Yosemite National Park

November 12-15, 2006

We took off to Yosemite to see the fall colors, hike Half Dome, and test out our camping gear.

Our tent was put to the test with heavy rain all night our first two nights...we now call it "The Ark"...thankfully having sailed through two stormy nights warm...and only slightly damp.

Case braved the cold, wet outdoors to start the camp stove and warm us up with a hot breakfast after a very rainy night.

We warmed up our Christmas spirits with a visit to the Ahwahnee Hotel

We followed the advice of park rangers and called the base of the cables on Half Dome the summit of our hike. The previous week, a hiker was killed by a slip on the wet granite while trying to ascend with the cables down for the season. Case was a little disappointed...and now we have reason to go back another time..... instead, we enjoyed the view of the top of the clouds covering the valley below.

Our descent to the valley was memorable, since we did the last mile and a half down the Mist Trail by Vernal Falls in the dark, going by feel & flashlight . That's what we get for waiting until it warms up to get up in the morning!!


Case tested out the cables, and we decided to wait for a better day. Of the times I've climbed Half Dome this was the least crowded with only five other people going to the top that day. Visiting Yosemite in the Fall was wonderful....peaceful, colorful, and no crowds!!