Our young men went to Yosemite for some backpacking, relaxation, and a hair-raising climb to the top of Half Dome.
Here's Riley at the entrance to the valley.
All geared up and ready to hike.
Here's the ultimate goal - west side of Half Dome from the trail.
Back of Half Dome from near our campsite.
Far side of Half Dome. This is the first glimpse you get after almost four miles hiking from our camp and about a 2500 foot elevation gain. Still seems way too far away.
The final 400 feet to the summit up bare rock using cables bolted to the rock. Pretty helpful since the middle section is about a 60 degree surface.
Riley and I at the top. This little overhang is known as the "Diving Board". Fortunately, we didn't see anyone dive. While we were out here resting, a raven dove from another section where there were a lot of other climbers - for a minute we thought someone had fallen. From the top it's almost 4800 feet straight down to the valley floor.
A little foot bridge we used to jump in the Merced River. This was a great way to relax - feet in the ice-cold Merced and back on the sun-warmed granite.
A little cascade we slid down. None of us were hurt, but two pairs of swim trunks were destroyed.
Descending to Vernal Fall on our way out. It was a great trip and a lot of fun being with Riley and the young men.
Here's Riley at the entrance to the valley.
All geared up and ready to hike.
Here's the ultimate goal - west side of Half Dome from the trail.
Back of Half Dome from near our campsite.
Far side of Half Dome. This is the first glimpse you get after almost four miles hiking from our camp and about a 2500 foot elevation gain. Still seems way too far away.
The final 400 feet to the summit up bare rock using cables bolted to the rock. Pretty helpful since the middle section is about a 60 degree surface.
Riley and I at the top. This little overhang is known as the "Diving Board". Fortunately, we didn't see anyone dive. While we were out here resting, a raven dove from another section where there were a lot of other climbers - for a minute we thought someone had fallen. From the top it's almost 4800 feet straight down to the valley floor.
A little foot bridge we used to jump in the Merced River. This was a great way to relax - feet in the ice-cold Merced and back on the sun-warmed granite.
A little cascade we slid down. None of us were hurt, but two pairs of swim trunks were destroyed.
Descending to Vernal Fall on our way out. It was a great trip and a lot of fun being with Riley and the young men.
