We all experienced challenges during the hike including dehydration, exhaustion, hunger, and aches and pains, and that was just getting from the parking lot to the trailhead (gnuck, gnuck).
Along the way one of our party experienced dehydration and nausea pretty early on but decided to soldier on…this is not surprising as Yosemite was experiencing exceptionally high temperatures compared to typical temps at this time of year…it’s also not surprising that the choice was to continue when not feeling well. The prep time put into this hike was significant and something as annoying as dehydration and nausea wasn’t going to waylay anyone. (Fear not gentle reader, he did end up feeling better and summiting Half Dome).
The true purpose of a pilgrimage lies not in the destination but in the journey. There is something comforting knowing your only purpose is to put one foot in front of the other, keep trudging forward, and along the way beautiful and inspiring views provide the motivation to get to the destination.
Just after the first three very steep miles, we were deposited at the top of Nevada Falls. An absolutely beautiful and humbling force of nature reminding us of our insignificance when confronted by Mother Nature. One feels humbled hearing the rushing water, feeling the spray as we passed over the bridge, and watching the massive amounts of water racing down the cliff face.
As the miles passed ever so slowly toward the actual destination, the spirit wanes. Closest to Half Dome, the route becomes steep again, not quite as steep as the first three miles, but during the first three miles one has the energy and the stamina for the challenge. One of us slowed us up during this portion…an older devilish gentleman with a sunny disposition…yes, it was me…despite our training and preparations, the heat and the elevation posed challenge as my breathing became labored and it was slow going. My hiking companions were incredibly supportive
We eventually made it to the base of the sub Dome. The sub dome is a short distance but a very steep climb. Lots of switchbacks and granite steps with absolutely no shade. Many people feel the sub dome is worse than the cables. I got half way up the sub dome and decided that this s where m journey ends. I not only ran out of steam but had trouble with my asthma due to the elevations and quite frankly couldn't imagine views any more beautiful than the views on the journey up. I decided to turn back to the base of the sub dome.
All the others did summit and had exciting adventures to tell. As for me, I sat at the base of the sub dome waiting with several other mid to late fifties guys that also decided not to summit. Al I disappointed? A little but honestly the transformative nature of the journey itself is really enough for me. In a younger day, my pride would not have let me turn back so close to the top. As we hiked back, James said that he thought it took real wisdom to make that decision.
A video view of the sub dome ascent. (I made it about half way up and decided to not ascend.)
I also know that I can do this again now that I have a better knowledge of the adventure. Lessons learned include ensuring there is enough water in my bag, packing food that isn't easily crushed (my sando was pulverized by the heat), pick a date not during the hottest week of the year, and make it a two day trip with a stay overnight.
The trip back to the parking lot seemed longer even though the distance was exactly the same. Tired, hungry, dehydrated and sore, the only thing caring us forward was the high of the accomplishment.
I am grateful to our hiking group. We all had moments of weakness and challenges on this hike. The group decided that I was still part of the summit club even though I only did the pre-summit. It is overly generous of them but I'm taking the victory.
Rusty had dinner ready when we eventually got back to the air bnb. He cooked a wonderful meal and we ate heartily and drank tons of liquids. It was midnight before we finished. The day ended up to be 22 1/2 hours long in the end bot what a day it was!
So now for the stats, we hiked 16 plus miles, actually hiking time 16 hours (but were out on the trail for 18 hours), and conquered over 4800 feet of elevation. This is the longest and steepest hike I have ever accomplished. I am very proud of my hiking group and proud of myself as well. Accomplishing these adventures provides me the confidence to face the challenges in my life. I am always humbled by momma nature, she'll kick pappi's ass each and every time.
The best part was coming home to a Yosiell original commemorating the event.
I hardly had come off the mountain before someone asked me, "What's next?" I'm not sure gentle reader, but I know what ever it is I will conquer it like a badass!
1 comment:
Your words say the wisdom and dare I say the joy, is in the training and preparation and the good companions. The pictures prove it. Thanks for taking us readers on the journey!
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