Our hats have recently climbed to new heights--literally. This summer, I traveled to Yosemite Valley with my Aussie friend Jack Wilson. Together we made the 8.5 mile ascent to the top of Half Dome from the Valley floor via the John Muir trail (which later merges into the Mist Trail) that was conquered for the first time in 1875. Following the same footsteps of thousands before our time, Jack and I passed sites such as the Vernal and Nevada Falls on our 12 hour round trip excursion. The final 400 meters of this rigorous hike consists of a vertical climb in which we were supported merely by our own strength as we climbed cables that had been placed hundreds of years ago--they were real sketchy to say the least. Despite my doubts, we finally made it to the top, with Jack sporting his Trillium the entire time. Here are some pictures from our trip:
We began our ascent around 3:30 a.m. Here is Jack reading the warning signs at the John Muir Trail head--about 10 people die trying to make this climb every year! Niiice hat by the way.
Jack-getting ready for the final ascent, still wearing his Trillium, which kept his body temperature regulated as the climate varied throughout the elevation change.
I wasn't lying when I said this was sketchy...
Trillium moment of the year--Jack is doing a hand stand on the "Diving Board" at the very tip of Half Dome, still wearing that hat!
Hey, I may not be doing a handstand, but people still thought I was crazy for sitting there!-Amber
No comments:
Post a Comment