Mother Nature Did Me In

My ascent to the cables on the back of Half Dome was thwarted with 2.0 miles to go.  A 14 mile round trip trek from the Valley floor ended  in a grove of redwoods when two young fit males were romping down the trail announcing "People are getting stopped at the ranger station. Cables are up but because of snow they aren't allowing anyone to climb." Was I disappointed? A little. To be truthful I was pretty whacked. So I sat down and pondered if I wanted to hike the last 2 miles to get to the base of the small dome which is what you encounter before the switchbacks that take you to the back of Half Dome and the 400 foot climb to the top. As I rested two Rangers appeared on the trail. I inquired if what I heard was true. They said "yes" and trudged on. I arose and turned around. I'd done the brutal climb up the Mist Trail and Vernal Falls steps. Felt like I'd accomplished a lot just by dragging my overweight soul that far and beyond. I could live with that. So friends here are pics from my 12 mile trek which I accomplished 8.5 hours climbing nearly 4,000 feet from the valley floor. 

Feel the pain.  

The look of "What the Hell Am I Getting My Self Into!?"

Sun is starting to awaken the Valley.

Other people en route.

Snow on the peaks.

Last water and photos of the poor kids who lost their lives at Vernal Falls.

Their bodies are still missing.

The trail map. My route was the top red one. Past Nevada falls.

I opted to take the shorter but more difficult Mist trail to Vernal Falls.

 That .3 was one BIG LONG DEMANDING Stairmaster!!!!!

So up I went. 7.2 miles to go. OMG I wondered why within minutes!!!1

And so had he.

In actuality one has to admire this trail. How it was built, given the terrain.

On the other hand my short legs screamed "Ouch," with every step.

Seriously, I'd climb 10. Stop. Climb 10. Stop.

So much different than hiking to the Griffith Observatory at sea level.

Didn't have trouble with slipping just concentrating one more step at a time.

Stairway to Heaven. NOT!!!

I have the scarf over my face to muffle the screams of pain!!!

Other hikers making their way ahead of me.

Almost there.

Art shot of the beautiful rocks.

Let these guys go past as I put my gloves on. Thankfully I don't have fear of heights. 

Top of the World Ma!  Only top of Vernal Falls which was flowing but not as full and terrifying as it can be in the Spring.

Hour and a half to get there. I'm on schedule.

Resting and watching others with mouths agape climbing.

That's Nevada Falls in the background.

Human mountain goats.

This where the Mist and John Muir Trails meets the Half Dome trail.

Nice restroom which I didn't need to use. Drank some water and 

enjoyed some fig bars. 4 miles from here.

There it is. Peaking over this knoll. Lovely sunshine and a flat trail.

She's from Italy. Out for a stroll. Ah, youth.

Tired 60 year old admist the redwoods and snow.

Close and yet so far. 

Now heading back and enjoying the beauty.

Art shot.

Beauty shot of the majestic Yosemite Valley.

Lunch couple.

Self portrait.

Nevada Falls.

Liberty Gap @ Nevada Falls, where I started back down via the John Muir Trail.

How did they build this?

Still so cold the grasses were encased in ice.

Camera fogged 

Icicle. I ate it.

Iced over wall stones.

Trail needs maintenance.

The Hiker herself.

A meeting spot with Nevada Falls flowing in the background.

Stopped taking pics until I got closer to the bottom of the trail. Wanted to get back down to the Valley floor for kisses from Ramona hound, pop a vicodin, have a beer, shower and enjoy some soup!!!

Young love.

Beauty shot near the beginning of the Mist Trail.

I will NEVER complain again. He was propelling himself up the trail.

She was just hanging on. Amazing and admirable!!!!

Took another 20 minutes to get to the car.

The Half Dome cake that my dear friends baked for me.

Such a sweet surprise. Tasted wonderful with my beer.

Earlier this morning while we went to breakfast Ramona decided the remaining half of this cake would be her breakfast. So she grabbed it from the desk in the room and devoured it. Left only the knife and paper plate on the floor as evidence. Cake for everyone!!!

Who me?