Half Dome

That's me. I didn't realize how close to the edge I was until I saw the picture. Yikes!
So excited to have made it!
Erik is an enthusiastic kind of guy.
So am I.
On the trail.

After 5 hours of hiking we arrived at the base of that giant rock and said some very appropriate 'choice' words, along with "We're going to die!" I started to question whether it was the best idea for me to brave the cables or not. My body was feeling so tired already and now I could see how steep of a climb it actually was. It was straight up! The photos online did not do it justice. I thought about what it would feel like to lose my grip. To slide off. To fall thousands of feet to the valley below. And then I snapped out of it. Climb on.

After the first 30 seconds of climbing I felt the fear begin to take over. My breaths became shallow and I could feel the muscles in my hands and arms begin to shake. "Just keep going and DO NOT look back," I said aloud over and over again. I came to a woman on my left that we had seen on the trail a number of times. She was completely frozen with fear and crouched down with her arm looped around the metal cable. I tried to encourage her but she was too terrified to move so I had to reach around her and pass. About 15 minutes into our ascent my legs started cramping due to dehydration. That's when I started to freak out.

"It's ok babe. Focus. Right foot. Left. You're doing great." Erik's encouragement is what eventually got me to the top. We were on the ropes for about half and hour. Once we had reached the top we celebrated and then collapsed. We took some pictures and admired the wonderful view, making sure to soak it all up.

Aside from the rock itself, we were able to spend 10 or so hours surrounded by beauty that is unmatchable. It was a long and rewarding day.