On the drive up, we (actually mostly Bel and his dad) were obsessed with passing every car (including Mike's) on the most illegal of turns. Bel's dad drove - at times like a mad man - Bel played DJ, I read, and Nick and Bis worked. Though mostly they bickered like an old married couple (something about bagel crumbs in the car). And even with Bel's navigational skills, we made it and managed to meet up with the Ben and Mike, and Doug and Mark.
Doug and Mark had sacrificed for the group and drove up the night before - literally, midnight the night before - to pick up our permits in the morning. After some heinous whiskey and a sleepless night in the car, they were delirious and ready to roll. Doug fortified himself with Power Bars, and continued to do so for the next two days.
Bis, our fearless leader, cracked his whip when anyone (mainly me) fell behind. He kept us on a tight schedule - which in the end was a good thing otherwise we'd still be at the base of Half Dome.
After like a million river crossings (my absolute favorite), we got lost like five times. But it was highly amusing watching five extremely smart (ex-boy scout, engineer, lawyer, product manager, ex-goat herder etc.) guys try to figure out where we were and what direction we should go while refusing to use a map or compass.
It worked itself out (actually Bis just made the decision for us) and our first night, we had a camp fire and slept with the tent mesh open unto the stars.
The next morning, we were amazed and impressed when Jennifer and Siona actually found us at our camp, considering we didn't even know where the hell we were. Luckily for us - more women and Jennifer - who confidently led us through the valley, pass Nevada Falls and that other big one, to the base of Half Dome, where we set-up camp. After a tasty tuna sandwich ala chicken soup flavoring, peanut butter and honey, and more Power Bars for Doug, we started the ascent.
It was pretty brutal - to be honest. I drooled for a Gatorade slushy the entire way up Half Dome. And that lifesaver I got from Jennifer saved my ass - literally. I don't think I would've made it up that last stretch of cables had it not been for that lifesaver - the 'best tasting lifesaver ever,' according to Mike. Highlights at the top included sightings of a cute Marmot and dirty 'glacier.'
That night, to toast our successful summit, we treated ourselves with Doug and Mark's whiskey and warm champagne from the bear tin. Next time, we need follow Jennifer's lead and bring a tin of oysters and those Indian squares, though those Thai noodles were pretty tasty.
And Bel was right, something about iodine water is actually refreshing.
