We Made It!

After topping Half Dome there was still quite a trek before the safety and comfort that the valley provided. We passed hikers on the way down who were on their way to the summit, even nearing 2pm or so - no way! They'd be hiking down in the dark if they made it all the way there. I even saw some in sandals who asked us "How far is it!?" - yup. "Uh...a ways."

We made it back down to the valley at a good clip on the John Muir Trail - passing Little Yosemite Valley and Nevada Falls. We got some beautiful pictures of Nevada Falls with Liberty Cap in the background. Forever and a mile later, we made it to the Happy Isles trailhead where we'd started four days earlier. We took a minute for a hug, and a guy sort of interrupted us just to ask how far to the lookout point. He said sorry at least, and then asked how long we'd been out there. We told them and then he yelled for his kids to come see. So we're a show now!? We must have been either very dirty, or smelly, or maybe just exhausted. Oh well.

While taking a minute with our packs off, Drew wandered off to get some water at a "real live water fountain". No need to purify first! And he came back with a hot dog and popsicle from the Happy Isles trailhead snack shop. Back to civilization, right!? Starving, we took them both down in a matter of seconds. We hiked the last little ways to the car (covered in dust - but without any bear evidence) and sank into the seats. Now just two hours to the lodge...