171616 -
171618 - ..
171619 - Wearing Brooks Ghost Size 10 width 2E with 2 pair Thorlo wool socks,
171620 - and Satallite Elite orthotic inserts. These worked well on training
171621 - hike to and beyond Nevada Falls 2 months ago on 190717 0245.
171622 - ref SDS C3 RH7K They seem safer than Hoka Bondi shoes, which have a
171623 - thicker sole, and so present greater risks of twisting ankles and
171624 - falling, as occurred nearing Nevada Falls and wearing Hoka shoes on
171625 - 150916 0535. ref SDS 66 O87H
171626 -
171627 - [On 200101 0702 fall on daily hike at home wearing Hoka
171628 - Bondi 6 shoes supports avoiding these shoes for Half Dome.
171629 - ref SDS C7 RUVY
171631 - ..
171632 - Carried naproxen, oxycodone and Hydrocodone pills (actually
171633 - Hydrocodone 5mg with Acetaminophen 325 mg - commonly Norco) to take
171634 - one or the other in the afternoon, on the way back, if necessary, as
171635 - occurred last year on 180912 0545, ref SDS A5 5S4I, and previously on
171636 - 160914 0530. ref SDS 88 VN6I
171638 - ..
171639 - Not wearing coat today, to reduce weight, which is different from last
171640 - year on 180912 0545. ref SDS A5 LV9F
171642 - ..
171643 - Carried billfold again in case identification is needed in relation
171644 - to falling, injury etc.
171645 -
171647 - ..
171648 - Curry Village Start Half Dome Hike in Yosemite Valley Mile from Trailhead
171649 - Half Dome Start from Curry Village Mile from Trailhead on Mist Trail
171650 -
171651 - Follow up ref SDS A5 ZW9K, ref SDS 88 ZW9K.
171652 -
171653 - At 0440 depart from Yosemite Lodge, where we checked in yesterday on
171654 - 190910 0756. ref SDS C4 0209, and drove to...
171656 - ..
171657 - Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service
171658 - Curry Village
171659 - 209 372 8344
171660 -
171665 - ..
171666 - Kathy drove us from Yosemite Lodge to Curry Village - arrived OA 0449.
171667 - Used GPS for guidance in the dark, since there are few street lights.
171668 - The road from Yosemite Lodge to Curry Village winds considerably, with
171669 - numerous turns, so GPS was helpful.
171671 - ..
171672 - Put on a 2nd shirt to provide additional protection against the cold
171673 - until the sun comes up. Forecast is for maximum 79, so will take the
171674 - shirt off as temperature rises, and body warms up hiking 5,000 feet
171675 - vertical (mile high) climb over 20+ miles today.
171677 - ..
171678 - Main concern today is weight. Prior hikes have started at 175 or
171679 - less. Today, must be closer to 187. This impacts endurance, but in
171680 - my case balance, impacted by BPPV (dizziness). The other issue is not
171681 - having a permit for the cables to reach the top of Half Dome. On
171682 - prior Half Dome ascents have always given extra permits to standby
171683 - hikers at the Sub Dome switchbacks. Hopeing today, will get lucky as
171684 - a standby.
171686 - ..
171687 - Lindsey not providing guide service, as she has for the past 3 Half
171688 - Dome hikes, is another concern that could not be helped. She has a
171689 - new job this year, and so could not fit a hike in the middle of the
171690 - week, into her work schedule. Will see how things go.
171692 - ..
171693 - Another "minor" setback, on 190410 1230 received notice from lottery
171694 - was not awarded permit to use cables for hiking to top of Half Dome.
171695 - ref SDS C1 CX6M Will hike to Sub Dome switchbacks and hope to get
171696 - permit from Ranger for no-show permit holders.
171698 - ..
171699 - Kathy took picture of starting in the dark at Curry Village. Seems
171700 - lonely...
171701 -
171702 -
171704 - 
171705 -
171707 - ..
171708 - Starting the hike, did not carry water since there are water fountains
171709 - at the Wood Bridge. Did not have a headlamp. Gave it to Lindsey for
171710 - the hike last year on 180912 0545. ref SDS A5 FD6G Thought headlamp
171711 - would not be needed today, because there would be enough light to see
171712 - the road and the trail until sunup.
171714 - ..
171715 - Hiked about 1 mile from Curry Village on Happy Isle Loop road to Happy
171716 - Isle, and across the bridge to the path for the trailhead. Turned out
171717 - it was too dark to see the road. Actually, it was totally dark, could
171718 - not see anything. So it was difficult to stay on the road. Several
171719 - hikers came by with headlamps. Asked to tag along in order to benefit
171720 - from their headlamps. This worked well.
171722 - ..
171723 - On the Internet there is...
171725 - ..
171726 - Map Trail to Half Dome Hike
171727 -
171728 - Follow up ref SDS A5 UM6J, ref SDS 88 UM6J.
171729 -
171730 - http://www.everytrail.com/guide/half-dome-hike/map#poi-13
171731 -
171733 - ..
1718 -
1719 -
1720 - 0535
1721 -
172101 - Trailhead 1st Mile Paved Path to Wood Bridge Took 30 Minutes
172102 - Wood Bridge No White Water in Merced River As Occurred in July
172103 -
172104 - Follow up ref SDS A5 WX5M, ref SDS 88 WX5M.
172105 -
172106 - The first mile of the Mist trail from the trailhead to the Wood Bridge
172107 - is paved and quite steep, winding along the North side of the Merced
172108 - river gorge.
172110 - ..
172111 - Hiked with several different groups of 2 with headlamps. This was
172112 - critical, because total darkness could have caused walking off the
172113 - trail and falling to death into the Merced gorge.
172115 - ..
172116 - Good news - temperature was in 50s early this morning, so was fine not
172117 - wearing a coat.
172119 - ..
172120 - As dawn broke about halfway up the trail to the Wood Bridge, could
172121 - finally see the paved path, so no longer needed to hike with others to
172122 - benefit from their headlamps.
172132 - ..
172133 - Took about 49 minutes to reach the Wood Bridge after leaving Curry
172134 - Village (0604 - 0515 = 49), about the same as last year on 180912
172135 - 0545. ref SDS A5 J13H Actually, seemed like hiked the steep Mist
172136 - trail better than last year, with fewer stops. At least seemed like
172137 - the hike went faster to various checkpoints along this part of the
172138 - trail.
