Hike #44 - Half Dome via Mist Trail - Yosemite National Park, California

Paul secured a permit 4 months in advance for (6) people to hike to the top of Half Dome on Thursday, August 28, 2015.  He announced it to his Toastmaster club and on FB and by August we had (4) more people to join us!  He made reservations early to stay at Curry Village which turned out perfect for getting an early start.  We 
arrived into Fresno late Wednesday night meeting Sunil and Terry.  We stopped for a hearty pre-hike dinner and drove 2 hours to Yosemite National Park and Curry Village.  Our "tent" cabin slept (4) people comfortably and community style restrooms near by.

 The place was packed!  It was after midnight when we finally got to bed only to rise at 4:30 AM to start our ascent up the Mist Trail. I was surprised by how steep this trail was right away.  It seemed to never end. We climb zillions of granite stairs to Nevada and Vernal Falls which provided endless photo opportunities.  The 14+ mile RT trail took us approx. 11 1/2 hours with several breaks including approx. an hour at the top.  The top section with cables was quite intimidating but since we had come this far it would be disappointing not to do it.  We found lots of gloves with rubber lining under a rock at the base of the cables which provided some relief that I would not slip and fall! Being at the top of this rock was so worth it! The views were spectacular!  I am really glad I did this and consider it a bucket list destination that I will never forget.  The hike down was easier but long. Between the (6) of us we had enough water but there were times when some of our group ran out.  I left my pack at some rocks about a mile from the top which helped lighten my load for the final steep section. We enjoyed the best tasting beer and pizza when we finally arrived back at Curry Village!  Our legs were shot but we all felt a great sense of accomplishment!

Nevada Falls

Vernal Falls

Curry Village

Standing at the top of Half Dome