The first time we did Half Dome (via the Mist Trail) the fall was in full force which was nice because once we reached the top we were in blazing sun for most of the rest of the day.

This day we encountered something that put everything in perspective. We're huffing and puffing away and wondering if we can actually make it up there when this guy comes running by. This man was the perfect physical specimen. All he is wearing is running shorts, shoes, and sunglasses. Friends who were ahead of us ran into him at the top of Half Dome and talked to him. Turns out that once a month he does the run from the valley floor to the top of Half Dome. Just for fun. Our friends said he did the final dome climb at full speed and never touched the cable.

The second time was during that unexpected snow storm a couple years ago that killed a couple mountain climbers who froze to death stranded on cliff faces. We were hiking in shorts and t-shirts and it started to snow just as we hit the top. That was a thrilling hike back. To compensate the falls were so low I don't think we even got misted on the Mist Trail.

Sad story about the hikers freezing.

Wow about the runner! I am not going to run though!!! Well, maybe I'll go for a run but I am not running up that hill! It is really a long hike.

How long did it take you go go up to Half Dome? Hubster wants to but I tell him no thanks.

We'll have our son, soon to be 13 with us and he doesn't train with us. That worries me but he is tough.

Round trip on Half Dome is something like 17 miles. After you reach the top of Vernal it is still uphill but not generally too bad.

Don't worry about the training. Unless you are in a big hurry you'll get to the top.

You just have to leave very early, or be prepared to hike down in the dark, right?

For the full 17? Depends on your speed. We left promptly in the morning (not godawful early but early) and made it back with plenty of daylight.

But wearing good shoes is key. 9 miles of steep downhill walking will beat your toes into what feels like hamburger if you have any slip room in the toes of your shoes.

!!! Actually, the LoT Camping trip starts Thursday, June 28!!! You could join us for two days, and then zip up through the mountains to Yosemite! (Or you could join us for one day, and hike the Sierra Crest really fast to Yosemite) :p



Hubby's poo-pooing notwithstanding, we would love for you to join us for a brief while before going on to Yosemite. I fear we won't be able to find the magic communication rock.

:cool:

Does the magic communication rock extend to Utah? Because those are also the dates I'll be at Bryce/Grand Canyon. It's a national park visiting week, I guess.

OMG, I'll be at the Grand Canyon the beginning of June. I'll leave a secret message for you under the magic communication rock.


Of course, you'll be on the North Rim while I'll have been on the South. But that's why the rock is magic!