172140 - ..
172141 - No white water crashing under the bridge as occurred this past July
172142 - during the test hike, reported on 190717 0245. ref SDS C3 JW4N
172144 - ..
172145 - There are water fountains and 2 water spouts for filling water
172146 - bottles. This will be the last running water service for next 10+
172147 - hours. There is a building for a Ranger Station and restrooms at the
172148 - Wood Bridge.
172150 - ..
172151 - Drank some water, but did not fill the water bottle in order to reduce
172152 - weight to carry up the Mist trail to Vernal Falls, and then to Nevada
172153 - Falls. Plan to fill the filtered water bottle at the Merced River
172154 - above Nevada Falls, and into Little Yosemite Valley. This will
172155 - provide enough water to reach the top of Half Dome, and return to the
172156 - Merced River to fill the bottle again.
172158 - ..
172159 - Actually, planned to use the "Little Spring" near the top of the Long
172160 - Switchbacks to reduce the window of time for re-filling water supplies
172161 - down to about 2 hours; however, this didn't work out today, see below.
172162 - ref SDS 0 XC4M
172163 -
172164 -
172166 - ..
1722 -
1723 -
1724 - 0607
1725 -
172501 - Vernal Falls Took Mist Trail Steep Narrow Stone Steps from Wood Bridge
172502 - Mist Trail Steep Narrow Stone Steps Past Wood Bridge to Vernal Falls
172503 -
172504 - Follow up ref SDS A5 6Q97, ref SDS 88 6Q97.
172505 -
172506 - After crossing the bridge, the South side trail changes markedly for
172507 - the remaining .7 miles up to Vernal Falls. A hundred yards or so past
172508 - the bridge the trail divides at "Register Rock P." The Mist trail hugs
172509 - the vertical cliff of the Merced river gorge. A sign identifies the
172510 - trailhead for the flatter and longer John Muir Trail (JMT) also to
172511 - Vernal Falls, and on up to Nevada Falls, then to Half Dome.
172513 - ..
172514 - There was a party of 4 - 2 men and 2 women - discussing which trail to
172515 - take. They seemed to be in their 50s. One asked which trail is
172516 - safer? Explained that JMT has much fewer big steps and is flatter, so
172517 - fatigue and strength are less critical. The John Muir Trail is a lot
172518 - wider than the Mist trail, so there is less danger of a misstep
172519 - falling off the cliff. The group headed up JMT.
172521 - ..
172522 - Took the shorter, steeper Mist trail to Vernal Falls, as usual.
172524 - ..
172525 - Planned for Lindsey to hike behind, so if balance falters going up the
172526 - steep trail, she could prevent an actual fall backwards, as she did
172527 - last year, reported on 180912 0545. ref SDS A5 BD4L Though Lindsey
172528 - could not make the hike today, was not real concerned about falling,
172529 - because the test hike went well 2 months ago on 190717 0245.
172530 - ref SDS C3 E26F
172532 - ..
172533 - Much of this Mist trail is very steep, solid granite rock steps are
172534 - formed from large, irregular stones. The route takes strength and
172535 - endurance to climb, but also mental focus (concentration) to step
172536 - correctly ascending the trail of irregular rock steps up to Vernal
172537 - Falls. Steps vary from 6" to over 18" in height and width. At
172538 - several places the path narrows to less than 4'. A metal railing
172539 - reduces danger of bumping the verticle cliff on the right side and
172540 - falling off the cliff into the gorge on the left.
172542 - ..
172543 - Examples of high risk hiking conditions on the Mist trail are shown in
172544 - pictures today...
172545 -
172546 -
172547 - 
172548 -
172549 -
172550 -
172551 - 
172552 -
172554 - ..
172555 - 
172556 -
172558 - ..
172559 - Apart from physical conditioning, young people handle these
172560 - neurological challenges well. Older people can be hesitant (i.e.,
172561 - faulter) with loss of physical and mental agility, i.e., advancing
172562 - neurological/congnitive deficits. Aging causes plaque buildup in
172563 - blood vessels that slows and reduces blood flow, which slows mental
172564 - processing. As a result, advancing age increases risk of missteps,
172565 - falling, and injury.
172567 - ..
172568 - On 190411 1500 Doctor Anthony Mefford and colleagues at UCSF are
172569 - studying cognitive impairment with aging that gradually reduces range
172570 - and level of activity. ref SDS C2 8X4L
172572 - ..
172573 - Unlike last year, when about half way up, I faltered slightly making
172574 - an elevated step, and Lindsey put her hand on my back to push me
172575 - forward, this did not occur today, anywhere along the Mist trail all
172576 - the way up to Vernal Falls. Hiking 11 - 15 miles per day the past 3
172577 - months provided sufficient conditioning to avoid faultering going up
172578 - the Mist trail, similar to the test hike on 190717 0245. ref SDS C3
172579 - WR58
172581 - ..
172582 - Two (2) months ago on 190717 0245 the amount of water going over the
172583 - falls was awsome. ref SDS C3 E15F Merced river gorge from Vernal
172584 - Falls all the way down to the Valley was massive, noisy white water
172585 - all the way. ref SDS C3 JW4N The trail from above the Wood Bridge to
172586 - Vernal Falls was shrouded in rain-like mist. ref SDS C3 5N8O
172588 - ..
172589 - There is a short section of natural tunnel along the Mist trail,
172590 - formed from earthquake activity positioning big boulders. In July,
172591 - heavy mist was coagulating on the rocks, and seeping down like "rain"
172592 - with 3 - 4 inches of standing water in this short tunnel, reported on
172593 - 190717 0245. ref SDS C3 KK6K Today, it was completely dry...
172594 -
172596 - ..
172597 - 
172598 -
172599 -
172601 - ..
172602 - Saw less water going over the falls this late in the year, but still
172603 - quite spectacular, close to conditions 2 months ago on 190717, and
172604 - significantly higher than on prior hikes in September, e.g., on 180912
172605 - 0545. ref SDS A5 KE5G
172606 -
172607 -
172609 - ..
172610 - 
172611 -
172613 - ..
172614 - 
172615 -
172617 - ..
