ASCENT of YOSEMITE'S HALF DOME

Half Dome is the 8,842-foot granite monolith that stands at the head of Yosemite Valley. Its sheer northwest face and smoothly curved shoulders are recognized around the world as the symbol of Yosemite National Park. Climbing to Half Dome's summit is a popular 130-year-old tradition.

On July 18, 1992, 23 aspiring climbers, challenge-starved flatlanders, set out to conquer the Half Dome peak thru Glacier Point. We traveled up to the 7214-foot Glacier Point to begin getting acclimatized. Beginning at Happy Isles, we hiked the 16.4 round-trip along the Merced river via the Mist trail (a strenuous, stair-stepping route). By mid-morning and more than 6 miles out with a 4800 ft elevation gain, we crested the top of Nevada Falls. Then we began the final slog toward the base summit. Though the climb wasn't technically demanding, it took an amazing toll on some while the rest seemed to get stronger with every step. Then the altitude really walloped us. Lungs couldn't get enough oxygen. Some could barely walk three yards before having to stop and rest. Some tried to conserve precious air by not uttering a single word. For Denise, Katha, Paul, Marla, Henry, Richard, Pat & Stu, it was over at the base of Half Dome, succumbing to the mysteries of high altitude climbing and fatigue.

We arrived at the base cables after an 8.2-mile hike from the Happy Isles trailhead. Took a look at the steep route and then paused to gather all the courage and strength (as well as safety) and said "This is it!" By mid-day, after an arduous 45 degree vertical ascent of slick granite and 8 miles out, John, Julie D., Joey, Julie R., Darcy, Mark, Alan, Eric, Karen, Matina, Pete, Charlotte, & Ralph stood triumphantly at the 8842-foot summit.

July 28, 1993 was my 3rd year of organizing this Half-Dome climb and with nothing to prove, I led a group (Heather, Tommy, Kim, Tina, Joey, Randy, Dawn, Jay, Susan, Richard's wife and Richard) that went as far as Nevada Falls, this time departing from Glacier Point. The other group reached Half Dome effortlessly.

Sept. 24, 2005 was my 4th time to climb Half-Dome and this time with Lisa. A warmup for my climb to Mt. Kilimanjaro in Feb 2006.

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