Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer Half Dome..

This weekend I conquered Half Dome, all 16.4 miles of it (roughly).  I did my calculations via the sign above. Notice that it reads 8.2 miles to Half Dome. That's one way and dependent on which trail you decided to take to get there. 

Beginning at 5:30am at the bottom of the Happy Isles trail, we veered to the left and opted to take the Mist Trail. The Mist Trail was the shorter route, however it was much steeper than the other. It also consists of two waterfalls; Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. John Muir is the other trail option. It is much less steep than the Mist Trail, however it is longer.  

That is me above in front of Vernal Fall, about half way up the Mist Trail. This trail gets you very close to the water fall, so as you continue your steep journey upward, you begin to get wet (total understatement - you get SOAKED) from all the mist. 

Once you've reached the top of Vernal Falls there's an actual place with a railing that brings you right up to the water fall. From there we continued on to our next trail, which was still connected to the Mist Trail; the top of Nevada Fall. This trail was different in that it didn't follow along the water fall, so you didn't get wet. It actually takes you over it, so you still get to see Nevada Fall.  The below picture is from the Mist Trail at Nevada Fall.

From here we continued another 4.5 miles to Half Dome. This portion was mostly woods and dirt trails and much less strenuous than the Mist Trail.  After this 4.5 mile stretch came the really hard part. We finally reached the bottom of Half Dome where we then presented our tickets to climb it. Up until this point all the other trails are free to hike whenever you please. So if you live close or are visiting Yosemite, but don't have tickets for Half Dome, I definitely suggest doing these smaller hikes since they're 1) totally free and 2) absolutely gorgeous.

The hike up the sub dome to reach the Half Dome cables was brutal! I had to make a couple stops to catch my breath along the way. I felt much better when I saw others doing the same. My fear really didn't kick in until I started on the cables (The last picture is of what the cables look like to help give you and idea). It is at a 46 degree incline the whole way up and you only have the cables, your arm strength, and shoes to rely on getting you up to the top. Now, up until now I felt confident and comfortable having worn my running shoes. I found absolutely no difficulty having used running shoes as opposed to hiking boots. I was in a sense even proud of myself for saving so much money on such a useless item... Until I reached the cables.

Almost immediately I thought to myself, "This is why you need hiking boots!".  Was it doable in running shoes? Yes. Did I feel safe in my running shoes on the cable? Not at all. At that moment I was wishing I had hiking boots to rely on for better traction. In my running shoes (I was wearing my nike free runs) my feet continuously slipped, I wasn't able to plant my feet ever, and I found myself solely relying on my upper body/arm strength to get me up that long stretch. So if you're debating shoe choices for half dome, take my advice and go with the hiking boots - you'll thank me later.

Once at the top, we rested for a while and enjoyed our lunches while also taking the typical Half Dome pictures.  Yep, that's Half Dome and those little dots on the ledge are me and my friend. I was so scared standing out there on that ledge, but love the pictures we captured.

After lunch, we made our decent down the cables again. Going down was much better, easier, and less stressful than trying to come up. I think part of it had to do with knowing I didn't have to do the cables again and that I had a general idea for what I was in for this time around. Below is a picture of the cables after we finished them and yes, it does get that crowded. Want to beat the crowd? Get there before noon! We got to the cables around 10:50-11:00 a.m. and we had the cables all to ourselves!

This was my first of what I'm hoping to be many hikes. I am so proud of myself for accomplishing it. Was it difficult? Yes, but well worth it! I would gladly hike this again (probably not until next summer though of course).

Looking to hike Half Dome? Tickets are only sold the first of every month and go quickly! They are usually sold months in advance. So, if you went online to buy tickets the first of August, it would be to hike it in either October or November. You can hike Half Dome any day of the week, they only sell a limited amount (always 400) and don't forget, the trails are free. You only need to present a ticket for hiking the dome. Also, what we noticed on our way there, people who finished before us were offering free/extra tickets that didn't get used. So if you're wanting to chance it, you may run into people along the way with free tickets! We had an extra and even gave ours out on the way back.