172618 - Time hiking from the Wood Bridge to Vernal Falls was about 45 minutes
172619 - (0604 - 0650) today. Felt in control all the way. Reflects effective
172620 - training the past year. Was actually surprised reaching the top so
172621 - soon. Expected increased weight would slow the hike, per above,
172622 - ref SDS 0 DW9I, but not so far.
172623 -
172624 -
172625 -
172627 - ..
1727 -
1728 -
1729 - 0650
1730 -
173001 - Neveda Falls Took Steeper Mist Trail Rather than John Muir Trail
173002 -
173003 - Follow up ref SDS A5 6Q63, ref SDS 88 6Q63.
173004 -
173005 - Hiking up from Vernal Falls, there is a sign that says the trail
173006 - splits.
173008 - ..
173009 - John Muir Trail (JMT) veering to the right is flatter and longer about
173010 - 1.6 miles. The steeper Mist trail is only 1.3 miles. On 130918, took
173011 - Mist Trail, and reached top of Half Dome. ref SDS 31 6Q63 The next
173012 - year, took the longer and flatter John Muir trail, because of poor
173013 - conditioning due to metatarsalgia feet injuries the prior 2 months,
173014 - reported on 140917 0540. ref SDS 60 6Q63 The year after that on
173015 - 150916, took the steep Mist trail, ref SDS 66 6Q63, which resulted in
173016 - a fall that ended the hike. ref SDS 66 O87H Took the steep Mist trail
173017 - again 3 years ago, and had no problems, reported on 160914 0530.
173018 - ref SDS 88 NE4F Same for last year on 180912 0545. ref SDS A5 NE4F
173020 - ..
173021 - Today, decided again to take Mist trail to Nevada Falls in order to
173022 - save time and increase exercise. About 2 months ago, was successful
173023 - continuing on the Mist trail up to Nevada Falls during a test hike on
173024 - 190717 0245. ref SDS C3 NE4F This route takes a bridge across the
173025 - Merced river, shown during the hike last year...
173026 -
173027 -
173029 - 
173030 -
173032 - ..
173033 - For some reason, lost concentration and expected to encounter this
173034 - bridge soon after hiking up from Vernal Falls. Lindsey guides the way
173035 - and I just follow, but today, I felt a little lost. For one thing,
173036 - often others are headed up the trail and/or there are footprints
173037 - showing the way. However, I was alone, and at this location the
173038 - surface is solid granite, so there are no footprints. Thankfully,
173039 - someone came along before I wandered too far off the trail. Made a
173040 - course correction and found the bridge across the Merced river, where
173041 - the Mist trail continues up to Nevada Falls.
173043 - ..
173044 - Much of this part of the Mist trail to Nevada Falls is flatter and
173045 - easier than the Mist trail from the Wood Bridge to Vernal Falls. Over
173046 - halfway up it gets more difficult, shown by pictures today. As with
173047 - Vernal Falls, there is much more water flowing over Nevada Falls
173048 - today, than in past years during September...
173049 -
173051 - ..
173052 - 
173053 -
173055 - ..
173056 - 
173057 -
173058 -
173060 - ..
173061 - Today, was pleased to get past the location where the fall occurred 4
173062 - years ago hiking the Mist trail to Nevada Falls, reported on 150916
173063 - 0535. ref SDS 66 O87H The steps are complicated and footing is
173064 - challenging...
173065 -
173067 - ..
173068 - 
173069 -
173071 - ..
173072 - Once past the Mist trail concerns subside about BPPV causing falls,
173073 - because the rest of the way up to Half Dome is less complex. This
173074 - reduces conditions that induce dizziness, at least until reaching the
173075 - Sub Dome switchbacks, which are another set of challenges.
173076 -
173077 -
173078 -
173080 - ..
1731 -
1732 -
1733 - 0758
1734 -
173401 - Nevada Falls Ranger Station and Rest Area
173402 -
173403 - Follow up ref SDS A5 G66H, ref SDS 88 G66H.
173404 -
173405 - At the top of Nevada Falls there is a rest area with Ranger Station
173406 - and restrooms; however, there is no drinking water available, as there
173407 - is at Vernal Falls, per above. ref SDS 0 J39M
173409 - ..
173410 - Several signs show the trail divides between the John Muir Trail and
173411 - the Mist Trail. Mileage markers indicate distance to the top of Half
173412 - Dome (about 5 miles), and going down to Vernal Falls. The John Muir
173413 - Trail (JMT) is longer, but flatter, while the Mist Trail is steeper
173414 - and shorter, as explained above. ref SDS 0 6Q97
173416 - ..
173417 - Pictures from test hike last year show Nevada Falls rest area...
173418 -
173419 -
173421 - 
173422 -
173423 -
173424 -
173426 - 
173427 -
173429 - ..
173430 - Mamy hikers return to the Valley taking the longer, flatter John Muir
173431 - Trail.
173433 - ..
173434 - Someone took a picture recording the time reaching this checkpoint...
173435 -
173436 -
173438 - 
173439 -
173440 -
173442 - ..
173443 - Then continued up the trail toward Little Yosemite Valley and Half
173444 - Dome.
173445 -
173446 -
173447 -
173449 - ..
1735 -
1736 -
1737 - 0823
1738 -
173801 - Little Yosemite Valley Trail Relatively Flat .5 Miles
173802 -
173803 - Follow up ref SDS A5 M69J, ref SDS 88 M69J.
173804 -
173805 - The trail leaving Nevada Falls rest area, is very rocky and irregular.
173806 - Requires concentration hiking uphill with a mild grade for about .25
173807 - miles. Then the trail for the next .25 miles becomes flatter and
173808 - easier with less rocks and more normal walking surface going slightly
173809 - downhill into Little Yosemite Valley.
173811 - ..
173812 - Interestingly, did not encounter any mule trains today, as occurred
173813 - last year, reported on 180912 0545. ref SDS A5 Q55J
173815 - ..
173816 - Like last year though, stopped to eat about 20% of the way through
173817 - Little Yosemite Valley. Hiked to the Merced River about 100 yards
173818 - from the trail...
173819 -
173820 -
173821 - 
173822 -
173824 - ..
173825 - Filled collapsable water bottle from the river. Actually, crawled out
173826 - and laid on a big rock where the water was flowing and churning fast,
173827 - and in order to avoid filling the bottle where the water was still.
173828 - Lindsey would be proud that her teaching from prior hikes paid off
173829 - today.
