Keep the cables the way they are, but create a permit system for the hike. In order to get a permit, the person must get it the morning of departure, must meet equipment requirements (proper water, gloves, adequate shoes, clothing, etc), and must get a short but blunt safety briefing ("you will most likely die if you fall while ascending/descending the cables". -People that are prepaby dqniel - General Discussion
Wow. Talk about a horrible event followed up by a string of good luck. Climbers just happened to be there to offer gear to get an ex-EMT secured to keep her warm until help arrived. YOSAR also does some pretty unbelievable stuff consistently. Hats offby dqniel - General Discussion
I wonder how exposed her resting position was considering somebody brave/foolish enough scrambled out to her to check on her.by dqniel - General Discussion
Look at that clear airby dqniel - General Discussion
QuoteVince QuoteKARENBGROSSMONT Why could there not be a permit system like any other popular hike (Mt. Whitney) that would limit the amount of people on the trail and cables on any given day? In connection with the permit process there could be some education regarding the danger of hiking and climbing in bad weather and without proper preparation. Have you ever been to Mt. Hood? The postby dqniel - General Discussion
Just because people are ignorant it doesn't mean they deserve to die. I don't like societal hand-holding, but when it's a life or death situation (as it is with Half Dome) then rules and advice need to be clearly posted to deter the ignorant/idiotic. Even worse is when their idiocy or ignorance puts those that did properly prepare in danger.by dqniel - General Discussion
I was there mid-week in late July when I had my good experience. Very peaceful.by dqniel - General Discussion
I agree with removing as much of the anthropogenic mess in the park as possible, but allow absolutely no camping anywhere in the park? What a pain that would beby dqniel - General Discussion
I enjoyed my stay at Porcupine Flat. Much less chaotic than in the valley and people actually respected the quiet hours.by dqniel - General Discussion
People should just let the animals do their thing in a situation like that. I guess I'm a cynic too :\by dqniel - General Discussion
Thanks for the link cornbread. I was able to look up exactly what happened when I was there late last May and saw the helicopter rescue at El Cap. Apparently the guy they rescued back then was stranded there for days... doesn't sound like fun.by dqniel - General Discussion
Don't forget electrolytesby dqniel - General Discussion
Quotetomdisco Annie, Sentinel Dome is about 1.1 mile hike (one-way) starting at about 7,650' and climbing 472' to 8,122' altitude. Vernal Fall bridge is about 1.0 mile hike (one-way) starting at about 4,000' and climbing 750' to 4,750' altitude. Sentinel is by far the easier trail but is offset somewhat by the altitude effect. Jim Altitude effect at only 8,000 feet? Didn't know iby dqniel - General Discussion
QuoteVince The pot raids in SEKI occur in Feb. when the death threat is less threatening. Why don't they legalize that crap and get it over with? I don't smoke, and have no interest in MJ (based on observation of those who do). Tax the living S**t out of it, and if you smell like it, you don't get the job. This. Our law enforcement have other things upon which to focus their resources.by dqniel - General Discussion
Thank you very much. Hopefully some more good info can be contributed as wellby dqniel - General Discussion
Anybody know the typical cost? What it costs the person being rescued? Atypical for health insurance to cover it? What it costs the park service or the tax payers? Trying to find a solid source on the subject is quite difficult (for me :p). I'm trying to write a research paper and the typical rescue cost would be a helpful tidbit to know.by dqniel - General Discussion
Love it, thanks!by dqniel - General Discussion
Wool socks work fine for me I'll try Gold Bond if it's especially hot as it would probably help with stinky feet. Gold Bond is kind of a miracle powder for keeping your skin dry and unirritated.by dqniel - General Discussion
I have some Komperdell shock absorbers. Cork handles. I haven't used them aside from the Guadalupe Peak hike. They definitely helped take the load off my legs in general on the way up and my knees on the way down.by dqniel - General Discussion
Quoteeeek QuoteDowwie What are your credentials? Have you managed a team before under very stressful conditions? What kind of work do you think he's going to be doing? Leading a team of rangers into battle against terrorists, clearly.by dqniel - General Discussion
I really liked the Apple Tree Inn. I think that was the name of the place I stayed at.... The place I stayed at was run by a younger couple. They had a small restaurant and maybe 10 rooms or so.by dqniel - General Discussion
I use photobucket and it creates the [ img][ /img] tags for you and everything. It's free.by dqniel - General Discussion
Anybody get a picture of Vernal at its peak?by dqniel - General Discussion
QuoteFrank Furter There is an aspect to the wolf issue that is a concern to me. ... I enjoy the wolves in Yellowstone, but it certainly seems like they have been glorified and idolized to the extent that they are not seen as potentially dangerous (to humans). Good. People that stop respecting/fearing wild animals because they've been idolized just provides a chance for some Darwinism to takby dqniel - General Discussion
Thanks for all the compliments everybody! I took the photo two summers ago but just converted it from RAW earlier this afternoon. I was amazed that Photomatix (great program if you guys haven't tried it) was able to pull out details in the bright sky and in the shadowy valley floor. Modern cameras and respective processing software amazes me.by dqniel - General Discussion
I don't think you'd properly enjoy it as a day hike. That is, unless you enjoy torturing yourself.by dqniel - General Discussion
Hehe... raging rivers and streams after snow melt seem inviting?by dqniel - General Discussion
The switchbacks on Yosemite Falls are varied through woods and on cliffs and stuff, and I think the variety made it mentally a bit easier. Also, they start pretty close to the beginning of the hike so you still have a lot of energy. The most brutal portion of a hike I've ever been on was probably the wooded section of the Half Dome hike that occurs before the steps. Long, uphill, repetitive, aby dqniel - General Discussion