Into Every Life, A Little Snow Must Fall

It hasn't rained on my parade. It has snowed on my parade. This photo of Half Dome was taken on the morning of May 28th. There are several feet of fresh snow on top of Half Dome, as you can see. This means that the granite steps of subdome are also covered in snow.

This is a good lesson. You can prepare to the Nth degree. You can do your utmost to be strong and in shape to hike this mountain. But even on your best day, you won't conquer Half Dome. You may conquer your inner demons, but it will only be because Half Dome lets you pass.

From the National Park Service:

The Half Dome cables will not be in place over the June 4-6 permit period.

The combination of heavy winter snows and continuing spring snow storms has kept the snow pack from melting along the trail to Half Dome, including the portion of the trail on the subdome, below the Half Dome cables. A slip and fall from the subdome's steep snowfield could cause serious injury or death. For the safety of hikers and the employees setting up the cables, the cables will not be put up until conditions improve. We will monitor conditions over the next two weeks and issue an expected opening date as soon as possible.

If you have a Half Dome day-use permit for May 21-23, or May 28-31, or June 4-6, you will receive a refund.

It's doubtful I'll be able to get another permit this year. Maybe next year?