173831 - ..
173832 - Wasn't particularly thirsty, but drank some water, then re-filled the
173833 - collapsable bottle and placed it in a pouch on the side of the
173834 - backpack. Last year, Lindsey carried the water bottle, because it
173835 - disrupts my balance (due to BPPV) ascending difficult steps uphill,
173836 - reported on 180912 0545. ref SDS A5 HY4G
173838 - ..
173839 - Wasn't hungary, so did not eat anything; just continued up the trail
173840 - through Little Yosemite Valley. This might have been an error. Could
173841 - be that forcing consumption of nutrition would have avoid hitting a
173842 - fatigue wall further up.
173844 - ..
173845 - The trail through this valley is mostly flat for about half-mile, but
173846 - very sandy. It is marked by small diameter logs on both sides. A
173847 - path has been formed by hikers on the edge of the main trail because
173848 - firmer soil makes walking easier. This conserves energy. Have to
173849 - step over a few logs along the way that traverse the route, but not
173850 - the main trail. These logs are mostly less than 2' in diameter, so
173851 - this is easier than walking in the sand.
173852 -
173853 -
173854 -
173856 - ..
1739 -
1740 -
1741 - 0839
1742 -
174201 - Long Switchbacks Hiking Slow Toward Half Dome
174202 -
174203 - Follow up ref SDS A5 C45M, ref SDS 88 C45M.
174204 -
174205 - Past Little Yosemite Valley, the trail starts uphill again. There is
174206 - soil some of the way with shrubs, some grass, here and there, a lot of
174207 - trees, and also open space, where you can see across to other mountain
174208 - ranges. This uphill is 4 miles of continual switchbacks going up the
174209 - backside of Half Dome. The trail is less steep than Vernal and Nevada
174210 - Falls, but there are no cliffs to steady and assist in pulling the
174211 - body uphill. Switchbacks vary from about 10 - 50 yards. There are
174212 - many locations where footing is difficult due to irregular, rocky
174213 - ground conditions.
174215 - ..
174216 - About a mile up the trail, passed a woman wearing an orange
174217 - windbreaker, coming down the trail. Passing quickly by she looked to
174218 - be about 50, and vaguely familiar.
174220 - ..
174221 - A group of 3 or 4 hikers was resting. They asked how much farther to
174222 - Half Dome? Explained about 3 miles. One guy in the group seemed
174223 - about 6' 2" or so, and thin, so he has a favorable strength to weight
174224 - ratio needed for the cables. He related trying Half Dome for the
174225 - first time today, at age 67. Told him he looks to have a good shot,
174226 - having done the hike a few years ago at about that age.
174228 - ..
174229 - Further up another hiker was resting on a big log, taking a break to
174230 - eat. He seemed maybe 35, and asked about difficulty getting to the
174231 - top of Half Dome?
174233 - ..
174234 - Explained having done this 3 times, including last year. There are 3
174235 - more miles to reach the Sub Dome switchbacks. The guy was concerned
174236 - about getting up the cables. He had a permit, but was worried about
174237 - national news reporting a woman fell to her death from the cables last
174238 - week.
174240 - ..
174241 - Advised that Sub Dome switchbacks are more difficult for me than the
174242 - cables. Explained the cables are supported by steel pole stantions
174243 - about 3' high off the surface of the Half dome granite rock surface.
174244 - They seem about 10' apart. A 2x4 wood plank spans between each set of
174245 - dual stantions, which provides a secure foot stop. Hikers ascend
174246 - these 10' intervals 1-2-3+ at a time, then rest with feet on the 2x4s.
174247 - With good rubber gloves to grip the cables the ascent up 700' or so is
174248 - steady and safe.
174250 - ..
174251 - The hiker asked if I tie-off on the cables between the stantions?
174253 - ..
174254 - Explained that in years past my guide brings tie-offs, but have never
174255 - needed them. Many people do use tie-offs. They can be helpful, when
174256 - nervous about heights. But tie-offs slow the ascent in order to
174257 - switch between stantions some 70 times every 10 feet all the way to
174258 - the top.
174260 - ..
174261 - Some folks use both cables going up. It is easier for me to use a
174262 - single cable hand-over-hand. Have seen a few guys going up on the
174263 - outside of the cables. This bypasses groups that get clogged, when
174264 - people are passing going up and coming down, which can cause
174265 - significant delays. I've always stayed within the 2 cables.
174267 - ..
174268 - As we talked, another hiker coming up the trail stopped to visit. He
174269 - was elderly, maybe in his 60s. He explained experience hiking Mount
174270 - Whitney, and was trying Half Dome for the first time. This hiker had
174271 - taken the John Muir Trail (JMT) from the Wood bridge. He commented
174272 - that so far the Half Dome trail is easier than hiking a particular
174273 - trail he has hiked in Mount Whitney. He and the other hiker talked
174274 - for a minute about the Half Dome trail being so "crowded." The
174275 - elderly man seemed to say there are very few hikers on the Mount
174276 - Whitney trail, which he prefers. He continued on. Seemed very
174277 - steady, and well within his comfort zone.
174279 - ..
174280 - Continuing up the trail, about 20 minutes later the hiker, who was
174281 - resting, caught up and passed me, as did others. Today, I seem to be
174282 - going slow, similar to the past few weeks hiking in Concord. After
174283 - pulling the hills on Crystal Ranch Road and Rolling Woods Way, then
174284 - after coming down the long Rolling Woods Way downhill and turning the
174285 - corner onto Pine hollow there has been a noticable drop in energy
174286 - hiking Pine Hollow and then Ygnacio Valley Road back to Crystal Ranch
174287 - Road. This unusual rise in fatigue then leads to hiking home, rather
174288 - than turning the corner to do another 4-mile loop. Have been stopping
174289 - at the Texaco gas station on the corner of Pine Hollow and Ygnacio
174290 - Valley Road to get a coke, reported for example on 190906, shown in
174291 - case study on 190101 0730. ref SDS B6 TUYU The Coca Cola surprisingly
174292 - provides near immediate and significant energy increase to do another
174293 - 4-mile loop, then another to build endurance. Unfortunately, there
174294 - are no gas stations on the Half Dome trail, so cannot stop to get an
174295 - energy "fix." Yesterday, prepared a bottle with Coca Cola and lemon
174296 - juice to carry during the hike today. However, the backpack seemed
174297 - too heavy, so wound up not bringing the bottle of coke today. Thus,
174298 - about 1.5 miles up the Long Switchbacks energy was noticably waining.