Here are some tips I have for those of you planning a Half Dome trip:

1) Hiking boots are a must. They weren't necessary for the whole first portion, but they are worth it for Half Dome and the cables.
2) Bring gloves for the cables! Your hands will hurt on the way up and on my way down I found myself sliding. Without gloves you'll just tear your hands apart!
3) If you take the Mist Trail, bring a trash bag/poncho or something similar if you aren't wanting to get wet.
4)HYDRATE! HYDRATE! HYDRATE! I brought 3 liters in my camel back and a sports drink. I'm not a huge water drinker and I finished that throughout the day. It was the perfect amount for me. It's also suggested to have a sports drink with electrolytes. I bought pedialyte packets and put them in a water bottle the night before - lots of electrolytes in that! Also, when filling up my camel back I filled half of it and froze it the night before and filled the rest in the morning. I ended up having nice ice cold water all day long!
5) Food and try to keep it light weight. I froze some of my foods the night before as well so that it didn't get too hot throughout my hike.
6) Layer your clothing. Some parts of the trail are cooler than others and weather varies. I wore a tank top with a t-shirt and fleece zip up over it. It was in the high 70's the day I went hiking so that was sufficient enough for me. Check the weather before you go!
7) Sunblock and bug repellent are a must! I bug sprayed myself not thinking of my own hand and managed to get bug bites on my fingers!
8) Hat - for those of you that burn easily or just want to be protected from the heat. I packed one, but found the hike to be mostly shady that I didn't need it at all.
8) Mole skin for blisters come in handy. Luckily I didn't need any along the way, but I saw many other people pulling theirs out.
9) Ibuprofen - I ended up taking some by the end of the hike. My legs and joints were aching by the time I reached my final few mile stretch. Having that on hand was extremely helpful and saved my poor legs in the end there.
10) CAMERA! To document along the way!

Spreken ze deutsch?

I have the desire to touch a Venetian sky

I think out of all the cities I have visited I have fallen in love with Venezia, Italia. A city surrounded by water has never looked more beautiful than this one. My day began with a quiet gondola ride with a bottle of peach Bellini and champagne. While on my gondola ride I found the most interesting quote spray painted on a wall in the alley way, "I have the desire to touch the sky." That quote has now become the anthem of my trip here in Europe.

Afterward I ventured through the city. Maps do you no good here, you'll just end up lost in the end. Directions are spray painted on buildings and walls and despite what you think, the graffiti on the walls WILL actually guide you in the right direction. I ate some pasta, took touristy photos, bought some jewelry,and of course had to get myself some venetian masks to go with my Mardi Gras mask collection back at home. I can't wait to put them up on my walls when I get back. I also found a neat bookstore where I spent the rest of my time in Venice in. Found some books for my brother while I was there. As I was leaving I noticed the streets in Venice were flooded. All the water was coming up through the drains. I guess it's normal there. I was told that the city is slowly sinking and they tried drudging out some areas to help salvage the city, but only made it worse and helped to hurry it's progression in going under. I took a boat ride back and watched the sun set on the water.

Back at the camp ground my Venetian night continued... With a live band and too many drinks. Overall I'd consider my night quite successful. You know what they say... "When in Rome" or in this case, Venice.

When in Rome...

Last night I arrived in Roma. Completely different from France in every way and I loved it. Even though my feet were killing me after a week's worth of walking, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I definitely wished I'd spent more than just two nights there. I honestly think you need at least a week's worth of time at least if you truly want to experience Rome. Having spent a full day there starting at 9:00 a.m., I ventured to the Vatican before the lines got insanely long. A whole day could be dedicated to going through that alone. I felt a bit rushed going through it knowing I had many other things to check off my to do list. From there I saw the Sistine Chapel where a man was yelling "shh" and "no photos" every five seconds.

The Pope was suppose to do a blessing today, but since it was forcasted as raining he didn't do it, so I was a little bummed about that and missed out on Peter's Square from going to find papa. I took the subway to Sagna where I walked the Spanish Steps, saw the monk cemetery, and ate from a whole in the wall pizza shop that weighed your pizza and you paid for it by the kilo.

I then went on a walking tour of the forums and the Colosseum. By that point I was dying from the heat and completely exhausted so I don't think I was able to enjoy it as much if I had done it earlier on in the day. None-the-less, it was amazing getting to stand in the middle of the Colosseum and see it all from the gladiators view. I also got to go to Fountain Trive and toss a coin over my shoulder for good luck. Didn't do me much good in the luck department though.

On my way back I hopped on to the wrong metro and found out too late. I finally got myself onto the metro going in the correct direction and then hauled ass onto the train I thought I was going to miss. Feeling relieved that I had made my train just in time I slowly started to realize my train wasn't making any stops. I'd jumped onto the wrong express train! So I got a lovely, yet long, view of the Italian country-side. Fortunately someone, who spoke English, told me how to make my way back in the right direction. I hopped off and waiting for correct, non express train to arrive only to see no trains coming my way. However, on the opposite of the tracks there was a train - my train home - waiting. I only realized this moments before leaving and found myself moments later leaping, sliding, and running down the stairs (I think i was jumping 5 steps at a time) and through the hallway in the hopes to make my train. Otherwise I'd be trapped in the Italian farmland forever. I made it only to find the train broken down.

