to the top of HALF DOME

	Heather's smile is a fake! This last steep 20 minutes up to the top of half dome is a grueling, huff and puff panting workout. One has to pull themselves up the cables while being careful not to slip on the granite - which is getting slowly polished smooth by the feet of thousands of hikers. 30 reps of pull 20 seconds, rest 20 seconds. IT IS WORTH IT!
	The top of Half Dome is one of the most magnificent views in Yosemite National Park. 4,800 feet straight down! (You can carefully peek over the edge and usually see rock climbers working their way straight up the sheer face!)
	Heather (13) really has something to talk about when she goes back to school!
	Yes - that is crazy Ashley (18) standing right at the edge! Gives me the shivers thinking about it (grandpa Bob too!) Like being on a ledge on the top of a 480 story skyscraper - no thanks!
	Be sure to click on this one. The enlarged view will give you a feel for how far down it is to the valley floor. Plenty of altitude for a properly equipped parachutist - not an 18 year old without any safety ropes.
	Yeah Heather! Terrific job! Bob and the girls were up at 6 AM to get to the top early and were already heading down at 9 AM. Then pick up the gear and head down the rest of the John Muir trail down to the valley floor. They were home just before midnight!