Rick Deutsch, author of a book called “Hike Half Dome,” also has a blog that’s regularly updated.
Rick’s also appearing at 7 tonight at Sunrise Mountain Sports in Livermore to chat up his book. The store is at 2455 Railroad Avenue: Map.
4WheelBob’s assignment, should he accept, is to leave work on time, check it out, and report back.
I received the Sunrise e – mail too, and immediately called Gina to see if she wanted to go (they carry Prana gear, which means she’ll find something to buy).
I’ll be there.
As promised, I managed to scurry out of the office by 5 last evening so I could attend Rick Deutsch’s program at Sunrise Mountain Sports in Livermore. Folks trickled in until a little after 7, and it was darn near a full house with around 25 attendees.
Rick’s book is apparently the only currently avaiable “how to” guide for hiking Half Dome. The book provides nearly step – by – step insights to the nuances and challenges of the various routes, but deals mainly with the “stair route”, from the Mist Trail to LYV and finally Nevada Falls and the cables. His PowerPoint presentation was very informative, especially for those who think Half Dome is something to be done on a lark, or to fill up a lazy afternoon when the Giants are out of the race and the Niners have not yet started their season. Rick reinforced the value of preparation and preparedness for this trip – carrying ample water, for example, as well as being in very good physical condition. The pictures in his slide show were incredible. He had taken some phtos that everyone who’s never done this route should see before making the trip. His photos of the cable route drew gasps at times, and after watching the show I had to take out my “life list” notepad and remove Half Dome from my “wanna do’s”.
And of course I bought the book! It’s easy to read, very informative but mostly (I can say this among fellow experienced outdoorsfolks) simple common sense. It’s a Wilderness Press book, one borne of the many trips the author’s taken summiting this demon of a peak. And he’s a San Jose resident, all you South Bay types.
So I’m going to try to get to Nevada Falls some time this summer, after White Mountain. Rick’s book is informative, cautionary and a fine field guide. It’s a “recommend” for all who are considering Half Dome, especially if it’s your first trip.
Bob: nice write-up, thanx much.
Thanks for the comments Tom and Bob. The crowd at Sunrise Mountaineering was real attentive to doing the hike safely. One correction: My book is titled “One Best Hike: Yosemite’s Half Dome”.This should make it easier to find. At REI, amazon and the usual bookstores. Come on over and check out the website and daily blog. Like the book, I’m focused on Half Dome and related info.
http://www.HikeHalfDome.com
Carpe Diem!
Rick D.