailies around town likely made the hike today possible.
182857 - ..
182858 - Ross asked how the foot held up, cut 2 days ago, reported on 130916
182859 - 0633? ref SDS 30 MQ5I He got the telephone message explaining Half
182860 - Dome hike might be cancelled.
182862 - ..
182863 - Advised this worked out okay with the circular bandage applied this
182864 - morning, per above. ref SDS 0 NM6V Did not lace shoes tight to
182865 - reduce pressure on the cut. Only felt it once, when the left foot
182866 - was twisted slightly to recover balance.
182868 - ..
182869 - Ross asked about food and water, and gloves, all of which he had
182870 - brought up in the call on 130914 1340. ref SDS 29 FE6I
182872 - ..
182873 - Explained using gloves from the pit at the foot of the cables, which
182874 - had poor grip on the cables, per above. ref SDS 0 TS53
182876 - ..
182877 - Further reported so far have had half a bottle of water. It has 9 Fl
182878 - Oz, so that's 4.5 Fl Oz so far. Have saved the other half for the
182879 - trip down. Ate some Cherrios with water on the way up.
182881 - ..
182882 - Chatted some about maybe doing this next year, even though at the
182883 - moment the main focus is on getting down safely.
182885 - ..
182886 - Ross commented that fortunately the rest of the trip is downhill.
182888 - ..
182889 - Joked about avoiding "express delivery."
182891 - ..
182892 - My voice was not very strong, even though did not do a lot of talking
182893 - on the way up. May reflect taking minimum water, smoke in the air,
182894 - or just being tired.
182896 - ..
182897 - Ended the call asking Ross to say high to Claudia, and looking to
182898 - throw the football around with the boys at Thanksgiving, if that works
182899 - out, as Ross discussed on 130914 1340. ref SDS 29 RE5N
182900 -
182901 - [On 131024 2223 letter to Ross on driving to Yuma for
182902 - Thanksgiving with Ross and Claudia at Hutch's place.
182903 - ref SDS 39 Q067
182905 - ..
182906 - [On 131025 0738 Ross revises holiday planning; discussed
182907 - having Thanksgiving with Armstrongs in Danbury, rather than
182908 - yuma. ref SDS 40 4O5M
182909 -
182911 - ..
182912 - Kathy Happy Half Dome Project Phase 1 Complete, Plan Dinner 1800
182913 -
182914 - Called Kathy.
182916 - ..
182917 - She was worried having expected to hear from me hours earlier.
182918 - Explained this was tougher than expected, but somehow made it.
182920 - ..
182921 - She asked about gloves, water and food, as Ross had asked. Gave same
182922 - explanation. ref SDS 0 YO6M
182924 - ..
182925 - Kathy asked about knees?
182927 - ..
182928 - Explained Glucosamine Chondroitin held up well. Didn't feel the left
182929 - knee much on the way up. Strangely, felt the right knee a few times,
182930 - even though it has never presented problems.
182932 - ..
182933 - Kathy said she has enjoyed her day in the Valley, and to hurry back so
182934 - we can celebrate.
182936 - ..
182937 - Explained it may take 4 - 5 hours to get back, so we will miss having
182938 - dinner together at the Food Court in Yosemite Lodge. Urged her to go
182939 - ahead and eat. I won't be hungry when I get back.
182940 -
182941 -
182943 - ..
182944 - Explore Half Dome Summit Yosemite Valley 1 Mile Below
182945 -
182946 - After the call, walked out to the edge of the peak that overlooks the
182947 - Valley. Looked down for possible rock climbers coming up the shear
182948 - face of Half Dome. Might see the couple who passed on the trail
182949 - earlier this morning near Nevada Falls, per above. ref SDS 0 U35M
182951 - ..
182952 - Would liked to have gotten a picture standing on the edge looking down
182953 - into the Valley, but nobody was handy. Thought I took a picture of
182954 - the Valley, showing a broad expanse of flat land 5,000 feet below.
182955 - Some areas had a deep green appearance like cut grass. Later, cannot
182956 - find this picture on the camera, so must have forgot.
182958 - ..
182959 - Someone was laying down to rest. This looked like a good idea.
182961 - ..
182962 - Walked to a raised rock, and tried laying down. However, this was
182963 - more difficult than just sitting up. Began thinking about level of
182964 - effort getting down the cables, down the Sub Dome swishbacks, back to
182965 - Nevada Falls and down more swishbacks at Vernal Falls, per above,
182966 - ref SDS 0 4Q3O, to the safety of the Valley, a bus ride to the Lodge
182967 - and into bed. Eating began to fade in importance.
