What Happens in Yosemite

Taking it in

As we made our way through the Sierras, the passes began to become farther and farther apart before eventually leading into Yosemite. I reached the top of Donohue pass and saw the sign “Entering Yosemite Wilderness” indicating we were leaving the Ansel Adams wilderness. I relished the moment by lying on a rock amongst the curious marmots as the big clouds glided across the sky. I ended up falling asleep and reluctantly giving myself a sun burn that I wouldn’t notice until later that day.

Smiling Brightly 

PCT hikers have the option to descend into the Yosemite valley to resupply and do some hiking or even take a day off. The valley has a backpacker campground that permits you to stay for one night. We decided it was a worthy trip and were also curious about attempting to secure half dome permits. Descending down the pass led us to Tuolumne meadows where we camped for the night. Dan and Cam decided to hike into the valley off the PCT, adding an extra 30 miles. The rest of the group hitched from the trail, which makes for a 1 hour and 45 minute car ride with a stranger. I stood next to the road by Lembert Dome and smiled brightly with my thumb up at the passing cars. The parking lot was full of climbers preparing gear and tourists exploring the area.

New and Old 

After about 15 minutes a man approached us and asked, “are you all looking for a ride?” “Yes!” I said excitedly. I looked up to his hat which had the pacific crest trail symbol. He was a fellow hiker who completed the trail in 1981. We got in his old school Subaru and made our way down to the valley. As we drove the winding road, I was reminded of the time I was here once before. For my 18th birthday I had driven to Yosemite and stayed in Tuolumne meadows. The waves of nostalgia came as the views brought back memories from that time and I was grateful to experience the park with a new perspective.

The Unexpected 

We got dropped off at the Yosemite village and joined Patrick and Lisa who hitched a ride before us. Lisa had exciting news, “I got us 6 permits for half dome!!” I was so surprised she was able to secure permits last minute and even with the exhaustion from hiking this was a bucket list hike. We were able to stay at the backpackers campground and summit for sunset. That evening we made our way past Vernal and Nevada falls via the mist trail. This brought back even more memories for me, I remember at 18 hiking to Vernal falls. At the time I didn’t even know the trail led up to half dome. I was just discovering my love for nature and hiking. To be back in this place with more life experience, I felt like I really had found myself. I was grateful to be surrounded by my trail family and it confirmed that I made the right choice in hiking the PCT.

HOLY CRAP

Waking up the next day I felt excited to summit and see the sunrise. I was familiar with the famous cable climb towards the top of Half Dome but didn’t spend much time thinking about what it would be like in person. As we ascended through the tall trees, they soon became sparse and the dome came into view. I could see the cables and immediately said out loud, “HOLY CRAP!” They looked intimidating but I was ready to take on the challenge. The cables were connected to poles and wood planks were placed about every 10 feet or so. I gripped the cables with all the strength I had and placed my feet firmly on the rock. It took about 15 minutes to reach the top from the start of the cables and the views did not disappoint. The valley was just waking up and the shadow of Half Dome spread itself across the trees. We took in the views and chatted with a few other hikers. The way down made me even more nervous looking at the almost vertical drop. I breathed deep and leaned backwards to distribute my weight safely.

Kindness on Trail

We went back to the valley for food and another night at camp before heading back to the trail. That evening we made a family dinner with Heather who was doing van life with her dog Archie. One of the best parts of trail life is the kind people you meet along the way and their openness to share a meal or conversation. I was filled with so much happiness for our time in Yosemite and was ready to continue the rest of our journey.

See you down trail,

Emma