Dr. Rock and I both tried three times to apply for a Half Dome lottery permit. All six attempts failed. We decided to try it anyway. These signs are posted…
The requisite pose at the Half Dome trailhead sign. This trip was for Dr. Rock's 65th birthday. I can't imagine a better way to celebrate.
The Vernal Fall bridge. You can barely see the waterfall on the left of the cliff face.
Hiking up the Mist Trail. In all the times I've done it, I've never seen the pool of water at the bottom. It's normally obscured by froth and mist. It's…
The spot from one my favorite photos from my trip here last year.
Dr. Rock hiking up the 600 steps of the Mist Trail. A little drier than normal.
Good thing there's a railing here.
Looking down the face of Vernal Fall.
Top of the falls. I've never seen exposed rock here before.
Silver Apron and the Emerald Pool. There's no water on the apron!
Devil's Gorge isn't quite so devilish this late in the Summer.
Through the tree tunnel on the way to Nevada Fall.
Making our way up the steep trail alongside Nevada Fall.
The Merced River above the falls. Classic Sierra scenery up here.
Now heading through the forest on our way to the domes.
A bear sighting! A decent sized brownish Black bear not too far away. He was pretty mellow like most of them around here.
Our first view of Quarter Dome and the cables up Half Dome. This is usually when the adrenaline starts to kick up a notch. Just ahead is the Ranger checking…
Dr. Rock powering up the steps of Quarter Dome (now evidently called the subdome).
Top of Quarter Dome and starting to get a better look at the cables.
Dr. Rock getting ready to start up the cables. He has a slight issue with heights. I think he's checking his heart rate here :)