A Solo Half Dome Adventure 

By John P. DeGrazio 

Do we choose our adventures or do our adventures choose us?

I moved to California two years after my first visit to Yosemite. On that trip, our group hiked to the top of Half Dome and were left craving more adventure, but not necessarily more Half Dome. When I started YExplore, there were no intentions of guiding this particular hike for clients. I was actually caught off guard when we received our first inquiry and debated whether it would be practical to make this a regular offering. As we evolved, the hike became a more integral part of our mission and vision for the quality of experiences we provide.

I recently watched the movie “Vision Quest” for the first time in many years. It’s a classic 80s tale of a high school senior who decides to dedicate his entire season to challenging the best wrestler in the state. Lauden Swain was driven by his desire to be the best, and it was a highly motivational film. “Lunatic Fringe” by Red Rider was the featured song of the soundtrack and it’s hypnotic beat makes we want to run through walls to this day.

On December 5, 2008, I decided to begin my own quest in Yosemite. I had completed this hike several times in groups but never alone. It was important to me to embark on this individual journey, and I picked a mild day in December to make my attempt. I didn’t expect any problems but there is always a danger when heading into wilderness without others. One of the principles of Leave No Trace is to always be prepared and to share your itinerary with others regardless of the size of your group. I made certain of this crucial step before I departed.

There was nothing out of the ordinary on this solo trek. I did have a little extra bounce in my step as I made way up the trail, relishing every moment of isolation. I had some music with me; not from an ipod or iphone, just the music in my head. “Lunatic Fringe” was definitely on replay.

Grabbing the cables for the first time left a bit of a lump in my throat as I made the realization any calls for help would be equivalent to a falling tree in an empty forest. I firmly placed the steel between my gloved fingers and confidently pulled my way to the top. After reaching the summit, I removed my camera for a documentary shot. I wanted to prove I made this trip alone so I took a photo of my watch, of all things. The remainder of the day was spent in silent satisfaction on the return trip where I actually encountered four other hikers near the top of Nevada Fall.

Much has transpired since the end of that outing. I continue to take photos on each summit but not necessarily to prove I was there. One of the greatest takeaways from that first solo endeavor was the overwhelming sense of solitude I enjoyed. I have always designated alone time for myself as a way to unwind, decompress, and most importantly, inspire my own creativity. Sitting alone at a desk is one mode, but like many others I know who have been bitten by the wilderness bug, I continually crave this time by myself in nature. The satisfaction I receive is immeasurable and it helps me appreciate the genius of Howard Zahniser, the author of The Wilderness Act of 1964. I am often drawn to the definition of wilderness in this act and the quality to have “outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation”. A solo summit of Half Dome fits this criteria perfectly and is one of the premier wilderness experiences in Yosemite when the crowds are away. Feel free to explore your own adventure at the Half Dome.

YExplore Lead Adventure Guide John P. DeGrazio has reached the summit of Half Dome more than 100 times. In this series, he will recall stories from some of the most interesting journeys along the trail of Yosemite’s most popular peak. He will reflect on some of the most inspirational moments he has shared with hundreds of others while achieving their lifelong dreams. John will also contribute tips on how to properly prepare for such a long, arduous trek while providing insights on how to successfully complete this quest. He’ll also discuss changes to this hike he has witnessed throughout the years as well as many interesting encounters along the way.

It’s How You Finish 

By John P. DeGrazio 

I was up at the plate with a runner on second base and one out. I hit the ball pretty well but lined out to the right center fielder for the second out. Our cleanup hitter followed with a fly out to right. It was the first time all tournament we failed to score a single run in the first inning. Momentum works for and against you in a softball tournament, and I picked the championship game of the NYC corporate sports league to let my team down. It didn’t help that we were playing the top seeded team in the bracket who immediately scored seven runs in the bottom half of the frame.

It was early September 2001 on a beautiful late summer afternoon in Central Park and only a few short days before the world would change forever. Long before my career shift, I was the leader of this team who was tasked with corralling ten egos while choosing positions and setting the lineup. Somebody had to play catcher, and somebody else had to bat last. It was much more challenging considering I was dealing with a group of “type A” stock traders aged 22-32. We normally rallied around each other, and some of us were likely to get fired up, but we had an unwritten rule to never resort to any artificial motivation like bringing everyone into a circle for a “got team” type moment. When we arrived at our dugout trailing by seven after the inning, all eyes turned to me to provide some inspiration, however. I noticed that although we gave up a lot of hits, nobody was down. Although some of the guys were expecting me to lay into the team, I took a different approach. I looked everyone in the eyes and started to laugh. I thought about it in the moment, and instinctively, it felt like the right thing to do. All nine of my teammates joined me in a moment of levity. I did tell them there was a lot more game to be played and even shared the old “It’s not how you start. It’s how you finish” sports cliche. Soon, the whole team was completely loose and ready to play some ball. We scored nine runs in the second and never gave up the lead on our way to winning the championship.

