A little OT, but I’ll throw in some IWC content. Yesterday, I fulfilled one of my bucket list goals. I hiked up Yosemite’s Half Dome. It was a beautiful but very hot day. It was over 100 degrees and I consumed 9 quarts of water and 7 powerbars. It took me 13.5 hours to reach the peak and back. The last 400 feet are the most difficult. As tired as you are, you have to pull yourself up by steel cables while trying to up smooth granite that varies between a 45 and 75 degree angle. Today, I can barely walk, but it was worth it!
I’d have to say that 98% of the people I encountered were much younger than I. That just meant I took longer. I’d say of the 200 or so people who made it to the peak, only 20% were from California. I met people from Japan, Ireland, England, Canada and from many of the United States.
The climb takes you 8900 feet above sea level and you start off from the Valley Floor in total darkness, passing 2 of the largest waterfalls in North America. However, 80% of the hike is up and down granite stairs and slopes, which are killer on your feet, knees, thighs and hips.
Once at the top you have a commanding view of one of America’s most beautiful National Parks. And my IWC Cousteau Divers made it every step of the way.
Happy and sore,
Larry
Half Dome peaking in the early morning sun
At the granite base of Sub Dome:
You grab steel cables to pull yourself up the last 400 feet. You are basically at a 45-75 degree angle climbing up hard, hot granite.
My CD and I look down 5,000 feet to Yosemite’s Valley Floor
