Half Dome rock is actually just the "tip of the iceberg", as it were, in terms of being the last, imposing piece of a long, somewhat arduous trek up the mountain. The total elevation gain is about 5,000 feet. However, long sections of the trail are not very steep and easily walkable by anything with reasonable health. The tricky parts are the steep staircase ascending Vernal Falls / Nevada Falls, and the last part - the cable-walk up the rock to the summit.
In the picture above, me and the hiking group podr in front of Vernal Falls, on the way up to Half Dome Rock. Josette is taking the picture. Behind us begins the steep stone staircase that leads up to the top of the falls and beyond. The stone stairs (I don't have any pictures of these) were originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps - that great socialist experiment of President Roosevelt - in 1934.
Anyways, to get back to my story. Before we left last week, I looked at some pictures a friend sent to me and began having serious doubts if I was going to make it. Especially the cable-walk near the top had me thinking this might not work out.
In the picture at left, Andy poses in front of the steel cables that are strung up to the top of Half Dome. These cables have been there since 1919, I learned. There were so many people going up and down last Saturday that we had to wait a considerable time at this spot.
However, with gradual uphill walking, combined with egging from some of my friends, all obstacles were overcome. All 5 of us who started the walk finished it on top of the rock. My friends then proceeded to give me grief for expressing doubs. Sometimes you can't win ...
Picture of 3 of us on the summit, looking over Yosemite Valley.
During the walk up and down the mountain, we were surrounded by people of all ages going up the same way. Mainly they were in their 20s and 30s, but we saw plenty of people in their 40s and even older doing the ascent. Overall, though, it was a lot more people than I am used to seeing on any hiking trail. It was almost like going to the amusement park or the zoo in places. This would be my only complaint about the trail. Otherwise it was excellent.
By the way, my left knee is telling me I better not do anymore hikes like that for a long while...
