Tasty Treats On Any Summit 

By John P. DeGrazio 

There’s nothing more satisfying than reaching the summit of a challenging hiking adventure in Yosemite. Well, one thing can be more satisfying; the tasty treat at the end. As you may know from my original post renaming this blog the Can-O-Peaches, I shared a story about how I was encouraged by a lovely woman to haul a can of peaches in my pack to the summit of Mt. Rainier way back in 1997. Today, I love to celebrate a successful hike with something sweet like a fresh California peach or a delicious fruit from a cocoa plant. Bringing comfort food on a long hike is a definite must and the endorphins they help release enhance the true feelings of bliss you experience at the end of a long journey.

A few weeks ago, I met Bobby and Jessica, an energetic brother and sister duo who grew up in a town close to where I did in New Jersey. They both live in big cities now but were inspired by the jaw-dropping beauty of the Yosemite landscapes, especially from the top of Mt. Hoffman.

What made the day even more interesting was that I helped a more experienced couple make what they admitted to me their final summit attempt of Mt. Hoffman. They were a couple originally from Brooklyn, NY who now are living the good life in Arizona while traveling the American West. I was so happy to lend a hand and admired the vintage ice ax they were using as a hiking staff. When I finally helped them to the summit, to New Yorker in them came out “You’re not getting my ice ax!” We shared a few laughs and stories about New York and other Sierra summits before they disappeared down the trail.

While we were enjoying our lunch on the peak, Bobby devoured a can of pineapples. I was fascinated by his choice of snack and saw a lot of similarities between us. He hadn’t even read the blog. Bobby said next time he’d return for more than just a short trip, and I believe him. I guess there’s a little John Muir in all of us.

If you are interested in reading about more unique adventures at Yosemite, then please see here. Otherwise, here is an overview of all of the available hikes at the Half Dome.