mighty, mighty half dome

I survived my 16 mile trek up to Half Dome and back in Yosemite the other weekend. Despite the grueling ascent, the trail provides some fantastic views of the park's granite peaks. It's not every day that you get to eat lunch at 8,800 feet with a nearly 360 degree view into the valley below. I chickened out on the cables, because you had to wait 45 minutes just to get on them and then wait in a road jam as people climbed to the top. By that point, I was content to soak up the view and enjoy the long hike back down the mountain. An unforgettable trip, for sure.

Top: View from Half Dome at the base of the cables. Middle: People climbing up the cables. Bottom: Victory shot the next day of Half Dome from the valley.