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If I Don't Post on Monday, Send a St. Bernard

Aug 21, 2009
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Life

So, this weekend I am hiking halfdome. It's one of those things to do before you die sort of places. I'm ashamed to admit that I have lived in the Bay Area since I was 10 or so, and have never been to Yosemite.

Here's the rubs (note the plural..). It's a pretty darn strenuous hike, and (despite playing weekly basketball) I am not in what you would call great shape. I'm gonna be a little embarrased if I don't even make it to the cables. Oh yeah, the cables. To actually get to the top, the last several hundred yards are essentially climbing up a better than 45 degree angle holding on to metal cables. Not the smartest thing I have ever done.

Last (and perhaps most foolishly) I am going with young people. Admittedly they are only 10 years younger, but still it adds up. Instead of staying there the night before, we are engaging in the lunacy of driving up overnight, and starting the hike from there. It makes me old just thinking about it. I'm not sure I could keep up with them even if I were well rested and prepared. Now, I think I might be set up to fail.

Here's the thing. I will be really disappointed in myself if I get all the way there & chicken out & don't climb to the top. I mean sure, if I don't think I can do it physically, I won't, because it is legitimately dangerous. But, I'll still be mad at myself.

I cannot wait for the incredible views tomorrow. This will be a great adventure. Here's hoping I can take it all the way.

Last 5 posts by Ezra

7 Comments
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7 Comments

  1. Brandon  •  Aug 21, 2009 @12:44 pm

    Be very careful, Ezra. If I can talk you and your friends into it, I would STRONGLY suggest that you spend the first night at the foot of the dome to acclimate yourself to the change in altitude. At best, altitude sickness symptoms are downright unpleasant…at worst, they can seriously impair your basic cognitive and motor functions.

    Good luck.

  2. Ezra  •  Aug 21, 2009 @2:36 pm

    Thanks for the warnings, Brandon. I assure you, I am acutely aware of my mortality and my age. I'm not going to try to keep up with the younguns, and if I am fried, I'm not going to attempt the cables. The altitude is indeed my #1 concern, and I will be very cautious.

  3. Old Geezer  •  Aug 21, 2009 @3:28 pm

    It's been more than fifty years since I last climbed in Yosemite, the basic facts still apply. Brandon is absolutely right. The problem is that you may not notice that your cognitive abilities are impaired because they are….well, impaired but the lack of oxygen. Going from sea level to Yosemite and doing anything more than walking on the level on the first day is simply dangerous. Before you leave, tell your loved ones you love them.

  4. TJIC  •  Aug 21, 2009 @6:32 pm

    Shit, I started getting out of breath and dizzy just reading this post.

    Good luck!

  5. Eric T.  •  Aug 22, 2009 @4:27 am

    Sounds awesome. If you survive post photos.

  6. Martin  •  Aug 22, 2009 @6:38 am

    I walked up Half Dome 18 years ago (holy shit!, now I feel old). The feeling of accomplishment went attaining the summit is only diminished a little by the thought of having to go back down those cables…

  7. Amy Sterling  •  Aug 22, 2009 @9:46 am

    Good luck, Ezra! Watch the weather . . . don't try to do it if there is a storm warning.