182968 -
182970 - ..
182971 - Return from Top of Half Dome Using Cables
182972 -
182974 - ..
182975 - So, about 1430 headed back. Did not want to wind up going down
182976 - switchbacks at Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls in the dark.
182978 - ..
182979 - Getting down the cables proved nearly as difficult as coming up.
182981 - ..
182982 - Coming up requires pulling with biceps; going down is the reverse
182983 - lowering body weight with triceps. In both cases, there is minimal
182984 - footing so hand grip is crucial. Since the right hand was slippery,
182985 - the left hand and arm carried most of the burden.
182987 - ..
182988 - If we do this again, may add pushups and pullups to training regimin.
182990 - ..
182991 - Going down the cables was slow, with many delays from people clogged
182992 - on the way down, and from people coming up. If I was more confident
182993 - could have repelled down on the outside using just one cable. Didn't
182994 - try it today.
182995 -
182997 - ..
182998 - Steep Swishbacks Return from Top of Sub Dome Nearly Fell
182999 -
183000 - When the base of the Dome was finally reached, 30 minutes later or so,
183001 - had forgotten there is a significant rise to reach the switchbacks
183002 - going down the Sub Dome. At that moment, had erased any prospect of
183003 - ever going uphill, so was looking for an escalator or something. No
183004 - luck. So with focus and resolve headed up the curve of the rock to
183005 - the top of the Sub Dome, and then finally start down the switchbacks.
183007 - ..
183008 - Getting down the Sub Dome switchbacks was difficult continually
183009 - lowering the body with each leg for steps that varied from 6" to 2',
183010 - and maintaining balance on irregular stone surfaces. Rested once to
183011 - step aside for others to pass. Tried sitting on one of the steps, but
183012 - lost balance and nearly took a tumble backwards. There happened to be
183013 - a rare bush which I grabbed to avoid a fatefull fall.
183014 -
183016 - ..
183017 - Long Endless Switchbacks to Little Yosemite Valley
183018 -
183019 - After getting to the bottom of Sub Dome switchbacks, began ascent of
183020 - Long Switchbacks. Never really stopped after that for about 4 miles
183021 - on the way down. The threesome who used our permits passed me, but
183022 - otherwise I passed a lot of others and nobody else passed me, excpet
183023 - for a young, athletic couple, man and woman, who "ran" down the trail,
183024 - at least past me and others in view.
183026 - ..
183027 - Reaching Little Yosemite Valley provided a break from switchbacks for
183028 - .5 miles.
183030 - ..
183031 - On reaching Nevada Falls, the sun was going down. The permit
183032 - threesome had stopped to rest. They offered water, but I declined in
183033 - order to keep going. They yelled out thanks again for the permits.
183034 - Just waved over my shoulder. Refusing the water was a mistake.
183035 -
183036 -
183038 - ..
183039 - John Muir Trail Longer Not Much Easier than Shorter Trail
183040 - Falling Fatigue No Injuries Hurrying to Avoid Hiking at Night
183041 -
183042 - Decided to take the longer, but flatter John Muir Trail from Nevada
183043 - Falls to Vernal Falls, since fatigue made doing steep stone steps
183044 - problematic. Thought the flatter trail would be less risky.
183046 - ..
183047 - Not sure, however, trading off longer distance for flatter terraine
183048 - was the best choice. There were places somewhat flat for a distance,
183049 - but there were still a lot of stone slab switchbacks on the John Muir
183050 - Trail. The longer you are out there, the darker it gets and harder to
183051 - see the trail. I was alone most of the hike from Nevada Falls all the
183052 - way to the Vernal Falls foot bridge. Had to ask directions a couple
183053 - of times from hikers coming up the trail to camp out over night in
183054 - Little Yosemite Valley.
183056 - ..
183057 - Got a picture of Nevada Falls from the South side of the gorge,
183058 - showing barely a trickle of water flowing over the falls...
183059 -
183060 -
183061 - 
183062 -
183064 - ..
183065 - Finished the last of the water before reaching Vernal Falls.
183067 - ..
