Half Dome at Yosemite

A poorly planned trip had me, my old friend Elijah, and new friend Craig, up with the bright moon at 4 AM heading to beat the 6 AM entry time at Yosemite. We made it, spirits modest.

The hike to summit half dome is 16 miles, but some wrong turns brought it to 19, and half dome to 59% percent dome. The last climb requires a permit, which we got through a lottery, all of us applying and having a friend or family member apply on our behalves. Elijah’s brother got it, and he temporarily changed his identity to Ben.

With my backpack full of water, my 120 mm minolta autocord, 35 mm canonet, and a couple salami sandwiches we ascended. Some suffering involved, we made it fantasizing about the ice cold modelos waiting in the car at the bottom.