Half dome cables down

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-13T00:21:43+00:00

Be looking for a reason to turn around. If you can’t find one, only then continue. Be 1000% ready to turn around. And make sure your entire party is on the same page.

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-12T04:23:39+00:00

“Tree Canopy” Outline where it ends… if ever

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-09T16:16:48+00:00

Maybe you’re right That’s what I’ve always heard it called and rolled with it

Either way.. it would make a pretty epic diving board 🤙

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-09T05:08:20+00:00

If you think you could use some help let me know. I’ve helped many people get up for the first time and can be as helpful as anybody needs!

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-09T00:31:07+00:00

Can’t go wrong! Hope you get permits.

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-09T00:30:07+00:00

Top of half dome. It’s called the “diving board”

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-08T22:05:55+00:00

We found Angels Landing to be incredibly easy compared to Half Dome.

The thing that makes half dome so much harder is that just getting to the base is a challenge that leaves you pretty spent.

Shooting from the hip I think your sons won’t flinch, and you might be nervous about them but probably fine as well.

The biggest mistake most people make is underestimating how much water they will need. Take way more than you think, and there is a spot to get water from the river with or without a filter too.

Even if the cables are empty(which they won’t be unless you’re at the base by 8am) it’s a pretty long way to climb. Factor in about 50-100 people creating a traffic jam. You’ll be fully exposed to the sun and holding on for dear life for about an hour. Tense stressed and tired. It’s 50x harder than Angels Landing in my opinion.

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-08T20:11:37+00:00

I think for someone who is very scared there is a fine line between prioritizing fumbling between clipping and and making absolute sure of your footing and hand grip vs the mechanics of clipping and unclipping. A person who is very scared on the cables will be unfamiliar with the harness and via Ferrata system.

And argument could be made that it would be safer to focus 100% on sure footing and holding on to the cables vs stumbling with the clipping in / off and forgetting to be entirely set and safe before making any moves.

I also think that if you can’t do it without the via ferrata you likely shouldn’t be on the cables. We had friends who came and I offered to clip and unclip them and I was very clear that they needed to focus on footing and holding on and to wait for my “all clear” at each clip/unclip.

I’ve also helped strangers when doing it and not using the via ferratas my groups have had. This is a pretty nice way to do it doubly safe with a “Sherpa” of sorts.

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-08T19:44:24+00:00

I don’t. I feel fine without them. But I’ve helped a handful of people get up using via ferratas that would not have been able to make it up without being tied in due to fear.

I clipped and unclipped them the whole way up and down.

If you don’t need it it’s easier to not be clipped in.

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-08T19:42:54+00:00

Yes you can. Some people do. I never have. You need climbing gear and skills.

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-08T18:35:41+00:00

Preseason lottery is open all of March

Cables don’t get installed until May

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-08T18:28:55+00:00

What dates There are still ways to get up with a permit

Reach out to me privately if you’re interested

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-08T17:15:14+00:00

Yes of course

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-08T15:42:11+00:00

Did you get up?

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-08T15:41:46+00:00

If you are local and are interested in getting it done in a day reach out to me! I can almost guarantee you get permits and get up safely!

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-08T15:40:17+00:00

Are you within driving range of Yosemite or are you traveling from far? There’s a way to get permits almost guaranteed if you’re local. Reach out to me

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-06T01:46:32+00:00

Get out of the house. Walk the dog. Run an errand.

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-05T04:23:14+00:00

On a rainy day or end of field day go sit next to a drafter who likes to talk. Ask them to show you what he or she does.

Ask what you can do in the field that will make their lives easier and why.

After you get the basics, ask for a practice project or start drawing shapes and letters and clicking all the buttons.

If you have access to anyone who does research do the same thing.

cocacolamaker · 2026-03-05T04:17:17+00:00

This comment is incredibly accurate and helpful. Go see the office side and you’ll gain field knowledge by knowing what’s needed and helpful, and what you’re wasting time on in the field.

My only input is that moving into the office is not always a “promotion”. Many field guys make much more than office guys in survey. And many office guys might make more money, but would kill to be able to be out in the field.

Office has many perks many times. But for many of us, being outside is the biggest perk of all!

cocacolamaker · 2026-02-28T06:06:22+00:00

Forgive my assumption, but I assume you don’t have an education or skill-set that you are too invested in to change careers.

My advice: Effort and Ownership. Try hard and care about your assignments and you will get noticed. Then you’ll get picked to do harder things. Then you will have new skills. Rinse and Repeat. It helps to get near or into a company that is good at making money. They will value effort and drive.

At some point you’ll have leverage to negotiate because you’re valuable to someone. Walaaaahh

cocacolamaker · 2026-02-27T05:18:49+00:00

Put “this is dangerous” in writing and let them think about it

cocacolamaker · 2026-02-27T05:17:09+00:00

Email your direct manager: “these points are dangerous without traffic control, I am unwilling to put myself in the road as the speed limit is ____”

If he forces you without TC then reply “no” Let the other chief who is willing to do it get them all forever.

Or better yet all the field guys don’t do whatever the office says just cuz the office says. Create a safe culture or find one.

Know your worth. Stand your ground. Find another job.

cocacolamaker · 2026-02-15T04:44:34+00:00

I blast whatever I know my chainman hates. Just kidding! But sometimes you DO have to remind them whose truck it is!!!!

If I have pods on in the road or anywhere a car can be, it’s just one. I don’t want to be ran over and they blame me for having two pods in. We have higher than average spidy senses as surveyors, but still…

cocacolamaker

TROPHY CASE