In just over a month, I'm going to turn 29. I've been lucky enough to have a group of guys, of brothers, that I've known for the better part of my life. A small group, I've known since I started kindergarten. Another, since middle school and high school. Never have I taken this for granted. I truly love all of these guys.
Camp Curry, Curry Village, Yosemite, CA
For Labor Day Weekend of this year, we bonded in a way we never have, and made memories we'll never forget. After a solid years worth of planning, myself, and eleven other guys from across the state met at the one and only Curry Village, in the Yosemite National Park. We knew what we had in store that weekend. But... Had no idea what we had in store. Twelve guys eating pizza and drinking some beer, and called it an early night. For, come dawn, we were hiking Half Dome.
Everyone that you ask has a different story about Half Dome. Some people did it in ten hours. It took some 15 miles, while it took others 18. I don't care about all of them—I'm telling you about my day. And, it was hell.
We started our day with alarms going off at 4:30 am. By 5:45, we had left camp, and on our way—First stop, Happy Isle trail head. From Happy Isle, you head up the Mist Trail. Know this... in the middle of this California Drought, the "Mist" trail is really just a trail made of granite step after granite step. And, be known, it's actually one of the worst parts of the entire hike (the other stairs definitely top these—more to come on that later).
FitBit data for most of the day. And me, somewhere around mile 9.
If you aren't physically prepared for this hike, you'll find out now. I found out. Maybe I should have forced myself to the gym on those "off day's" after all.
Once you step your way up the Mist Trail, you're at Vernal Falls. Here we had a quick rest, and saw our group split in half. This is where we found our pace, and grouped with those we'd be with the rest of the day. Moving past Vernal, we were on our way. Weaving through switchbacks, some more steps, and some (finally!) relatively flat ground—Nevada Falls awaits!
WARNING: If you plan on ever attempting this hike - Nevada Falls is the last spot to refill your water (stay tuned), and it's the last toilet—if that's your kind of thing.
Leaving Nevada Falls, the trail marker clearly tells you there's still another 4.5 miles until Half Dome. I'm assuming that means until you hit the base of the rock.
Working your way through the gorgeous backwoods of Yosemite Valley is something incredible. The sheer beauty that is carved into this incredible state of ours, the first word that comes to mind when describing it is “special.”
Hiking, hiking, and more hiking. I knew this day would be taxing—this was something else. I've already had more water than I planned, a year's worth of jerkey, and more almond butter than I can explain. This day was beyond LONG.
To speed things up, I'll fast forward a little...
Finally making our way up the last large hill, we reach the base of the Sub Dome—The Half Dome hike is filled with hiking the trail, climbing the Sub Dome, trekking across the Saddle, and then (finally) traversing the notorious cables to the summit of Half Dome itself.
Half Dome from afar
Now... Let me tell you a little something that nobody seems to tell you/warn you about prior to this hike—the stairs of the Sub Dome are the most difficult part of this entire hike. Again, THIS IS THE WORST PART. And, it's not even close. Cables? Wear gloves, work your arms, you're good to go. These stairs, there's no preparing for them. They will destroy you.
By this point of my hike, I was hiking alone. If you have even the slightest fear of heights, you might freeze here and want to turn back. That alone made sure my friends got to the top as quick as possible. My body wouldn't let me. The sky was hazey and full of smoke (California wildefires everywhere), but the view around was still incredible. Something full of awe.
(Note: There was NO WAY I was taking a picture while on these stairs. Whatever you're imagining, they were worse)
Being alone, I was having the toughest internal struggle I've ever worked to power through. And there were absolutely times I didn't think I'd make it. But, all of these miles in, and all of the work that I did—there was no way that I'd get to the top of these stairs and not tackle and climb the cables to the top of the rock.
Pointing to the Half Dome cables from the top of the Sub Dome
Going back to my amazing group of friends for a minute. Of all that I have, the most recent is Michael McGrew. We became brothers on the first day of college, when we met as roommates, and we both knew we made a friend for life.
When I finished the Sub Dome and reached the Saddle, I saw the last member of my small group working his way up the cables. I was the last of our twelve, and completely exhausted. Sitting at the base of the cables though, was Michael (Mikey Fresh). He had just come down. And hearing him encourage me up, and tell me it was worth it, and that my group was there waiting for me... it was all I needed to hear.
I strapped on my gloves, tightened my climbing harness, and set forth. While nobody tells you about the Sub Dome stairs, everyone talks about the cables. Let me say, they've earned their reputation. "Steep" doesn't begin to explain them.
While this is talked about as being the most difficult part of the day, it was shockingly the easiest for me. It may have been because I have some experience climbing. It may have been because I'm just comfortable on rocks. It may have been because I was exhausted, wanted to get to the top to see my friends and celebrate the fact I actually did it.
Half Dome cables from the Saddle
What took the group anywhere between 45-75 minutes, I climbed in a quick 20. Trust me, if you don't have to spend extra time on these cables, don't. They aren't easy. They aren't fun. The view is both phenomenal and terrifying—and I have zero fear of heights. But this climb is practically straight up. And, that's not an exaggeration.
