i've heard climbers could hire mules to haul gear to the base of half dome. is this true? if so, how could i get in touch with one of these services. i really don't want to carry my stuff. maybe i could hire someone to haul the pig too. please send me any info so that i could be lazy. thanks. -mark

-- mdi (mdizzo@yahoo.com), August 21, 2000

Answers

Dude, there are lots of "mules" for hire in the Valley. Just put a notice on the Camp 4 board, and you can get some offers from starving climbers to schlep loads for you. On my solo ascents, I've hired lots of guys to carry stuff up to the base of El Cap for me. It costs $20 US per load. Obviously the going rate to Half Dome would be a lot more, but chances are you could scare up some help. As far as the equine variety is concerned, I can't offer any help or suggestions. Cheers, Pete

-- "Pass the Pitons" Pete Zabrok (peterzabrok@home.com), August 29, 2000.