174300 - ..
174301 - Little further up, the hiker, who asked about difficulty getting to
174302 - the top of Half Dome, had stopped and was resting again. We visited
174303 - for another few minutes. He was concerned about having enough water
174304 - for the hike.
174306 - ..
174307 - Advised there is "Little Spring" about a mile or so up the trial, just
174308 - before reaching the Sub Dome swithchbacks. He can refill and drink
174309 - there, and again on the way down after reaching the top of Half Dome.
174310 - This reduces the amount water to carry on the hike. Told him to look
174311 - for a large cut face log adjacent to both sides of the trail.
174313 - ..
174314 - While talking noticed a woman cutting across the trail, and
174315 - essentially taking a short cut. She was going slow and seemed in
174316 - difficulty.
174318 - ..
174319 - Continued up the trail again. Caught up with the woman who had taken
174320 - the short cut. Recognized her as the hiker wearing the orange
174321 - windbreaker, and headed down the trial 30 minutes ago or so, per
174322 - above. ref SDS 0 8E6H She had been hiking with her husband and a
174323 - friend planning to reach the top of Half Dome. The climb became too
174324 - difficult, so she turned back. Her husband and their friend continued
174325 - on up. On her way down, she changed her mind and decided to try going
174326 - up again to the Sub Dome in order to take a picture of her husband
174327 - coming down victoriously after reaching the top of Half Dome.
174329 - ..
174330 - Hiked with her toward the Sub Dome. She and her husband are 60, so
174331 - this is a significant effort. They are from Sweden. Have hiked a lot
174332 - in Europe, and perhaps elsewhere in the world. A week ago, they flew
174333 - into SFO, visited Oakland for something. Drove to San Diego, then
174334 - drove to Yosemite. She seemed to say they plan to visit Yellowstone
174335 - and/or the Grand Canyon over the next few weeks. In Yosemite, they
174336 - are staying in Housekeeping, a mile or so from Camp Curry. They
174337 - started this morning at 0500, hiking to the trailhead. They took the
174338 - Mist trail to Vernal Falls then to Nevada Falls. She said this effort
174339 - took a lot out of her, so she decided to turn back a short ways after
174340 - they reached the Long Switchbacks.
174342 - ..
174343 - Telling this story, we were stopping to rest frequently, every 100
174344 - yards or so.
174346 - ..
174347 - Eventually, reached the marker saying 2 miles to the top of Half Dome.
174349 - ..
174350 - Continuing on realized this was a much different hike than last year,
174351 - when I was leading Lindsey up some of this trail, reported on 180912
174352 - 0545. ref SDS A5 FE6O
174353 -
174354 -
174355 - 
174356 -
174358 - ..
174359 - Today, was even more "precarious" than in 2016, when Lindsey suggested
174360 - we turn back, because getting up the Sub Dome switchbacks and up the
174361 - cables to the top of Half Dome would be much more difficult than the
174362 - effort required so far. At that time, I said: "We'll figure
174363 - something out when we get there," reported on 160914 0530. ref SDS 88
174364 - RN4N
174366 - ..
174367 - Actually, thought about stopping and going back numerous times. Got
174368 - caught up in helping the woman accomplish her goal reaching the Sub
174369 - Dome to take a picture of her husband. Seemed like a worthwhile
174370 - effort.
174372 - ..
174373 - Why is this year such a struggle? For one thing, Lindsey carried the
174374 - water and food last year. Another factor is weight. Last year
174375 - started the hike at 175. This year I am about 187. If I ever do this
174376 - again, it will be at least 10 pounds lighter, which was the plan for
174377 - today, which I failed to pull off.
174378 -
174379 -
174381 - ..
174382 - Little Spring Could Not Find on Long Switchbacks Near Sub Dome
174383 -
174384 - Follow up ref SDS A5 XC4M.
174385 -
174386 - Kept looking for the "Little Spring", which Lindsey guided us to last
174387 - year on 180912 0545. ref SDS A5 XC4M
174389 - ..
174390 - Nearing the top of the Long Switchbacks, had passed several logs that
174391 - seemed like where we stopped previously, but no "little spring."
174392 -
174393 -
174395 - 
174396 -
174397 -
174399 - ..
174400 - 
174401 -
174402 -
174404 - ..
174405 - Asked several hikers coming down the trail about the Little Spring.
174406 - A woman said the spring is not running this year. That seems
174407 - conflicting with what seems like a record amount of snowfall,
174408 - evidenced by high flows over the falls.
174410 - ..
174411 - Will have to ask Lindsey, where she found the Little Spring last year?
174412 -
174413 - [On 191011 1047 letter asks Lindsey about Little Spring.
174414 - ref SDS C6 QE6W
174416 - ..
174417 - Research on the Internet indicates the Little Spring is not active
174418 - every year. During years when rain and snow are less than normal, the
174419 - spring is inactive....
174420 -
174421 - https://www.yosemite.ca.us/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=3221
174423 - ..
174424 - This year, there was record snow in the mountains shown by by high
174425 - flows over Vernal Falls in July, reported on 190717 0245. ref SDS C3
174426 - 5N8O This has persisted through today, shown earlier this morning per
174427 - above. ref SDS 0 V85G
174429 - ..
174430 - Hard to believe the Little Spring would not be active today.
174431 -
174432 -
174433 -
174434 -
174436 - ..
1745 -
1746 -
1747 - 1132
1748 -
174801 - Sub-Dome Switchbacks Crashed and Burned No Permit for Cables to Reach Half Dome
174802 -
174803 - Follow up ref SDS A5 DU7L, ref SDS 88 DU7L.
174804 -
174805 - Finally, reached the plateau at the foot of the Sub-Dome switchbacks,
174806 - the penultimate hurdle in the hike to Half Dome...
174807 -
174808 -
174810 - ..
174812 - 
174813 -
174814 -
174816 - ..
174817 - Congratulated outselves by exchanging names for the first time. Her
174818 - actual Swedish name is difficult to pronounce in English. She said to
174819 - call her Bebe, like a "BB Gun."
174821 - ..
