Top of the World

Once I hit the top, I was a changed woman. My fatigue and worry dissolved with the hot wind that whipped the hats, jackets and Frisbees around the moon-like surface. The smiles of those who conquered that mountain were born of every nationality I could imagine. A husband from Japan crawling out to a jutted surface, begging his wife to take his photo. A group of Dutch students, laughing and drinking the wine they had so carefully stored for this historic toast. A father and son team from Italy, hugging and crying while trying to flirt with every girl they could find. Together, we all felt somehow immortal and at the same time, so very tiny and insignificant.

That was the moment I realized that Mel's little seed sixth months prior had bore fruit I couldn't had dreamed of. I realized that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to and more significantly, I didn't conquer Half Dome and it didn't beat me. We came together and shared an experience that no one else will ever completely understand. At the end, I really hated having to leave the world famous granite rock, but I know in my heart, it won't ever leave me.

For more information about Half Dome and Yosemite or equipment and gear, go to:

www.nps.gov/yos
www.halfdomecam.com
www.yosemite.org
www.sierraclub.org
www.teva.com
www.rei.com