Climbing Half Dome taught me that hard things are worth doing in life. We can all do hard things if we put our minds to it. Growing up, I was in the Boy Scouts and came to appreciate nature through hikes and camping trips. As an adult, I still like hiking and visiting our national parks. In nature, I find peace, solitude, and the opportunity to reorient myself. When my friend Chris came up with the idea to hike Half Dome with a group of friends, how could I say no?
Half Dome is not for the faint of heart. It requires physical and mental stamina to accomplish. For too long, I neglected my physical health. I knew I’d have to start taking it seriously if I wanted to successfully hike Half Dome. Spring and summer 2022 gave me purpose. Leg day at the gym served a purpose. Taking evening walks to build additional stamina and being intentional about drinking more water daily were baby steps that would help get my body and mind ready for Half Dome.
Our overnight hike to Half Dome was worth all the effort and preparation. The night sky was nearly cloudless, and the granite mountains were awesomely fearful against the moonlit sky. The deafening sound of Nevada Fall was the only noise for two miles. The sun atop Half Dome blended brilliantly against the cotton-candy pink of the sky into brilliant golds and blues.
Why is Half Dome special to me? I did something hard. I practiced for and achieved something I had never thought I could. And I got to have fun. Hiking is enjoyable. Yosemite is a beauty, ever ancient yet ever new. It challenges you to look beyond yourself but also into yourself. Hiking Half Dome challenged me to prepare my body and mind to not only physically get there, but also to experience and embrace it. And to enjoy it with friends along the way. I can do hard things. And you can, too!
Dan Horning, social media follower