Rescued

Friday entailed an early start for James, Jamie and Aisling who were going to climb Half Dome. Meanwhile Margaret and I took a bus to Glacier Point. The enthusiastic young driver gave us a really interesting commentary on the way. The views from Glacier Point were stunning, we could see right down the valley and Half Dome was across from us. It was hot, very hot, but it was all so beautiful that I was very keen to hike down into the valley on a circuitous route past several waterfalls. I should have realised that it would be too much for me in the heat and possibly the 7000 foot altitude too. We had gone about a mile and a half before we decided to turn back, as I was feeling worse and worse. Margaret was fine and she could easily have continued. However I then felt dizzy and I tripped and fell, hitting my head. I got into the shade but it was clear that I was in trouble, very nauseous and dizzy, and Margaret phoned for help. We waited for about an hour until two very kindly and helpful Park Rangers arrived. They thought that I had heat exhaustion, was dehydrated (although I HAD been drinking my water!) and possibly mild concussion. I could hardly stand up so they decided to have me stretchered back up the hill. Meanwhile they gave me a lot of fluids through an IV drip as well as painkillers and anti nausea meds. During all this time Margaret was so supportive and encouraging, I am so grateful and I couldn’t have got through it without her. The fluids made a huge difference and I began to feel much better. Six young and very fit volunteers eventually arrived with a stretcher which they lifted onto a large wheel, it was really hard work for them but they laughed and joked throughout and got me to the top of the trail. I still felt shaky but much, much better. The Rangers very kindly gave us a lift back to our car and Margaret drove me to the Majestic Hotel, where we were staying for the next two nights (we hadn’t been able to book four nights in row at the Yosemite Valley Lodge).
When we arrived in the car park who did we see but Jamie and Aisling, just arrived back from Half Dome, and James was inside the hotel. We checked in and all had restoring showers before a bite to eat in the bar and an early night. We all exchanged stories of our adventures. James, Jamie and Aisling had had a fantastic but very tiring ten hour walk up Half Dome, their photos were amazing. It was good that we were all safe back together.
When Margaret and I discussed the events of the day later, and I thanked her again for all of her help, we agreed that while we would not have wished it to happen, it had given us a unique insight into how amazing and dedicated the Park Rangers and volunteers are at their jobs.