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I would add that there often are people that don't have their full permit allotment (6) at the permit check point. If you don't have a permit but want a nice hike with the chance of climbing the cables, head on up anyway and the chances are pretty good you will be able to latch on to someone elses team.
An excellent book, "Shattered Air" by Bob Magic is a great read for those who enjoyed the Half Dome Trip or plan to go. Lots of history,information on lightening, and the story of the hero of the book, a young women EMT who was involved in the rescue of several hikers caught in a lightening storm up on top of the Dome.
Not everyone gets 6 allotments. Odds go down drastically when applying for more than 2 slots. You still may be able to get someone to add you to their lottery win, but not very likely because most only have 2-4 slots.
I've been up three times, 1962, 1970, and 1993. I found that the most disappointing thing about being on top is that Half Dome itself cannot be seen from its summit. After watching videos and still pictures of the crowding on the cables during peak season, and learning of the red tape involved in applying for a permit via lottery, I would not object in the least bit if the cables were to be permanently removed and Half Dome forevermore managed as a most sacred place. In fact, without a cable route to the top, I think the aesthetic mystique of Yosemite's most iconic geographic and geological feature would be enhanced.
Dear Rick,
How old are you now? Amazingly you still going and going strong. I need some inspiration, maybe I too will go up one day.
I climbed half dome in my sixties a few years ago but last year we had to make do with walking down from Glacier Point because it is almost impossible for overseas visitors to get Half Dome permits
While it lacks the "thrill" factor, it's still a great hike down to the Valley from Glacier Point.
Why is it more difficult, Tony? You can enter the lottery like anyone else. They don't ask where you are from.
In the preseason lottEry you can apply for up to 6 passes. If you win, you get what asked for. As to odds going down if you request 2 or more slots its not surprising. You are only allowed to apply for one. Full rules at recreation.gov.
I have made two trips to the cables in 2016 as a 59 year old man. I trained very hard for this hike. The first trip in July, we got the the cables but the weather turned us away. All I could think was Sh*t! I have to make this hike again. The second time, we got a last minute permit, and left Happy Isles at midnight on the night of the Blood Moon in September. I could not believe how many crazy folks were doing the same thing overnight. We got the the cables in the very early morning (still dark) and ascended as the dawn was brightening. We got to the top of Half Dome and watched the sun rise. I think that this is the most spectacular thing that I have ever seen in my life. I know that is was the hardest physical thing I had ever done, and I am hooked. I will make another attempt at Half Dome this year, and every year that I am able. My advice to folks is a lot of hard hiking, with a lot of elevation gain. The hardest part is the down. Upper body strength is paramount. I used every bit that I had to ascend and descend the cables. I'm thankful that I used a harness and via ferrata rig so that I could clip in and rest on the descend. There was a couple of times on the descent where I was having trouble gripping the cable. It was so satisfying to make it, and it was extra special that I did both trips with my son!
Congratulations, Stephen Hanson. Sounds like a lifetime experience and well earned.
I'm only 8 years older than you, but have sufficient infirmities to acknowledge that I will never be able to accomplish what you have here. I'm very glad to be able to read accounts like yours to appreciate some of what I will miss. Thanks very much for writing here.