Half Dome, Yosemite

When we woke up this morning, not only was the electricity off in the whole town but the sea fog had completely surrounded us in a wet blanket. So instead of having a leisurely breakfast we decided to pack up and set off on the next stage of our journey. The fog soon lifted as we drove inland and we made just two stops en route, one for breakfast in a pancake house and the next at an open air shop selling a huge variety of gourds and pumpkins, also an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables which was just what we needed to top up our provisions. We started the long climb up to Yosemite National Park when we were about two hours west of it and finally reached our next holiday house, sitting at some 6,000', having driven through the vast and thickly forested park where redwoods and sequoias flourish.

During the final stages of the journey we had seen some tantalising glimpses through the trees of the raw beauty of the impressive mountains, so immediately we had located our house and unpacked the car we headed out to a particular viewpoint known as Glacier Point in time for sunset. The moment I stepped out of the car I was very aware of the thinner and cooler air, which was not surprising as we were now at 7,214' high, but we quickly set off with cameras at the ready to join many other enthusiasts around the viewpoint. The panorama was astonishing! We were looking straight across at the famous Half Dome, which majestically stands at 8,836' with North Dome and Basket Dome sitting off to the left a little more demurely, while some of the peaks in the far distance rise to heights of 11,000'. The village on the valley floor 3,214' below us seemed in miniature from our vantage point and looking over the edge, I felt my tummy roll over!

Gradually the folk who had been fairly dispersed, taking photos from different angles and perspectives, started to settle on the rocks around the main viewing point, jockeying for the best vantage point as they did so. We were all there for the main event! Ranger John turned up just ten minutes before sunset to give us a brief but very informative talk about the mountains ahead of us and how the setting sun lights up the various peaks in turn, culminating in the showpiece when it isolates and highlights the Half Dome, briefly rendering the hunk of granite degrees of pink to red depending on the evening. This blip is taken as he took a drink of water and looked respectfully towards the subject of the gathering before starting to talk to us, then, as he chatted, we watched in awe as the light hit the first peak and gently moved round to showcase the Half Dome itself - it was quite breathtaking and to be honest no photograph could do it justice, though we tried! You just had to be there, in the moment!

Do try looking in large if you can and you will feel yourself there.

The Half Dome is just one of the enticing climbs for enthusiastic - and skilled - climbers. The actual ascent of the hike up there is 4,800' but the last part is up a sheer wall of stone reached by means of steep steps across smooth stone slabs then steel cables and wooden slats lashed to the Dome's steep curved back. During this last gruelling vertical 400' climb, short sections of the steel "ladder" are at an intimidating 60 degrees. To prevent too many climbers being on this dangerous ascent at the same time, only 400 daily permits are issued and these usually sell out ages ahead of time. I somehow don't think I will be enjoying the magnificent view which is promised from the top of Half Dome!!

There is no wi-Fi in our holiday house so I have no idea when I can post this, so I am off to sleep now.