I met Gary at the trailhead, and he was excited to greet the day with a life altering challenge. We commenced the hike with a brisk pace. I normally allow the group to set the tone for the first half mile just to shake out some of the nervous energy. On this day, it was only Gary and I hiking so I explained we will take as long as we needed to complete our trek as long as it was reasonable and he remained up to the challenge. As anyone who has completed this hike knows, we start out with that half mile stretch on flat ground and then go right into a steep climb for the next three miles. We climb 1000 feet in the first mile and a half to get to the top of Vernal Fall. It was a smoky, hazy morning as a fire was burning in the park which can be typical in summer. Unfortunately, this made it slightly more difficult to breathe.

Gary began to struggle on the Mist Trail up to Vernal Fall. I noticed his frustration immediately and shared a few words of encouragement. It’s not uncommon for explorers to hit a preliminary wall on this hike as you rise steeply from the Valley floor through the Merced River Canyon. I like to advise them to view it as an early hurdle to overcome. “Trust your training” I implored, but each step up renewed his feeling of helplessness. Our summit attempt was in jeopardy. I began to offer more reassurance at our first rest stop above the waterfall. “It’s not how you start the hike..” I offered while munching on energy bars, but Gary was subdued. I gave him some space to sort out his thoughts, and we soon continued along the path.

Reaching the top of Nevada Fall was difficult, but Gary persevered. I mentioned that we would traverse a flat area behind Half Dome where he could catch his breath, so to speak. Motivated, we marched on toward Little Yosemite Valley.

Something transformative happened along the way to the cables. Despite our dramatic elevation gain from LYV to the Sub Dome, Gary was no longer feeling distraught as he gained confidence with every step. His strength returned to him. He actually grew stronger as the trek continued through the most dramatic landscape of the upper mountain.

The haze from the fire did nothing to diminish our enjoyment of this accomplishment. I sensed how special a moment this was for Gary so I stepped away to allow him some time for reflection. I remember finding a rock to enjoy this shared success while observing him from afar. I began to truly understand the emotional connection people make with this journey in that moment. I felt extremely fortunate for the ability to help bring people to a meaningful place. Regardless of where they are from or what stage of life they are in, each person I share this mission with experiences an unmistakable catharsis when we reach the apex that allows me to appreciate that path I have chosen in my own life.

I have always thought of myself as a leader and relish moments when I was able to bring leadership to a situation that helped others to succeed. From my perspective, every member of a group or team is an individual leader. To me, it was Gary’s strength and leadership that led us to the summit of Half Dome in July 2009. And for that, I am thankful for his powerful finish.

YExplore Lead Adventure Guide John P. DeGrazio has reached the summit of Half Dome more than 100 times. In this series, he will recall stories from some of the most interesting journeys along the trail of Yosemite’s most popular peak. He will reflect on some of the most inspirational moments he has shared with hundreds of others while achieving their lifelong dreams. John will also contribute tips on how to properly prepare for such a long, arduous trek while providing insights on how to successfully complete this quest. He’ll also discuss changes to this hike he has witnessed throughout the years as well as many interesting encounters along the way.

Enjoy Every Milestone

By John P. DeGrazio 

I was leading a group of explorers who were all close friends when one of the hikers looked at the others and said “Well, we all made it here, what’s our next trip?” This seemed a bit odd since they were beginning the first day of a three day adventure in Yosemite. There was an uncomfortable silence as everyone pondered the question while stepping away from the trailhead. Sensing an opportunity to start the trip on the right foot, my reply was succinct. “Let’s celebrate the fact that we are all able to enjoy this moment in Yosemite without worrying about future plans.” Everyone agreed, and it is a moment from which I continue to reflect.

