Micha meets Matthias and me in Fresno and together we drive to the Valley. Yosemite is of a scale that is hard to fathom. It feels great to be in such a spectacular place, in good company.

We spend the first night outside the park at the Rt 140 Entrance in El Portal. After an early start the next morning, we go to the Camp 4 Rangers Station and are able to get a site.

Then we head up Royal Arches, a long, moderate, classic route toward the East end of the Valley.

Back at Camp 4, Micha gets a haircut.

Here is the view of El Cap from Central Pillar of Frenzy, another classic climb in the Valley.

Next, we have a go at the South Face of Washington Column.

We spend the night on the dinner ledge of Washington Column, a large enough ledge to share with another group of four, mostly from Texas.

Barely discernable, Micha leads through Kors Roof.

Next, we gear up to climb The Nose on El Cap.

For the next four days and three nights we are on El Cap. We spend the first night on Sickle Ledge, second on Dolt Tower and third on El Cap Tower. Travel with three is slow and we haul a lot of weight in water, food and gear. On Dolt Tower, we are passed by Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold on their way to set a speed record of under two hours. After three nights, we choose to retreat. 12 rappels and we are back on the ground.

Kristina arrives the next day.

Picnic in El Cap Meadows.

Rachel also visits from LA.

A day trip to Devil’s Bathtub.

Scenes from Camp 4.

Then we explore the high country of Tuolumne Meadows. Here we are outside of the park near Inyo Lake.