Yosemite Half Dome

The enchanting beauty of Yosemite Valley left an indelible mark on my heart from my very first trip there with my family, which may have been around 24 years ago. While the details may have faded with time, the enduring memory is one of a magical place adorned with towering rock walls, the songs of birds, the graceful presence of deer, lush forests, flowing rivers, and the serene embrace of nature. Since that initial visit, Yosemite has held a special and cherished place in my heart, a destination that beckoned me to return time and time again.

During my younger days, Yosemite became a frequent pilgrimage, a place I visited as often as eight times a year. Each visit was a journey into the heart of nature, and I returned with captivating stories that I eagerly shared with friends and colleagues. Yet, one question that persisted was whether I had embarked on the epic journey to conquer Half Dome. It was a trek that required a permit obtained through a lottery system, and despite my persistent efforts, the lottery's favor eluded me year after year, dating all the way back to 2009. So my answer to that question was "no" every time.

But the tides of fortune finally shifted in 2023, as luck smiled upon me, and I emerged victorious in the coveted Half Dome permit lottery. It was a momentous occasion, and I wasted no time in rallying a group of like-minded friends who shared my determination to ascend this iconic rock. With the arrival of June 2023, we embarked on a grand adventure, ready to conquer one of Yosemite Valley's most renowned heights, carrying with you the memories and dreams that had been years in the making.

Below are some of our memories captured and forzen in time.