Growing up, birthdays and certain holidays become the greatest days of the year. The enthusiasm for those events becomes so powerful, it often leads to anxiety for children and parents alike. Somewhere along the way, many people lose their zeal for celebrations. Energy shifts as we mature and enthusiasm is often diminished by the stresses of schoolwork, then career and other contributing factors. I have seen these effects on many people, regardless of age. I can also share there was a time in my life when I was consumed by stressers which led me to shy away from celebrations and the drama they sometimes caused. Older age brings wisdom I guess, and I now see the importance of celebrating milestones and events. I regularly wish people happy birthdays on Facebook and even go back into the calendar a few days to find ones I may have missed. Do you know how many steps that takes? And if you wish me a happy birthday on Facebook, I will answer every single one with a personal thank you referencing some obscure thing we may have done together.

I admit I have taken a greater interest in the subject of celebrations since I created an adventure company that shares experiences in nature that help others achieve their goals. We befriend so many visitors to the park who view their trip to Yosemite as a celebration. Many of our tours are catered to birthdays, honeymoons, anniversaries, and other special events in Yosemite. It is refreshing to witness so many people enjoying themselves on this level. I take pride in being able to help people make personal connections in Yosemite and have made this an integral part of my life’s journey. I am also thankful for these experiences that have helped shape who I have become as well. This week I had a chance to reflect on the values of YExplore as well as make revisions to our vision and mission statements on our About Us Page. This was an important exercise for me as I reflected on the past 10 years and prepare for the next decade of growth for our company.

“The mission of YExplore is to provide educational outdoor adventures that inspire all generations to make discoveries in nature that lead to personal growth and achievement.”

“Celebrate Success” is now an integral part of our core values and the Half Dome trek is always a perfect cause for celebration. It’s also important to note that success is achieved on many journeys regardless of reaching the summit.

In September 2010 I led a group of hikers who joined me for a triple celebration. Our seven member group was comprised of Paula & Julie who were celebrating Julie’s 50th birthday; Dave & Lisa who were celebrating their first anniversary; and Jenn who I invited to join me on my 50th ascent. Ricky & I were the trip’s leaders. I can write a book on my friendship with Jenn. She was a former Half Dome client with whom I’ve developed a lasting friendship during and after her own achievement on Half Dome in 2008. Hers was a great celebration of  life that I have never forgotten, and she was the one person I asked to join me in what I considered an extremely important milestone. Spoiler Alert: Jenn’s first hike was #15 for me and will be a future post in this series.

The day started with Kim admitting to the group that she was not much of a hiker but really wanted Dave to achieve the summit. She did very well getting to the top of Nevada Fall and even surprised herself, but that is where Ricky led her back down to the Valley. Our group continued on and made good time to the Sub Dome and cables. We were all so excited to reach the summit where Julie’s birthday celebration began. We all posed for fun photos, and I believe I discovered an unintentional photobomb by Jenn. Hint: Look for the red piece of flair. The celebration continued all the way down the trail and at Curry Village for a festive pizza dinner. I understood the need to celebrate achievements as I reflected on the day while driving home with Ricky that evening. Perhaps it is older age, but whatever the reason, it is an important aspect of life. So take the time to relish your accomplishments with a treat, a beverage, a can o peaches, or anything else you think is appropriate. Celebrate in any manner you choose. Check out another Ascent on Youtube or see an overview of all hikes you could do.

YExplore Lead Adventure Guide John P. DeGrazio has reached the summit of Half Dome more than 100 times. In this series, he will share stories from some of the most interesting journeys along the trail of Yosemite’s most popular peak. He will reflect on some of the most inspirational moments he has shared with hundreds of others while achieving their lifelong dreams. John will also share tips on how to properly prepare for such a long, arduous trek while providing insights on how to successfully complete this quest. He’ll also discuss changes to this hike he has witnessed throughout the years as well as many interesting encounters along the way.

This is What “It” is all About 

By John P. DeGrazio 

The “It” factor is a concept that there are certain intangible characteristics individuals possess that set them aside from other peers. It’s a widely used phrase in our daily lexicon whose meaning is often implied, yet it is never fully explained. It’s often used in sports when people talk about special athletes who may not be the most gifted but can succeed at the highest levels because of “It”. Think Derek Jeter, or since it’s Super Bowl week, think Joe Montana, Tom Brady, and Russell Wilson. What is the “It” factor? What is “It”?

“It” is also commonly used in the statement ‘That’s what “It” is all about. I was preparing my blog for this morning and was ready to share my thoughts on a certain Half Dome adventure until I was distracted by a couple of compelling Facebook videos. The second one made me stop everything. It was a video about George Wendt, the founder of O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists). In this video, George spoke about an event in the late 1960’s that moved him to create his company and the passion he now shares with thousands of people each year. He is a true pioneer in the outdoor adventure industry and someone I personally admire a great deal. We at YExplore are fortunate to partner with O.A.R.S. for a very special multi-sport trip called the Yosemite & Tuolumne Hiker.