183068 - Slipped and lost balance several times stepping down, but only fell
183069 - once more besides on the Sub Dome switchbacks, per above. ref SDS 0
183070 - G478 As the switchback trail wound endlessly down, vowed never to
183071 - step on another stone for the rest of my life. The thought occurred
183072 - as well, that might get lost in the dark or simply not have the energy
183073 - to reach the bottom, and wind up just "returning to nature" or
183074 - something. This was set aside as induced by dehydration. Mouth was
183075 - very dry and body seemed exhaused of all energy. Getting down was the
183076 - only remedy. If there is a next time, will leave earlier in order to
183077 - avoid hiking down a difficult, dangerous trail in the dark, and will
183078 - take 2 bottles of water, or refill at the Little Spring, like Ross did
183079 - in 1995, reported on 950916 0700. ref SDS 10 NN76
183081 - ..
183082 - Overall, like in 1995, it seemed longer and more difficult going down
183083 - hill than it did this morning climbing up the mountain, reported on
183084 - 950916 0700. ref SDS 10 NN37
183086 - ..
183087 - Became totally dark going down the trail from Vernal Falls to the Wood
183088 - Foot bridge. This made it difficult to see the steps, and so, added
183089 - to fatigue that slowed the ascent due to an abundance of caution.
183090 - Tried to use the cell phone for light, but the battery was very low,
183091 - so there was a trade-off to keep enough charge for calling if help
183092 - was needed.
183094 - ..
183095 - Since I had drank all the water in the bottle an hour or so earlier,
183096 - was very pleased to get a long drink from the water fountains at the
183097 - bridge, per above, ref SDS 0 6Q97, and very much like the last hike on
183098 - 940917 0742. ref SDS 2 HB94
183100 - ..
183101 - A few people were sitting in groups to rest at the foot bridge. They
183102 - may have taken the steeper and shorter route down from Nevada Falls,
183103 - per above, ref SDS 0 JA9O, since nobody passed me going down the John
183104 - Muir Trail. Darkness and fatigue prevented recognizing anyone. After
183105 - getting water, continued down the Mist Trail a mile to the Happy Isle
183106 - trailhead. Very pleased that the trail for the final descent is
183107 - paved. Along the way, there was a rise in grade, but somehow made it
183108 - up okay focusing on the "drink."
183110 - ..
183111 - Totally dark when the street was finally reached. Planned to call
183112 - Kathy for a ride, but there was a shuttle bus at Happy Isle stop #16
183113 - across a bridge about 100 yards away. Started running, but the bus
183114 - took off. Ran into the middle of the street waving my arms for the
183115 - bus to stop. The driver stopped and let me on - a joyous moment.
183117 - ..
183118 - Seemed like it took forever to get from stop #16, to the end of the
183119 - line at stop #21, then back to stop #8 at Yosemite Lodge (see
183120 - Yosemite Valley Shuttle System map...
183121 -
183122 - http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/valleyshuttle.pdf
183124 - ..
183125 - Not only do people leave and board the bus at each stop, for some
183126 - reason the driver waited at several stops 5 - 10 minutes, sometimes
183127 - just talking to fellow staffers. Was glad to be sitting, except legs
183128 - began to cramp, so had to shuffel them beneath the seat in front.
183129 -
183130 -
183132 - ..
183133 - Recovery Half Dome Hike
183134 -
183135 - When the bus finally arrived about 1940, thankfully, Kathy was waiting
183136 - at the stop with the "Drink" in the Bubba Keg, which had been a main
183137 - focus the last several miles coming down, along with deep resolve
183138 - never to step on another rock the rest of my life. ref SDS 0 KF5I
183140 - ..
183141 - Kathy asked about dinner?
183143 - ..
183144 - Did not feel like eating anything, despite having eaten only a few
183145 - bites of Cherrios the entire day.
183147 - ..
183148 - Had to walk upstairs to the room. Next time will order accomodations
183149 - on the ground floor.
183151 - ..
183152 - Layed down on the bed for about 10 minutes. Finally undressed.
183154 - ..
183155 - Miracle - cut foot was not any worse, so bandage this morning held up,
183156 - reported above. ref SDS 0 NM6V
183157 -
183158 - 
183160 - ..
183161 - Took a long shower.
183163 - ..
183164 - In bed about 2130. Discussed the hike and drank several refills of
183165 - Bubba Keg.
183167 - ..
183168 - Couldn't sleep. Body hurt all night - felt exhausted of all
183169 - sustenance, like the descent from Vernal Falls, earlier per above.
183170 - ref SDS 0 KF5I
183171 -
183172 - [On 130919 0630 next day rested, body recovered, and hungry
183173 - so started with big breakfast at Food Court. ref SDS 33
183174 - 5G7I
183176 - ..