174822 - At this elevation, we could see Half Dome, including hikers going up
174823 - and down the cables. Bebe took a picture thinking her husband might
174824 - be descending the cables.
174825 -
174827 - ..
174828 - 
174829 -
174830 -
174832 - ..
174833 - We noticed snow still in the peaks surrounding the High Sierra
174834 - mountains. Bebe pointed out more snow on other peaks.
174836 - ..
174837 - As we walked up to the Ranger, several hikers sitting along the route
174838 - asked if we have extra permits for the cables. Explained I'm looking
174839 - for the same thing.
174841 - ..
174842 - Talked to the Park Ranger positioned at the beginning of Sub-Dome
174843 - switchbacks checking for permits to use the Half Dome cables. Asked
174844 - if my name is listed, hoping some miracle might have occurred.
174846 - ..
174847 - She looked through her computer listing, and then said: "Gee, I can't
174848 - find you on the list."
174850 - ..
174851 - I said: "Oh no! Another glitch in the system!" She checked through
174852 - the list again. Told her I was just kidding - was denied a permit in
174853 - the March Lottery. Besides, the Park Service has a new rule this year
174854 - that pregnancy disqualifies from doing the cables on Wednesday's.
174855 - Today is Wednesday, and I definitely look pregnant...
174856 -
174858 - ..
174860 - 
174861 -
174862 -
174864 - ..
174865 - Bebe told the Ranger that she has a permit for the cables, and would
174866 - like to give it to one of the 20 or so folks waiting to reach the top
174867 - of Half Dome.
174869 - ..
174870 - There was a young man in the group, who requested the permit. The
174871 - Ranger said he was next in line, so he got it.
174873 - ..
174874 - Few minutes later, Bebe asked if I wanted her permit?
174876 - ..
174877 - Smiled and said it would be a close fight, but I expect the young man
174878 - who got her permit would likely object. I did Half Dome last year, so
174879 - lets let the young people realize their dreams today. Explained the
174880 - primary purpose of doing Half Dome is measuring medical health,
174881 - reported on 180912 0545. ref SDS A5 UR8K I found today, there is a
174882 - clear deficit relative to last year. That sets goals for the coming
174883 - year, per above. ref SDS 0 FE6O
174885 - ..
174886 - Just then it struck me that Bebe looks a lot like my next door
174887 - neighbor, Lynn...
174888 -
174889 -
174890 -
174892 - 
174893 -
174895 - ..
174896 - Have been asking Lynn for years to go for a walk, and she always
174897 - declines. Today, got to hike with her look-a-like for 3 hours, and
174898 - whose personality is pleasant and interesting, just like Lynn.
174900 - ..
174901 - Bebe asked if there is any other route hikers can return from the top
174902 - of Half Dome. Could she miss joining her husband and their friend,
174903 - if they took another route?
174905 - ..
174906 - Assured her this is the only way hikers can return from the top of
174907 - Half Dome. If she waits another 20 minutes, her team will be coming
174908 - down the trail right next to the Park Ranger.
174910 - ..
174911 - Wished Bebe good luck getting the picture she wants of her husband and
174912 - family friend coming down from Half Dome, and for a great time the
174913 - next few weeks on their remaining vacation. Thanked her for letting
174914 - me tag along on the Half Dome trail today. Bebe said she would
174915 - probably have turned back again, if I had not encouraged her to
174916 - continue and with conversation to distract from the struggle climbing
174917 - the trail.
174918 -
175325 - ..
175326 - Should have shown Bebe the picture from the hike last year, of the
175327 - valley between the Sub Dome and Half Dome, where her husband will
175328 - climb up to the top and then descend...
175329 -
175330 -
175331 - 
176593 -
176595 - ..
1766 -
1767 -
1768 - 1200
1769 -
176901 - Long Switchbacks Heading Back to Little Yosemite Valley
176902 -
176903 - Follow up ref SDS A5 2E8L, ref SDS 88 2E8L.
176904 -
176905 - Before starting back, tried calling Kathy to let her know I am on the
176906 - way down. There is good cellphone service for Verizon on top of Half
176907 - Dome. Years past have always called Kathy to let her know I made the
176908 - top, so she is not in suspense for 13+ hours.
176910 - ..
176911 - Also call Ross, because he got me started doing Half Dome on 940917
176912 - 0742. ref SDS 2 0001
176914 - ..
176915 - However, service is haphazard at this level below the Sub Dome.
176917 - ..
176918 - After several tries, her phone rang. Kathy answered, but connection
176919 - was weak. Was only able to say a few words, then the connection
176920 - dropped again. At least she knew I had not fallen off the cables, as
176921 - occurred to a hiker last week.
176923 - ..
176924 - Removed backpack. Drank few sips of water from collapsalbe bottle.
176925 - Drank half of a small carton of Ensure. Saved the rest along with a
176926 - peach and banana for Nevada Falls rest stop.
176928 - ..
176929 - Descended long switchbacks. Hiked the 4 miles all the way to Little
176930 - Yosemite Valley without stopping. Must have stopped 10+ times hiking
176931 - uphill, so paradoxically seemed like it took longer coming down
176932 - winding back and forth over and over again.
176934 - ..
176935 - A mile or so down the trail, passed several people resting off the
176936 - trail on boulders. Some guy asked how much farther to the Sub Dome?
176937 - I knew there was another hiker behind me, so I just kept going,
176938 - thinking the other guy would answer, especially since the stock answer
176939 - on hiking trails is...
176940 -
176941 - Just around the corner.
176943 - ..
176944 - However, the highlight of the day's work occurred, when I heard...
176945 -
176946 - Hey! I was asking you young man.
176948 - ..
176949 - "Yound man" definitely deserved attention. I pulled up, turned and
176950 - said: "You guys have about a mile on up to reach the Sub Dome.
176951 - You're going to need permits, because there are already a bunch of
176952 - hikers at the Sub Dome waiting for no-show permit holders.. Good
176953 - luck."
176955 - ..
176956 - About halfway down, a hiker coming up the trail asked if I saw the
176957 - black bear? He said another hiker coming down only minutes earlier,
176958 - reported seeing a black bear near the trail. He sounded concerned for
176959 - safety. Advised of not having seen a black bear anywhere along the
176960 - trail to the Sub Dome. If one appeared, it ran off before I came
176961 - along.
176963 - ..