One thing we all inevitably learn over time is that we are not immortal and our lives are very short. That is why it is of the utmost importance to find interests we are passionate about and find a way to weave them into the fabric of our everyday life. That is exactly what George did when he created his company while I followed a similar path almost four decades later. We have been partnering with O.A.R.S. for over 5 years now and continue to offer exciting adventures throughout Yosemite National Park. At one time, we were able to offer the Half Dome trek as part of our itinerary. Here is a story about one of our Half Dome trips with a group from O.A.R.S.

9 eager hikers set out in the dawn hour on September 2, 2010 from Curry Village to the John Muir Trail. Alyssa, Tammy, Matt, Greg, Zaven, John, and Denise joined Ricky and me that morning for a brief safety orientation. Some of our groups in the past were not as well prepared for the hike so I wanted to really emphasize the importance of safety and focus, especially on the latter sections of the hike. I was so focused on sharing my message that I temporarily lost sight of why we were all there, to have fun and enjoy the scenery. As I faced the group, I noticed that several members of our team were clearly distracted. This became my distraction as well, but I was determined not to let it sidetrack me. I spoke for another minute or two until I finally relented. Thinking they were watching a deer, I asked what was taking us away from these all important life saving tips. The answer came from Alyssa who was extremely polite but told me the group was observing a bear walking through the woods about 50 yards ahead of us, and I had missed it. Lesson learned. Always be aware of your surroundings, always be adaptive, always stop to enjoy rare encounters, and never take yourself too seriously.

After the first mile of the hike, Ricky and I agreed that this seemed like a strong group. Ricky was a guide who worked with us for a couple of summers. I had met him through coaching at the local high school. He and I shared a different passion, baseball. He was looking for work that summer so I told him to join me on some hikes where he could work with youth and help share our beautiful home region with people from all over the world. We spent the rest of the summer coming up with creative ways to inject our coaching techniques while guiding people on strenuous hikes.

We moved at a moderate pace, and there were absolutely no problems until we reached the cables at the top of Sub Dome. This is a familiar reprise and a recurring theme of this blog series, but one of our members was ready to throw in the towel at the Saddle. Tears were shed, and I allowed the team member to release some emotions before I approached. Through coaching, I have learned to help athletes deal with many adverse situations from injuries to overcoming emotional hurdles. I feel I have made a successful transition to professional guiding because of that experience.

I relish earning the trust of my groups and have to work harder than usual sometimes. After the tears subsided, I asked this member if they were interested in making the summit attempt. The group had formed such an incredible bond throughout the week’s activities and felt it was important to share the success with everyone who started the day together. Once I received an affirmative response, we made our way up the cables. Our journey came to an abrupt halt about forty feet high on the rock.  With only the sound of the wind blowing at our backs, we were suddenly frozen. After some deep breathing, the fear subsided, and we continued up the cables. The trust we all had in each other was undeniable while we moved as a single unit, one stanchion at a time. One of the greatest delights I draw from leading this hike at the front of the group is being able to look down at our line and measure its efficiency. Listening in can also be fun as teammates shares advice of best practices learned with each other. We smoothly navigated the final four hundred feet, and everyone rejoiced when we reached the summit.

There were cheerful conversations and playful photographs from everyone on the peak. I often reflect back on this group because I witnessed so many true friendships being developed. I have stayed in touch with a couple of members from this dynamic team. It is so wonderful to know there are pioneers like George Wendt who were out there paving the way long before I arrived in California and amazing to think that this opportunity to meet such wonderful people arose from a partnership with an organization with a similar ethos. Sharing Half Dome and the natural beauty of Yosemite is one of the greatest successes of my professional life, and I owe a part of that to George and his team at O.A.R.S. I am so grateful to be able to mix my passion with profession, and that is what “It” is all about for me.

See here for more stories about hikes in Yosemite as well as an overview of the hikes at the Half Dome.

YExplore Lead Adventure Guide John P. DeGrazio has reached the summit of Half Dome more than 100 times. In this series, he will share stories from some of the most interesting journeys along the trail of Yosemite’s most popular peak. He will reflect on some of the most inspirational moments he has shared with hundreds of others while achieving their lifelong dreams. John will also share tips on how to properly prepare for such a long, arduous trek while providing insights on how to successfully complete this quest. He’ll also discuss changes to this hike he has witnessed throughout the years as well as many interesting encounters along the way.