At about mile 4 of my friend Ryan’s first half marathon on Saturday, September 23rd, I learned that you need a permit to backpack the Lost Coast Trail. This was quite a disappointment as Zack, our friend Shane, and I had been planning on hiking the Lost Coast Trail for months. But had no idea you needed a permit!

So after talking with our friend Nancy about the Lost Coast and also Yosemite, we got a reservation to camp in the Yosemite Valley and planned to apply for a Half Dome Cables permit.

Shane hurt his back Wednesday morning and couldn’t join us but this was the sunset Zack and I were treated to as we descended down toward Mono Lake Wed evening.

We camped in the truck by some hot springs and this was my view as I went to sleep.

This was the view out the back of the truck in the morning. 🙂

The Owens River Valley is pretty cool. or hot!

After a perfectly fantastic hot breakfast in Mammoth, Zack and I hiked to North Dome via Indian Rock, the only arch in Yosemite.

North Dome is terrific by itself but it’s full view of Half Dome is why one (or at least we) sit on it and enjoy lunch!

On our way down into the Valley, the sun set and its alpenglow was beautiful.

The next day we adventured on the Valley shuttle to the Four Mile Trail trailhead (really close actually) and hiked up to Glacier Point.

Then continued on over the Panorama Trail down to the Mist Trail and back down to the Valley. Gorgeous views, 3 waterfalls, amazing people watching, and we met the nicest British/South African couple who’s traveling around the world for 18 months!!

Zack conceded to my campfire envy (our neighbors at Housekeeping Camp campground was a big family who had a raging fire every night) and we took a quick drive to buy some firewood. and beer, ice and chocolate. 🙂

On our way back, we caught this sunset on Half Dome.

Saturday we chose a mellower hike and opted for the 6 mile Mt Hoffman trail because it is the geographic center of the Park and its summit offers 360 degree views. There was a lot of vertical smooshed into 2 miles but it was as beautiful as the guidebook promised.

That night we had time to explore our little campground and the beach (of the Merced River) offers the best views of Half Dome. and its sunsets!

This morning (our last) we chose a mellow option of walking around the Valley — to the Visitor Center and then over to Half Dome Village. Our calves were happy for the break and we got to cross the river twice.

Our short trip to Yosemite was fantastic and we’re looking forward to planning ahead and doing some backpacking next summer. And hopefully getting a Half Dome permit. (We struck out twice this week.)

On the way home, we got to see some of the airshow that was going on in the Carson Valley.

Now we’re home and Molly’s asleep with her legs all tangled up against Zack on the couch. Life is good!