I've done Half Dome twice and the sketchy sketchy flume of snow and ice on Mt. Whitney... and I felt pretty scared on this one as well. BECAUSE IT WAS SLIPPERY!!!
Within 2 minutes down, I hated a patch that was right on the edge with no guardrails. It was not for those who are afraid of heights. Almost immediately you descend into a cavity of rock that is pretty dark. There are chains and decently spaced footings, but they take time to figure out because they are uneven. I went face first because I have issues, but I saw Jody's shoes and noticed they weren't zipped inside. The water shoes he would need for the water crossings. I didn't say anything. And of course, he ended up losing a Chaco. Insert camp drama we will later revisit with every 50+ hiker that we see.
We made it down with a lady named Tina who was pretty flustered. It was freezing cold and we were getting wet, there was no way around it. But at the point you are able to just get down, you're happy to be alive. All trails was great, but even better were the pink ribbons that guided us. You had to be so careful not to miss them. They marked the trail well and were what got us to Beaver Falls!!! It was an 8 miler with 3 water crossings.... having only 1 water shoe slowed us down just a little. We had a photo shoot at Beaver Falls and it was all to ourselves. More people came after us and the experience bonded us all as we thought to ourselves will we die today? We climbed up some pretty rickety ladders and were grateful none collapsed. The weather was mild, and over all pleasant, but definitely cooler. When the sun would peek through the clouds it felt like life was restored.
We feasted on beef jerky, trail mix, and an MRE. It was peaceful, it was quiet and it was humbling to be amidst such glory. It was a manifestation that God is perfect and all knowing. It fills you with wonder and with a sense of His power. And her power, our All Knowing Mother. Our All Giving Mother. We were grateful to be alive and make it back to camp.
