have you climbed Half Dome in Yosemite?
we are planning to do it this summer. we are going to hike up with our tent etc, leave it at the campground up there and then continue on to the top - to take some killer photos I bet!
but after stumbling across this hazards of half dome page I must say, I'm a little scared to say the least. Bryce tells me I'll be fine... that the fact that I can do about 3 push ups won't be an issue and that they publish websites like that to scare away the masses... but um... there is still that little voice in the back of my mind - I think it's called reason or maybe it's my survival instinct talking.
anyway, I'd love to hear about your experiences - good, bad and otherwise :)
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oh yes! I have hike Half Dome and LOVED it. I think it is one of those must-do things in life if you live anywhere within driving distance. Yes it is challenging, but well worth the challenge. You gain a lot of elevation in a relatively short distance, so if you need to take breaks to catch your breath and adjust to the new altitude, go for it.
ReplyDeleteWe camped Yosemite a couple summers ago and got up really really early to do the hike in one day. I think from our campground it was about a 21 mile hike roundtrip and I'm telling you my dinner never tasted so good after that was done! lol. Our goal was to make it to the top before the heat of the day, and we were successful at that, which I was very happy about when I saw fellow hikers starting up the trail at noon...it's just too hot then!
We made it to the top by 11am or so, and ate lunch up top and just relaxed and soaked in the beauty for at least an hour or so before making our way back down. You pass 2 or 3 waterfalls on the hike up, it's gorgeous really you should do it. We just didn't stop for any photos until we were on our way back down to make sure we could beat the heat on the way up. Bring plenty plenty of water and refill at every water fountain just to be safe and you should be fine.
You will also want gloves for the cables near the top, and don't let the cables intimidate you (there were so many people that hiked all that way and then got too scared to hike up the cables that last little bit and they never got to see the beautiful view of the valley from the top. I couldn't believe people would stop when they were so close).
I really love Yosemite, one of my top camping trips ever. And I love to camp, so that says a LOT! If you have a chance to do the star watch at night (it's a ranger program) it is really cool and you get to watch the sunset behind Half Dome and see it turn pink. I could go on forever (can you tell? lol) but if you are looking for things to do there I'd be happy to give suggestions. :)
Have fun!
Bre @ http://theredbungalow.blogspot.com
You are awesome. seriously this looks really cool.
ReplyDeleteThat looks AMAZING!!!! Kind of daunting, also...but mostly AMAZING!!!
ReplyDeleteI think walking/hiking is weird - you think you need to be really physically fit to do it - and I'm sure it helps, but it's not absolutely necessary, I don't think. It's not like running (which I loathe and despise...possibly because I am six feet tall so it's IMPOSSIBLE to do without looking an awkward, gangling, loping giraffe), where you have to be genuinely athletic to avoid looking looking blue, gasping like a fish, and gangling like aforementioned giraffe.
You kind of get into a stride after a while, and then because everything LOOKS so beautiful, you get a bit lost in it. A much nicer version of jumping on the exercise bike while watching TV...you're doubly occupied so you don't quite realise the level of your own exertion. If that makes sense?
What I'm trying to say is don't worry about the physical side of things, I think you'll be more than fine. And OH MY GOODNESS, have you SEEN THOSE MOUNTAINS???
Jealous. Jealous. Jealous. xxx
thanks Bre for the great info! we're going to do it :)
ReplyDeleteIf you want, I'll let you attach yourself to me all the way up.
ReplyDelete