Once Upon A Time…
I camped atop Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. It was September of 1977. Three of us.
It’s the only time I have ever been to the top of Half Dome – and It was also the last. I have no plans of climbing back up there ever again – even with two new hips.
It was 1977. I was 25. Invincible. I smoked too much, drank too much, and took too many illicit drugs. Perfect time to camp at 8850 feet above sea level. To be fair, it was only 1800 feet higher than where I lived at Tahoe, but still…
We had to bring everything – water, food, cigarettes, alcohol – hard liquor because beer weighed too much – tent, sleeping bags… I was 25. Invincible.
Only a couple other folks were camping while we were up there – it wasn’t the madness that it is, today. In fact, overnight camping is prohibited, nowadays – too much shit – literally – left behind. I honestly don’t recall the bodily function issues, but we did pee off the edge. I can’t believe I stood at the edge of half dome and peed! I’m breaking out in a cold sweat just thinking of it! Invincible, indeed.
The top isn’t really big and it’s not exactly flat – it’s kinda wavy-ish – but you won’t roll off the edge in your sleep.
It is difficult to describe the beauty. You literally are siting on top of the world. It is simply spectacular. At night – the sky. We don’t see stars, anymore – light pollution from the cities is drowning them out. But on top of half dome, that’s all there were – forever and ever and ever. It was even clearer than Tahoe or the Desolation Wilderness. And quiet. We had the perfect crystal clear night.
I do not recall the climb up being overly difficult – remember, I was 25 – but it was long. Really long. And hiking down was much more difficult that hiking up.
It’s one of the most beautiful places on earth.