176964 - Continuing down the switchbacks, couple places went straight, when the
176965 - trail actually turned sharply. This occurs where terraine is
176966 - uniformely similar in all directions. Fortunately, taking a wrong
176967 - direction becomes quickly evident. So correction was easy.
176969 - ..
176970 - Good to at last reach Little Yosemite Valley.
176972 - ..
176973 - There is a Ranger Station about 200 yards off the John Muir Trail near
176974 - the North end of Little Yosemite Valley. Last year Lindsey guided us
176975 - off the main trail to use the restroom at a Ranger Station, reported
176976 - on 180912 0545. ref SDS A5 GV89
176978 - ..
176979 - Today, could see the Ranger Station, but did not need to use the
176980 - restroom, so continued down the trail. As with coming up the trail,
176981 - this part of the hike is about half mile long in soft sand. For me it
176982 - is difficult to traverse, per above, ref SDS 0 L14I, particularly
176983 - after hiking up to Half Dome and then hiking back down to this point.
176985 - ..
176986 - On finally reaching the South end of Little Yosemite Valley the trail
176987 - actually goes uphill for about .25 miles. Fatigue makes this rising
176988 - grade disappointing even for a short distance.
176989 -
176990 -
176991 -
176993 - ..
1770 -
1771 -
1772 - 1410
1773 -
177301 - Nevada Falls Refill Water at Merced River on John Muir Trail
177302 -
177303 - Follow up ref SDS A5 GV4N, ref SDS 88 GV4N.
177304 -
177305 - Reached Nevada Falls Ranger Station, and continued a few hundred yards
177306 - to the bridge that crosses the Merced River just before water flows
177307 - over Nevada Falls. Lots of people were hanging out enjoying the sun
177308 - on the granite surface beach along the Merced River...
177309 -
177311 - ..
177313 - 
177314 -
177316 - ..
177318 - 
177319 -
177321 - ..
177322 - By this time, entire body ached. Rested sitting on a rock ledge on
177323 - the South side of the bridge over the Merced river. Took 1 oxycodone
177324 - pill. Ate a peach, and drank the rest of the Ensure in the 6 oz
177325 - carton opened at the Sub Dome, per above. ref SDS 0 OI3K
177326 -
177327 -
177328 -
177330 - 
177331 -
177332 -
177334 - ..
177335 - Tried calling Kathy again. Unlike the call 2 hours ago at the Sub
177336 - Dome, per above, ref SDS 0 2E8L, made a good connection this time to
177337 - confirm being in one piece and on the way down. She was in the
177338 - cafeteria at Yosemite Lodge. Planned to call again on reaching the
177339 - Wood Bridge in about 2 hours.
177341 - ..
177342 - After resting, chose the John Muir Trail (JMT), rather than the
177343 - steeper Mist Trail for heading back to the Valley. JMT is longer, but
177344 - flatter and so less risky for tired legs. Lots of people take the
177345 - Mist Trail uphill, and take JMT down.
177347 - ..
177348 - Despite being flatter overall, there are a great many steps on JMT
177349 - that are steep, i.e., 18+ inches. Most steps are irregular, so
177350 - footing can be precarious. This places stress on feet and knees, more
177351 - so when descending fast. This requires increased care with
177352 - metatarsalgia feet injuries, and osetoarthritis (OA) knee deficits.
177353 - Even with the oxycodone pill, you feel every one of the thousand-plus
177354 - steps going down.
177355 -
177356 -
177357 -
177359 - ..
177360 - Racing Back to Wood Bridge
177361 -
177362 - Follow up ref SDS A5 SW44, ref SDS 88 SW44.
177363 -
177364 - As with the trail coming out of Little Yosemite Valley that initially
177365 - goes uphill before continuing downhill toward Nevada Falls, John Muir
177366 - Trail also initially goes uphill leaving Nevada Falls for maybe .5
177367 - miles heading back toward the Valley. Being 10 hours into the hike,
177368 - going uphill is disappointing. But, there is no choice. Cannot call
177369 - a cab up here to get a ride home.
177371 - ..
177372 - After reaching the top of this uphill stretch, there is 2' wide and 4'
177373 - high safety wall for about 150' to prevent people from falling off
177374 - the cliff along the Merced river gorge.
177376 - ..
177377 - There is a great view looking back at Nevada Falls. Liberty Cap is a
177378 - solid granite rock protruding majestically just North of Nevada
177379 - Falls...
177380 -
177381 -
177382 - 
177383 -
177385 - ..
177386 - About halfway down, seemed to have increased energy and ability to
177387 - navigate complex terrain. As well, the oxycodone pill taken at Nevada
177388 - Falls was having great effect, so increased speed to a near jog going
177389 - downhill. Passed a lot of hikers. Then slowed again, as feet and
177390 - knee pain recurred with pain level 2 and 3. Some guy passed me and
177391 - offered that I was doing well for having hiked up to Half Dome today.
177392 - No idea how he knew that, perhaps just guessing by observing my
177393 - tentative condition.
177394 -
177395 -
177396 -
177398 - ..
1774 -
1775 -
1776 - 1610
1777 -
177701 - Reaching the Wood Bridge took another oxycodone drinking from the
177702 - water fountain.
177704 - ..
177705 - Called Kathy to meet at Curry Village in about 40 minutes for a drink
177706 - to celebrate successful hike. She related having reached the Wood
177707 - Bridge today. Congratulated her on improving the effort in July, when
177708 - she only made it half way up, reported on 190717 0245. ref SDS C3 1534
177710 - ..
177711 - This year did not get caught in the dark, nor were there any falls, as
177712 - occurred on 160914 0530. ref SDS 88 JD6J Got a picture to commemorate
177713 - getting back this year before dark...
177714 -
177715 -
177716 -
177718 - 
177719 -
177720 -
177722 - ..
177723 - After drinking more from the water fountain, hiked the last mile back
177724 - to the Trailhead near Happy Isles. This was much easier hiking on a
177725 - paved trail that did not require concentration navigating each step,
177726 - and of course it was downhill; plus, this year it was still light out,
177727 - though the sun was setting fast.
177728 -
177729 -
177730 -
177732 - ..
1778 -
1779 -
1780 - 1634
1781 -
178101 - Celebrate Hiking Half Dome a Mile High Overcoming Medical Problems a Mile Long
178102 -
178103 - Follow up ref SDS A5 TF96, ref SDS 88 TF96.