Long story short, Roma was one hell of an adventure and I made it back in one piece, exhausted, and laughing about my excursion from hell. And yes, I'd do it all over again in a heart beat.

Ciao Italia! First stop: Piza.

Holding up the Leaning Tower of Piza.

Vodka Martini. On the rocks. Shaken, not stirred.

I arrived in my final destination - French Riviera. I spent an entire relaxing weekend out in Nice and Cannes - finally got to kick back and relax a bit and hang out at the beach. After my first night here, the weather finally made a change for the better which made wandering the beach and checking out the city much more enjoyable. And it was nice getting some sun on my skin as well.

In the evening I got myself all dressed up and headed to Monaco to spend some big money at the Monte Carlo. Sadly I came out empty handed and with less than I had started with. I didn't end up order the stereotypical James Bond martini - it was like $15. Monaco was still all set up from the Grand Prix and all I could think of when I passed by it was "Iron Man". I had so much fun in the French Riviera, but found Monte Carlo to be a bit overrated and not at great as every claimed it to be, but it was definitely an experience.

Bonjour Paris!

Paris – Wednesday, June 16, 2010 & Thursday, June 17, 2010

On Wednesday evening, I finally arrived in Paris – 2 fifty pound suite cases and all. Don’t ask me how I managed to get all that over from London. I wouldn’t be able to tell you.

But let me just tell you how amazing Paris is – WOW! I spent my Wednesday night kicking back on the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower watching the World Cup game South Africa v. Uruguay. It was incredible! Most of you were back home watching it on your television screens or in a local bar, but I was in Paris watching it on a big screen and the Eiffel Tower was in my background with the city lights twinkling. Even though Africa lost (I was cheering for them too!) the atmosphere made it worth all the while.

Thursday was my round two in Paris. My touring began at the Eiffel Tower where I paid 3.50 Euro to climb the stairs to see a breath taking view. My legs were killing me after all those flights! From there I took the Metro – I now consider myself a pro at the Paris Metro’s & RER’s I’ve been on them so much today – to the Arc de Triomph. There I was hassled by gypsy’s who needed money for their brothers in Bosnia. They will seriously do anything for a Euro. None-the-less, I still managed to get past them and take some awesome touristy pictures of the Arc. The Arc is where 12 of the streets in Paris meet and I was told that if you rode your bike through there, you were most likely looking for a death wish. After many picture taking of the Arc de Triomph, I took a stroll down the street to do some shopping and of course, check out the Louis Vittoun store. The place was like its own little museum. It was insane!! Purses galore! I think I had died and gone to heaven. From there I visited the Norte Dame. I didn’t get the chance to go upstairs and see the bells, but I did get to go inside and check out the amazing stain class windows. It was raining once I was through visiting, so I got to see the gargoyles outside spouting the water out of their mouths. I ended my day of touring at Le Lourve where I got to see the glass pyramids like those from The Davinci Code.

On my way out of the city I did get to sneak a peak at a few other amazing buildings: Garnier’s Opera House (this is the place that inspired the famous Phantom of the Opera), Moulin Rouge, Napoleon’s bridges he built for each battle he had won, the church in which King Louis XIV had built for his family, the square where guillotines had splattered and stained the cobblestone streets in blood from the Reign of Terror, place where Napoleon was buried, Joan of Arc statue, and of course the bridge from Sex & the City Movie.

After that I spent my evening in a small little place right outside of Paris where I got myself a crepe – with nutella and banane’s of course! They also had a gorgeous church up there, that I think was possibly more gorgeous than Norte Dame. It was called Basilique due Sacre-Ceur de Montmatre. It was the place where Saint Denis was decapitated for his faith. I just can’t get over how amazing the ceilings were. Part of the ceiling was covered in stone angels while the rest had Jesus holding his arms wide open with all of his disciples on one side of him. The carvings and drawings on the wall were amazing as well.

A night and a day were definitely not enough time to get a full view of all the famous aspects of Paris, but now I know what I want to see when I come back! Paris is definitely so much better than people say and has so much to do. Although, I do have to agree with most… not the cleanliest of places, but I definitely loved being here. Tomorrow I’m off to Fountain Bleau and Bojouleau for some wine tasting, then it’s off to the French Riviera!