The Half Dome cables span roughly 400ft. I got to about 320ft. or so... And then my left leg cramped up in a way you would never want it to when you're hanging off the side of a massive rock. Pausing my climb (as if I could have continued), I drank some water, I clipped my climbing belt onto the cables, and I stretched and massaged my leg—hoping I could work through the pain. Luckily, after a few minutes, I was able to move it. A couple more, and I was able to walk on it again.
After being on the trail for nearly seven hours—I DID IT. I dropped the cables, and walked over the crest and was standing atop the iconic Half Dome. HALF DOME. I actually climbed the beast. Wandering the summit, looking for my small group of friends to celebrate, I was greeted with an amazing "Yeah! YOU F*@#ING DID IT!!!" from the famous Stephen Genest, as he came right toward me with arms open.
Everyone hugged, everyone cheered, everyone sighed out of exhaustion—while never feeling more physically accomplished.
I started this day with a group of twelve. Twelve truly great, unmistakably incredible friends. And I'm lucky enough to have many, many more friends that couldn't make this weekend. I've never taken my friends for granted. I can't, and I won't. I've been blessed over my life, being surrounded by the best support group one could ask for.
With the exception of several friends, I could not have picked a better group of guys to be at the top of this mountain with. These five men are the best men I know. They have been with me through it all. they have made me.
Left: Kindergarten crew Center: Brothers for life Right: High School crew
My best friend Robbie. We met the first day of kindergarten, and have never left each others' side. Brothers for life. We've been hiking together since we were kids, and I don't plan on stopping. But, this was the toughest one yet. And, I'm quite alright not topping it any time soon. Twenty-nine years man. Here's to many, many more.
Brett and Scott, my other kindergarten friends. Too many memories between us. I can't believe that we added this one to the list. I've experienced more with Brett than most friends ever will. And we're closer because of it all. Scott, my trail partner. You're such a lifesaver. If you only really knew. I finished this hike because of you.
Stephen, there are just no words to express what I feel towards you. You're always there for me, through anything, no questions asked. I can always count on you. We've seen it all, and done it all. Let's go through this bucket list and find something to plan next.
Devin, while I haven't known you as long as the others, you're absolutely no less influential to who I am. This entire trip; the training, the planning, the finishing... I did it all because of you. You motivated me more than you will ever know. Long days at work, followed by hours at the gym - You. Giving up Memorial Day to drive to Yosemite to tackle half the hike - You. "Thank you" will never be enough.
Core 6 on the summit of Half Dome
Made it to the top!
Never in my life have I felt more accomplished. I was standing on top of Half Dome. I took pictures, I made a phone call, I ate snacks, and I drank water. Scratch that—I drank no water. I wanted to, but I was empty. Completely dry. Joy. I shared water and Gatorade with friends, and we packed up to head down. This, I actually loved.
Trekking down the cables was a blast. A loose grip, and light feet, it's a basic rappel. And, a lot of fun. The hike down was filled with a lot of excitement. I'm sure a good deal of that was brought on because I was pushing dehydration—seeing as the nearest water source was five miles away. Let me say it now, because I cannot say it enough... LifeStraws are incredible. Buy one, bring one, every time you hike.
I tackled the better part of six miles on this hike with zero water. I killed my entire 3.0L hydration pack, as well as my 1.0L Nalgene. I had a Gatorade (Thanks Scott!), and straight electrolytes. This was still not enough. This hike is difficult. I cannot stress that enough. The last thing you want to do is hike any chunk of it pushing dehydration—I did. It is not fun. I managed. I used the LifeStraw (again, incredible). I used micro purification tablets. I got to Nevada Falls on the way down, and was ready to jump in and drink it all.
I ultimately got my water. It was a slow hike to get to it, but I got there. I shared water from the guys, and managed. But take this with you: You cannot take too much water on this hike.
"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks"
—John Muir
To wrap this up... I started this way the same way I ended it- in the dark with a headlamp on. Because I slow hiked most of the way down due to lack of fluids, I flew to the back of the pack again. Which, was actually great. I was in zero hurry to race down the mountain. I enjoyed this part of the hike. I reflected, took in the majesty that is Yosemite Valley, enjoyed the breathtaking view that He bestowed upon us. If you have never been to Yosemite, you're absolutely missing out. If you live in California, you're seriously missing out. It's in your backyard. Go, get to it.
Walking stride by stride with Mr. Lewis, we came shuffling into camp right in time for an evening beer. Beer has never tasted so delicious. A shower and bed rounded out the night.
The weekend was capped off the next morning. I struggled to get out of bed, crawled to the general store with my lifelong hiking partner in crime, Robbie, and we bought our "I Made it to the Top" shirts. Because, damn it, we did just that...
Stephen, Me, Scott, Devin, Brett, Robbie — Half Dome summit, Yosemite, 2015