183177 - [On 130919 0630 continue Ross' tradition of celebration
183178 - drink on reaching Half Dome, at Awhanhee hotel, ref SDS 32
183179 - V66N, then had a steak dinner to underscore celebration.
183180 - ref SDS 32 PC5H
183182 - ..
183183 - Got up about 0230, and took another shower for about 30 minutes.
183185 - ..
183186 - Slept until 0600, reported in another record the next day. 130919
183187 - 0630, ref SDS 32 5G7I
183188 -
183189 -
183191 - ..
183192 - Assessment Future Considerations Next Half Dome Hike
183193 -
183194 - As reported, coming down from Nevada Falls to Vernal Falls, and then
183195 - further down to the wood foot bridge, felt like never doing this hike
183196 - again. ref SDS 0 KF5I On reflection, experience today indicates a few
183197 - things to plan for another hike...
183198 -
183199 - 1. Preperation was adequate, per report of no cramps, ref SDS 0
183200 - A59N Legs and breathing recovered quickly from periodic
183201 - fatigue with few minutes rest, indicating hiking the past year,
183202 - and increased training the past 2 months was helpful, including
183203 - doing Mt Diablo on 130720 0700, ref SDS 25 318I. Increased
183204 - training with loss of weight - about 15 pounds was also helpful
183205 - today, reported in case study on 120101 0900. ref SDS 15 TQ6N
183206 - Might do some pushups and pullups for arm strength to handle
183207 - the cables. ref SDS 0 8O7H
183209 - ..
183210 - 2. Body held up well - routine Glucosamine Chondroitin taken this
183211 - morning, ref SDS 0 PD8F, fully protected left knee climbing
183212 - Half Dome. Seems like a miracle. There was never pain going
183213 - up nor coming down from advanced degenerative arthritis,
183214 - diagnosed at Kaiser on 000124 0830. ref SDS 11 HU5O No
183215 - shoulder, arm, nor back problems - pretty lucky. Fortunate, as
183216 - well, that cut on left foot instep did not get worse nor cause
183217 - pain during the hike. ref SDS 0 B56P Difficulty sleeping from
183218 - general body discomfort the first night, ref SDS 0 K66L, was
183219 - likely due to dehydration.
183221 - ..
183222 - 3. Leave earlier, depart from trailhead at 0600 in order to avoid
183223 - danger of hiking down the trail in the dark, per above.
183224 - ref SDS 0 KF5I This means will have to drive to the path for
183225 - the Mist trial, rather than take the shuttle bus, because the
183226 - earliest bus is at 0700, per above. ref SDS 0 ZW9K
183228 - ..
183229 - 4. Gloves with good grip, found in research, above, ref SDS 0
183230 - 2Y4H, will make doing the cables a lot easier. ref SDS 0 LQ8K
183231 -
183232 - [On 140403 1254 bought 1 pair gloves locally at Harbor
183233 - Freight Tools for $5. ref SDS 46 6U5I
183235 - ..
183236 - [On 140403 1254 bought 2 more pair gloves from Seattle
183237 - Marine for $6 plus shipping. ref SDS 47 RE5I
183239 - ..
183240 - 5. Two bottles of water will work better than just 1, ref SDS 0
183241 - YI6I; Cherrios worked well for food and energy, but may try
183242 - "energy bars" and something to restore electrolytes designed
183243 - for this type of hiking. Better nutrition may make the return
183244 - hike easier on the body post hike, per above. ref SDS 0 K66Y
183246 - ..
183247 - 6. Take small backpack to store water, food, and coat after it
183248 - gets hot. ref SDS 0 WT88
183249 -
183250 - [On 140403 1254 bought Fox Outdoor Compact Modular
183251 - Hydration Backpack, Black 56-351, for $42. ref SDS 48 T63G
183252 - Will have to test this with hikes around town before taking
183253 - on Half Dome hike. ref SDS 46 TQ8J
183255 - ..
183256 - 7. Didn't need bandaids, but will take them anyway.
183258 - ..
183259 - 8. Eating a lot of spagetti the night before, reported on 130917
183260 - 0830, ref SDS 31 VY5Q, was likely helpful, so will do something
183261 - like this again.
183262 -
183263 -
183264 -
183265 -
183266 -
183267 -
183268 -
183269 -
183270 -
183271 -
183272 -
1833 -