Yosemite National Park - Halfdome

The next big hike with almost the same group with which we went to Sequoia, was to the Half Dome in Yosemite Park. Like its name it is a huge half dome with a very smooth surface. It was a really long hike, about 17 miles in total.

We went to Yosemite friday afternoon and met the other members of the group at the Yosemite Bug hostel in Midpines, a village at the beginning of the park. The next morning we got up at six and went to Curry Village, a starting point for many trails in the Yosemite park. The first part of the trail (Myst trail) was steep climbing using the rock stairs. Luckily I brought enough water, because the sun was burning and I was sweating like a horse.

Around 2:00 PM we arrived at the foot of the Half Dome and we discovered we were not the only group that had decide to go up the Half Dome along the steel cables. So we had to wait in line there. On top of the Half Dome however, there was lots of space, so it was not that crowded. I sat on the famous 'dive board', a rock that bends over a bit with nothing but a 2000 ft. depth beneeth it. That was scary indeed, but it was fun!

On our way back, I ran out of water, and after I had finished some filtered water I got from a stranger, I was still thirsty and decided to drink from the fast running Merced River. That water was so extremely fresh and tasty, but luckily I did not get sick of it. When we got back at the car it was already 7:45 PM. We had pizza at curry village where there were a lot of people.

Half Dome team ready to go! At the first waterfall of the Myst trail Upper waterfall Geertjan, Luca an I on top of the 2nd waterfall ...from a distance
First glimpse of the Half Dome ...from between the trees At the foot of the Half Dome looking into the valleys Wait in line at the steel cables to go up. On top of the Half Dome at the rim.
This is really deeeeep! Do not fear the heights! Do not look to far over the edge. Geertjan and I sitting on the edge Same
I alone on the edge Carlos on the diveboard Our group resting on top of the Half Dome Sitting on the diveboard Same
Taking a photo from between my bungling feet. Same RP at the Half Dome plateau Otto at the steel Cables Looking back at the last people that go up

Additional Pictures from RP's collection

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Looking back at the Halfdome from the John Muir trail Fresh, tasty water from Merced river First waterfall at begin Myst Trail Walking the stairs...
View in Yosemite valleys The other dome and the upper waterfall The Half Dome People on top Tilted view of the Half Dome
RP and Carlos RP ready to go up along the steel cables RP and Carlos again