We stayed pretty close to the park, about 30min from the trail head parking lot. That was a good idea! Cuz we had a shower on the way back, wasn't too far away, and didn't break the bank. October was also a good time! Not too hot and not too cold. We were glad it didn't rain!
We prepped sandwiches the day before, and then aimed to arrive at trail head around 5am. With our headlamps lit, we took off. Initially we stayed together, but soon we started separating. 4 of us stayed together, and MJ and LH were going to see how much they can do and turn around when they deemed necessary.
As we were going up the steps to the first waterfall, we there started to be more light.
We finally rounded a corner, and got our first glimpse of Half Dome!
When we got to the lower dome, we thought we were close, but still a little ways. We could see the little ant-sized people climbing up the ladder of Half Dome.
Going up the ladder took some time. We had to wait and stop here and there to allow people to come down. But eventually we made it to the top. The metal chains and wooden 2x4 planks really helped!
What a view on the top!!
We were there for about 1 hour, and then we saw MJ appear! How unexpected! But he made it! Apparently he tagged along with another group who happened to have an extra space for going up Half Dome. Seems like even if you can't win the lottery to go up Half Dome, you can wait at the bottom of it and eventually some group will come along with an extra space.
Anyhow, we stayed long enough that we needed to go to the bathroom, so we started heading down. In search of a bathroom, RL and I forged ahead. MJ looked like he was going to be going with his newfound friend group, so the others went ahead as well.
Time to bottom: about 6:30p.
We waited till 9p, and still no sign of MJ! We were asking everyone who came down if they had seen him (showing this tiny picture of him to everyone). Eventually we found out he was going down with this other lady, but they were going super slowly. And with a little bit of reception, he managed to send us the message that he probably won't be down till 9:30p. So we went to eat dinner.
After dinner, we came back at 9:30p, but still no sign of MJ. We kept on waiting, then 10p, then 11p...we even considered asking for search and rescue. But the ranger said this happens frequently. Finally the lady's husband came by with his friend and they said they were going back up the mountain to look for them. But there were two routes! So they will each take one route. Ultimately, we saw a glimmer of light, and it was MJ! Oh man...what an adventure! Apparently his knee had started hurting shortly after start of descent, and the lady he was going with was older, so she was going super slow too. Now he knows...need to get back before sunsets!
Cathedral Lake
Another beautiful hike! Waters were so calm, and the jutting mountains in the background were grand like a cathedral.
