Everett Kalin, 93, made the extraordinary decision to climb Yosemite’s Half Dome despite the difficulties and the cautions.

The goal of his voyage was to demonstrate that age should never be a barrier to following one’s aspirations, not merely to reach the summit.

The retired Oakland, California, seminary professor found motivation in his own good health and past adventures,

including skydiving on his 91st birthday. After that encounter, he decided to attempt the Half Dome, one of Yosemite National Park’s most famous and challenging climbs.

According to the National Park Service, Half Dome is a daunting obstacle for many hikers as well as an iconic representation of Yosemite.

Despite a report from 1865 stating that the location was ‘perfectly inaccessible’ and that it would never be reached on foot,

a mountaineer by the name of George Anderson overcame the odds and reached the summit in 1875, opening the way for the cable route that is still in use today.

The Half Dome hike is about 14 to 16 miles long and is not advised for anyone who are unprepared or out of shape. The hike often takes 10 to 12 hours to complete.

Kalin spent months rigorously practicing for the climb. He ascended the 17 flights of stairs at his retirement complex each day and strolled around Lake Merritt.

When the time came to start the ascent, he was joined by his son, Jon Kalin, and his granddaughter, Sidney Kalin. His devotion and perseverance had paid off.

Midway through July 2023, the Kalin family’s three generations set off on their trek. First, they camped at Little Yosemite Valley for the night before beginning their ascent to Half Dome.

At least 14 miles of difficult terrain were covered by the trip, which also included the Subdome, a set of steep stairs made of granite.

Everett has visited Yosemite frequently, but he didn’t resolve to attempt the Half Done until he was 90 years old.

Although there were setbacks and difficulties along the way, the Kalin patriarch’s tenacity and resolve inspired his family to keep going.

The Los Angeles Times quoted Jon as saying, ‘I don’t know if we’re going to make it. I’m thinking that the whole time.’

When the stairs ended and a granite shelf took their place, Everett took his time getting through the challenging stretch,

even getting down on his hands and knees. Despite his wounds, he persisted because other hikers’ encouragement kept him going.