we just had to

if you read my post about our last trip to yosemite, you might recall me writing about how we weren't able to do half dome because a.) we didn't have permits and b.) it was bloody hot. and if you noticed the blessed full moon the other night, then keep with me...

g had an idea implanted in his head ever since our last trip. why not hike half dome the night of the full moon? then we can watch the moon and sunrise atop a glorious rock? at the time, i brushed it aside because of work. and sanity. but a couple days before the full moon, i had a change of heart. how could i NOT experience something like this? so we made a last minute call to REI for camping rentals, packed our bags, and committed ourselves to half dome. we just had to.

we spent the first night in a hostel near yosemite. bear bones, but a perfect place to prepare for the next day's grueling hike.

the next morning, we headed out to the trail. we were prepared for the strenuous 18-mile hike with water, trail mix, headlamps, and a tent. the plan: hike to the campground for backpackers, set up the tent, sleep for a couple hours, and finish the hike to half dome around 1 am. then we could climb the cables without a permit/park ranger AND experience half dome under a full moon. magic.

everything went as planned. hiked (labored), took plenty of breaks (considering we were carrying 30+ pounds each), set up camp, slept for 4 hours, and back on the trail to half dome in moonlight. we met two other night hikers and finished the hike with them. once we reached the insane cables, free from park rangers and other hikers, the four of us made our way up. and let me just say that i've never done anything more difficult, more frightening, or more rewarding in my life. the sight at 8,800 feet was mesmerizing. indescribable. with the lighting of the full moon, i felt like we were standing on top of the moon itself. just the four of us. the adrenaline kicked in so profoundly that we didn't feel the exhaustion or the tiredness. we felt proud.

on top of half dome. freezing and excited.

unfortunately, we didn't take many pictures of our journey to the top, but for good reason. climbing the cables needed utmost focus since we were literally holding onto dear life. and not to mention, the only sources of light we had were from the moonlight and our headlamp. BUT we did get to watch a stunning sunrise as we headed back down.

this spontaneous adventure was physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. g and i not only accomplished a great feat, but also gained newfound respect and support for each other. if we could do this together, we could do anything...

...which leads me into my next post...