178104 -
178105 - On reaching Happy Isle Loop road, hiked back toward Curry Village.
178106 - This was much more difficult today, than last year, when seemed like
178107 - could have hiked another 10 miles, reported on 180912 0545.
178108 - ref SDS A5 YG80 Today, fatigue caused swerving back and forth across
178109 - the traffic lane. When a car or bus came along was able to hug the
178110 - very narrow shoulder. Was just staggering back to Curry Village.
178112 - ..
178113 - Somehow made a wrong turn. Wandered around until finally recognized
178114 - the parking lot in front of Curry Village, much like what happened 2
178115 - months ago at the end of the test hike, reported on 190717 0245.
178116 - ref SDS C3 YG80
178118 - ..
178119 - Finally, reached Curry Village, where the hike began this morning, per
178120 - above. ref SDS 0 MY4F Walked around behind the building to the bar.
178122 - ..
178123 - Kathy was sitting at a table in the bar area. She waved to signal her
178124 - location. Kathy was an angel, bringing the Bubba keg with ice, coca
178125 - cola, lemon, orange and grape juice. She had been waiting so long
178126 - that the ice had begun to melt. The bar tender was kind giving us a
178127 - big glass of just ice.
178129 - ..
178130 - Discussed Kathy's experience hiking up the Mist trail to the Wood
178131 - Bridge. She stopped a lot to rest, but didn't get discouraged and
178132 - turn back, as happened 2 months ago during the test hike in July,
178133 - reported on 190717 0245. ref SDS C3 1534 Kathy met others hiking up
178134 - the trail and at the bridge. They shared perspectives on "pushing the
178135 - envelope" at age 60+, tackling hikes difficult for gals half their
178136 - age. She reached the Wood Bridge just after I reached the Sub Dome,
178137 - per above. ref SDS 0 HJ74 After descending back down the trail to the
178138 - Valley, Kathy took the shuttle from Happy Isle back to Yosemite Lodge.
178139 - She was in the cafeteria when I called from Nevada Falls, per above.
178140 - ref SDS 0 TF89
178142 - ..
178143 - Interestingly, there in the bar at an adjacent table was one of the
178144 - guys encountered on the Long Switchbacks earlier this morning, per
178145 - above. ref SDS 0 8E67 Actually, had 2 conversations with him on the
178146 - John Muir Trail. ref SDS 0 9458 Went over and asked if he made it to
178147 - the top? He was all smiles saying yes he made it, and will never
178148 - forget the experience; views are awsome, etc. Congratulated him and
178149 - discussed the hike today, for a few minutes. He seemed pleased I
178150 - could share his exhilaration from having hiked Half Dome last year on
178151 - 180912 0545. ref SDS A5 0001 Sounded like he went up the cables
178152 - hand-over-hand on the right cable, as we discussed. ref SDS 0 NV9N
178153 - He's not thinking about doing Half Dome again at the moment. Just
178154 - feeling he will never forget the sensation of finally reaching the
178155 - top.
178157 - ..
178158 - Returned to our table. We spent about 20 minutes absorbing today's
178159 - efforts overcoming medical issues a "mile long" to reach near the top
178160 - of Half Dome a mile high 2 years in a row.
178162 - ..
178163 - Mile-long Medical Issues
178165 - ..
178166 - Rosacia
178167 - Atherosclerosis
178168 - Quadruple heart bypass surgery (CABG x4)
178169 - Achalasia swallowing deficit
178170 - Heller Myotomy surgery relieve achalasia
178171 - EGD dilation monthly procedures treat achalasia
178172 - Osteroarthrisis both knees
178173 - MCL tear right knee twice
178174 - Metatarsalgia both feet
178175 - Long toe right foot nearly amputated
178176 - PRP injection treatments - 10 so far
178177 - Plantar plate tear right foot
178178 - BPPV dizziness - multiple treatments
178179 - Hematoma wound left leg fall hiking Half Dome 150916
178180 - Wrists sprained from fall hiking Half Dome 150916.
178181 - Tailor's bunions both feet
178182 - Peripheral neurotherapy right foot
178183 - Stroke after EGD procedure - 160617
178184 - Vehicle driving off cliff 65 MPH - multiple injuries - 170905
178185 - Right trapezius muscle strain and pull in back
178186 - Hematoma wound left leg again car crash 170905
178187 - Carpel Tunnel Syndrome right wrist using computer mouse
178188 - Left Elbow sprain doing pushups
178189 - Right Elbow sprain doing pushups
178190 - Left shoulder spain doing pushups
178191 - Lipoma tumor back surgery
178192 -
178193 - [On 180916 0138 letter to medical team at VAMCSF reports
178194 - getting to top of Half Dome. ref SDS A7 OJ9O
178196 - ..
178197 - Half Dome is a medical metric of physical and neuroligical function at
178198 - age 74. This was all the more satisfying after attempting the hike 2
178199 - years ago, was prevented by the near-miss "quiver of death" driving
178200 - off a cliff at 65 MPH on 170905 2230. ref SDS 90 0001
178202 - ..
178203 - We walked a short distance to the car and drove to Yosemite Lodge.
178205 - ..
178206 - Couldn't eat anything. About 2300 got up and worked on writing up the
178207 - record. Ate 2 Triscuits with cheese. Also ate a small candy bar,
178208 - which had with me on the hike, but didn't eat. Probably should have
178209 - eaten it for energy. Next year have to remember about eating to
178210 - maintain energy, so hike does not become "precarious."
178212 - ..
178213 - This was a shorter day than planned. Samsung S8 cellphone reported 26
178214 - miles walked. Just 2 miles short of ascending Sub Dome switchbacks
178215 - and the cables to the top of Half Dome and back down. That's 3 hours
178216 - out of a lifetime. If I had a permit for the cables, and if Lindsey
178217 - was there to remind about resting and eating something, e.g., a full
178218 - carton of Ensure, probably would have gone on up to the top, as in
178219 - 2013 and 2016, when I was "precarious" hiking up the Long Switchbacks,
178220 - as today. Will see what happens next year at the age of 75.
178221 -
178222 -
178291 -
178292 -
178293 -
178294 -
178295 -
178296 -
178297 -
178298 -
178299 -
1783 -