The "hike" was in Yosemite and is marked in red:
The hike in took 8 hours, due to heavy packs and the approach around the backside of Half Dome (click here for a map), then along the far left side of the above photograph, then along the face to the base of the climb (red line).
Over the winter, snow hits the face and falls to the bottom, creating an ice formation. With the spring melt, water trickles under the ice and creates a cave:
The climb starts by going through the ice cave. The bottom of the face can be seen at the far side.
The gradient made the views magnificent, with little to get in the way:
At times, the footings were sparse:
The views were good. The base of the climb is 2000 feet away and the Valley floor, seen at the upper left corner, is 5000 feet away. You can't appreciate the forshortening in the above photo until you see it from this perspective:
Now you see the white course that rocks that fall off the face take. Compare it to the same feature in the above photograph, the white line leading from my foot to the upper left corner.
I am rather fashion conscious, so only the latest in clothing and headgear was used:
Here I am belaying on a ledge, the ropes go toward my partner, who is taking the picture. The black bag is a rope bag, which holds the rope not paid out, as a way to avoid rope clusterf*ck, a common problem when the ledges are small or non-existent (hanging belay, as in the previous photograph). Note the great color coordination. Knee pads are a definite must as a fashion accessory. Makes you look so chic (or dorky!)
Here is a shot looking down, taken above Big Sandy Ledge, below Thank God Ledge, and just starting the Zig Zags. The trees directly below me are about 2500 feet away, but the trees at the upper left are 5000 feet way. Look at the photo of Half Dome that was taken from a distance (three pictures above) and you will get the idea. This shot is so foreshortened that you cannot tell distances. The white streaks above that look flat are actually about 60 degrees to 80 degrees of slope.
After five days, the summit was achieved:
The guide, Ken Yager, and I are glad to be off the face, as a thunderstorm flashes on the mountains around us. Climbing is electrifying enough without adding lightening.
Here I am, descending the cables:
