Hike Half Dome

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Entry for July 5, 2008 - El Cap record set

Half Dome – Yosemite Musings

So it’s official. 2 men have climbed up the nose of El Capitan in a record time of 2 hours, 43 minutes and 33 seconds. Read that again. OK, come back. Hans Florine and Yuji Hirayama went up the prominent corner called the nose last week in a new time. Consider this… the first time it was climbed (50 years ago) it took 47 days. 47 days!! Yikes. Don’t try this at home.

Unrelated thought worth quoting: “Well Be Bop A Lula she's my baby. Be Bop A Lula I don't mean maybe. Be Bop A Lula she's my baby, be Bop A Lula I don't mean maybe. Be Bop A Lula she's my baby doll, my baby doll, my baby doll.” – Gene Vincent

*Carpe Diem Experience– Rick Deutsch–www.HikeHalfDome.com*

2008-07-05 03:31:24 GMTComments: 0 |Permanent Link

Entry for July 4, 2008 - Tunnel View Update

Half Dome – Yosemite Musings

Construction is about 1/3 done on the Tunnel View Restoration project. (Hwy 41 to Wawona) This spot is a prime photo op for El Cap and Half Dome. Recently 2 large trees were cut down that always messed up the prefect shot. This project will improve pedestrian and vehicle circulation, restore the overlook vista, enlarge the viewing area, install educational exhibits, and realign the Inspiration Point Trailhead. Old Inspiration Point was where the Mariposa Battalion first eyed the Valley. I’ve hiked there from the Taft Point area, but not up the Tunnel trail. The vista has been expanded and the north parking area is nearly complete. The area is currently open, but expect to see construction equipment and a zillion tourists. Money for this project comes from the Yosemite Fund – please consider joining this great group.

Unrelated thought worth quoting: “I'm feelin' (glad all over), Yes, I'm-a (glad all over). Baby, I'm (glad all over), so glad you're mine.” - Dave Clark Five

*Carpe Diem Experience– Rick Deutsch–www.HikeHalfDome.com*

2008-07-04 05:58:47 GMTComments: 2 |Permanent Link

Entry for July 3, 2008 - Hwy 140 gets bigger bridge

Half Dome – Yosemite Musings

For over 2 years vehicles on California Hwy 140 out of Mariposa to Yosemite were met with 4 sharp 90 degree turns to get across the Merced. All this caused by the spring 2006 Ferguson Rockslide. It completely covered the highway and World War 2 vintage “Bailey Bridges” were erected to allow traffic to cross over then back and continue to the park. However, only vehicles 28 feet or shorter were allowed due to the tight turns. Garbage trucks from the park, tour buses and oversize vehicles had to take the long way to the Valley if arriving from the south. Mariposa traffic was impacted for 4 years. The Governator just snipped the ribbon opening the new bypass bridges. They are larger and at a shallow angle so all vehicles can now go on the highway. If you have the time, drive 140 to see the giant rockslide…. And buy something in Mariposa – they can use the business!

Unrelated thought worth quoting: “When you’re weary, feeling small, When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all; Im on your side. When times get rough and friends just can’t be found, like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down.” - Simon and Garfunkle.

*Carpe Diem Experience – Rick Deutsch–www.HikeHalfDome.com*

2008-07-02 23:47:17 GMTComments: 0 |Permanent Link

Entry for July 2, 2008 - Snake sighting

Half Dome – Yosemite Musings

There are a variety of snake are in Yosemite. I know, they can be scary, but most could care less about us humans. They are shy and tend to stay out of sight. It’s actually rare to see the slithery creatures. Above is a critter I was able to snap off a quick shot of. He was moving fast, so I don’t have his head. But from the tell-tale bands I can tell that it’s a Sierra coral king snake (aka mountain king snake). It is certainly one of the most vividly colored snakes in Yosemite. It is the only snake in the Park with black, red, and white bands. They grow up to be about 25 inches. This critter was in Little Yosemtie Valley. They are harmless, docile, and can be picked up but I discourage interfering with animals – Leave no trace principles. One of my hike-mates recoiled in fear, confusing this with the poisonous coral snake which is never found in this region. Leave our snakes alone – they help clean up the rodent population.

Unrelated thought worth quoting: “There’s somethin’ happening here; what it is ain’t exactly clear. There’s a man with a gun over there, tellin’ me I've got to beware.” – For what it’s worth, The Lovin’ Spoonful

*Carpe Diem Experience – Rick Deutsch–www.HikeHalfDome.com*

2008-07-02 03:06:22 GMTComments: 0 |Permanent Link

Entry for July 1, 2008 - Knowledge is good

Half Dome – Yosemite Musings

Seen on the trail. "One Best Hike: Yosemite’s Half Dome" I didn’t get their name, but I appreciated them bringing the Half Dome Bible along. I met several fans on the trail on the 20th who had my book and thanked me (gosh, gee whiz). The good news is that the book is now in the Yosemite Visitor Center Bookstore. It has been in the Park Sports and Mountaineering stores, and this will expose it to many more folks. Look for it soon in the Yosemite Association on-line bookstore at this <link>. Members get it for 15% off list. They are updating and revising their website. Hey, what a great idea for your early Christmas shopping! What a memorable souvenir!

Related thought worth quoting: “Money, get away. Get a good job with good pay and you’re okay. Money, its a gas. Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash.” – Pink Floyd

*Carpe Diem Experience – Rick Deutsch–www.HikeHalfDome.com*

2008-07-01 00:30:01 GMTComments: 0 |Permanent Link

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