PCT Bonus Post: Yosemite!

Even though I have been on trail for 2 months, Yosemite was something special. In order to get to Yosemite we needed 2 things: a way down to the valley and a permit. We would be able to catch a bus to the valley however getting a permit was rather tricky. We wanted to climb the famous Half Dome granite peak.

To get a permit for Half Dome, you either needed to apply for one months in advance or win a lottery 48 hours in advance. One of my other friends and I both applied for a permit for our group. The only issue was we had signal when we applied but after that we wouldn't so we would have no idea if we got it or not. Luckily, we both had Garmin devices and could reach out to a family member to check our email. (Thanks Dad!) My friend did not get a permit...but I did! When we received the message we were all in shock. Only 300 permits are given out daily so the fact that we got 5 spots was incredibly lucky. Now that we had a way to get to the valley and a permit we were off to Yosemite!

The views in Yosemite were unlike anything we had seen so far. In the Sierras there were plenty of high peaks and mountains but these were all jagged rocky piles essentially. In Yosemite there are all of these smooth looking granite peaks that were just mind-blowing.

The climb to the top of Half Dome was quite the trek, even after hiking over 900 miles. It was 16 miles round trip and about 4,000 feet of climbing. After about 7.5 miles we reached the cables. This is a 400ft vertical section that ascends to the top of Half Dome. The average angle is 45 degrees however it varies and feels much steeper! Going up the cables I could feel myself breathing harder and just wanting to get to the top. Not only do your feet slip on the rock, your hands are also slipping on the cables so almost everyone wears gloves to prevent burns. Once I got to the top it was an incredible view!

I am so thankful for every day on trail. I have been so incredibly lucky with weather, water, food, and my friends I have made. Yosemite and Half Dome adds to one of the many memories that I will never forget on trail.

-Pickle