I called the Yosemite wilderness info number a week ago to say I was thinking about climbing Half Dome soon, and was warned that they "did not recommend" hiking to Half Dome. The ranger repeated that phrase several times, telling me there were several feet of snow with icy sections on the route.
But I went anyway. I was prepared with crampons and ice axe, and planned to hike with Brent N. Brent phoned me Thursday night, telling me he had spoken to hikers who had been up and back on Thursday. They said the crampons and such weren't necessary, that the snow was not bad. So I left the technical gear home. On Friday, we met hikers coming down who also said the snow was not bad.
So... here are some pictures...
Wagga and Steve at the Trailhead parking lot, about 7:30 a.m. That SPOT on my shoulder was on and working, but a signal never got out until 9:45! (Now I am thinking maybe I turned it on but not the Track mode.)
The Mist Trail was wet, but not as misty as I remember other times... I think it was due to the early morning and recent cooler temperatures kept the snow melt rate lower.
Brent was waiting for me at the top of Vernal Fall. He spotted me coming far below, with the bright red/pink "Freak Flags Flying".
We saw few people on the trail that morning... I passed one group, and one trail runner passed me. Then met Brent, and here is Sara, on holiday from England. We talked with her, and she said she was disappointed due to the lack of access to more remote areas due to the deep snow. She's coming back next year to explore more of the PCT. We invited her to visit WhitneyZone.
From the start to the top of Half Dome, we must have met only 6 or 7 groups, no more than 20 people! There were more on the way down, but the crowds had stopped at the top of Nevada Fall.
Brent had spoken to hikers on Thursday who said this tree fell just as they passed, missing them by about ten feet!
Here's a coyote who trotted by as we rested at the Half Dome / Clouds Rest trail split.
Bear tracks!
The last half mile before the sub-dome, this is all there is of the trail.
Brent on the ridge before the sub-dome, Half Dome beyond. All snow here.
Heading up the steepest part, the beginning of the sub-dome.
Near the base of the cables, hikers had left a backpack and jacket here. Squirrels were tearing into both!
Cables and cross-planks still stored for winter.
Climbers on the cables
Brent climbing.
Here's a video of Brent climbing, near the bottom of the cables.
One near the top. Cables get heavy here as the slope becomes less steep, and the cables are being pulled from below due to their own weight. They would be especially tough if there were several climbers below pulling on it.
Here's Brent descending the snow field of the sub-dome.
(Now I am thinking maybe I turned it on but not the Track mode.)
Cables and cross-planks still stored for winter.
Brent climbing.
Berry Bear on the summit.
