So, who wants to go see if that was a bear?

After a nap at the tent we ventured out to what we think was Moraine Dome. It was absolutely beautiful - and quiet. It was like we had the sunset all to ourselves, and an astonishing view of Half Dome and the next day's hike. A honeymoon moment for sure...one of our favorite spots and memories.

We took some risks to get to that beautiful spot - and then kicked ourselves when we almost got lost heading back. We had a map and headlamps, but there's nothing like the feeling of losing your way when you thought you knew exactly where you were (Moraine Dome was off trail a little ways). And then we saw what we thought was proof of bear. Oh, wonderful. Anxious about being lost and then seeing bear leftovers - that'll get your heart going a little. So Drew did what any good navigator would - dragged me with him back up the incline so he could get above the treeline and find his way. Which he did - and then we made sure to make lots and lots of noise all the way back to camp in case the resident bears had any thoughts...

It was at this point that our conversation turned to food. I've heard that at about 3 or 4 days in to a hike like ours, all thoughts turn to food. Real food - not trail food. We conjured up favorite breakfasts, best "as soon as we get back to the real world" meals, snacks. And funny enough, it wasn't steak or anything fancy. It was hot dogs, and popsicles, and pizza. We ended up deciding on the perfect post-hike breakfast for our stay at The Pines Lodge and Resort, still a day away at that point. Orange juice, coffee, bacon, eggs, french toast, and a side of biscuits and gravy for Drew. Ugg, but wonderful all the same.

We made a fire, ate dinner and then stashed our bear canister and packs a ways away from the tent. Our first night really on our own - no fellow backpackers in the campsite next door and no bear boxes for safe storage - and EVERYTHING sounded like a bear. We went to bed early in order to get enough sleep and get up early for the hike to Half Dome. That's not to say that we actually fell asleep anytime soon after that. I heard bears, I had dreams of bears, and I was convinced that I would wake up to a torn up pack and a slashed tent. Drew didn't fair much better and we passed the night in fits.