Best Albums of 2016

Allllright friends! That time of the year is finally here! Or, well... It came and went really. But, I was sick at the New Year, and my family was busy bumping our holidays, so my schedule was all out of whack. Now though! Is finally the time... My year end list of the best albums of 2016!

This was a pretty strange year for music for me. One of my favorite albums came out right away. One of them was released basically out of nowhere. A handful of top albums I never would have put on there any other year. And, another chunk just completely surprised me and have to be mentioned here.

No real use chatting away. Getting right into things, here's my top 25 albums of the year; with a quick rundown of my 25-11:

25. Béyonce — Lemonade 24. Conor Oberst — Ruminations 23. NxWorries — Yes Lawd! 22. Kaytranada — 99.9% 21. Blood Orange — Freetown Sound 20. Angel Olsen — My Woman 19. Wilco — Schmilco 18. Run the Jewels — Run the Jewels 3 17. Kamaiyah — A Good Night in the Ghetto 16. Flume — Skin 15. Leonard Cohen — You Want It Darker 14. James Blake — The Colour of Anything 13. Car Seat Headrest — Teens of Denial 12. Radiohead — A Moon Shaped Pool 11. Bon Iver — 22, A Million

Trust me, ordering those wasn't the easiest. Some real random albums on there, for me at least. A lot more smaller names than I ever list. And, a lot more music from the hip-hop world. Also, I'm pretty sure I've never placed Radiohead, Bon Iver, or James Blake outside of my top 10. With these fifteen out of the way though, onto the good part of the list! Here we go folks, my top ten albums of 2016...

10. A Tribe Called Quest — We got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service 18 YEARS. Eighteen years it had been since we last got an album from one of hip-hop's great acts. Drawing from formulas Tribe has proved successful, We got it from Here demonstrates why this group has remained in the upper echelon of artists, even in their absence. With deep influences of East Coast hip-hop, classic jazz undertones, guests spots from both long-time Tribe friends Busta Rhymes and Consequence, as well as current kings like Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Andre 3000, Anderson .Paak—Even a perfectly placed drop from the late former member Phife Dawg—this was arguably the best hip-hop album, and best surprise album of the year.

Favorite Tracks: We the People..., Dis Generation, Kids...

9. Vince Staples — Prima Donna This one is sort of sneaking onto the list. I typically don't include EP's. But, Prima Donna had to be on this list. You get five seconds into War Ready, and you'll understand exactly why (hint: it has to do with a brilliantly used sample of Outkast/Andre 3000). Just seven tracks and twenty-one minutes long, this albums comes with a heavy punch right to your chest. Vince is a force to be reckoned with in this game. If you don't know his name yet, you're going to soon.

Favorite Tracks: War Ready, Smile, Big Time

8. Solange — A Seat at the Table Yes, Solange made the better album of the Knowles sisters. Every year has an album that takes a political stance, covers our current events, touches on topics at hand—This is that album. A Seat at the Table brings funk, soul, and R&B blended together to deliver a message of empowerment, grief, healing, and weariness. We brush on prejudice, and struggles with racism in the current culture—in a way that truly speaks to you as a listener. Solange changed her sound and style, and she landed in a space I hope she plans to stay.

Favorite Tracks: Cranes in the Sky, Don't Touch My Hair, Don't You Wait

7. Anderson .Paak — Malibu Okay, yes, I'm going to get flack from the crew over at VNYL for placing this so low (really, is 7 even low?). But, it still made the list! Put it this way, .Paak had one of the best years of anyone not named Chance or Donald Glover. He was everywhere (including earlier on my list). This dude not only has one of the most soulful voices, best bands, and killer features—he appeared on practically every big album of the last couple of years. .Paak and Malibu have drawn similarities to both Stevie Wonder and Kendrick Lamar. The most difficult thing to do to this album is categorize it. Blurring more lines than a horrible 2013 pop hit, Malibu reaches Funk, R&B, Soul, Hip-Hop, and a number of smaller sub-genres. This is an album for music fans, even if you doubt you'd like it. Put this on, and play it loud. You'll be dancing to it before the end of the opening track.

Favorite Tracks: Am I Wrong, Silicon Valley, Heart Don't Stand A Chance

6. Sturgill Simpson — A Sailor's Guide to Earth A lot of people first heard Simpson's name from his beautiful cover of In Bloom. I so hope that you dove into this Grammy nominated album (Album of the Year and Best Country Album). Described as a "modern Waylon Jennings," Simpson is making country music for non-country fans. A more personal album than I ever expected, A Sailor's Guide is a letter written to his wife and newborn son while stationed away for the Navy. Singing over Sharon Jones' Dap-Kings, Simpson wrote and performed one of my favorite concept albums in recent memory. If this is the future of country music, consider me sold.

Favorite Tracks: Breakers Roar, Sea Stories, In Bloom

5. Chance the Rapper — Coloring Book Another sort of cheat on the list, as I don't typically include mixtures either. But, when the mixtape is better than most everything else released that year—on the list it goes! With elements of hip-hop, gospel, and rap, Chance has never shined so bright. Put it this way, while recording, Chance was able to get the following artists on board: Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Francis and the Lights, Justin Bieber, and Ty Dolla Sign. He even locked down Kirk Franklin and the Chicago Children's Choir. There's a reason he played for President Obama so many times. Honestly, there isn't a lot to say about this album. It's a must listen. So, just go do that.

Favorite Tracks: No Problem, Blessings, All Night

4. Gallant — Ology From the opening note of Ology, you can tell you're in for a treat. And then... And then you hear Gallant's falsetto. That incredible falsetto. Truthfully, I don't know if I've ever heard a more impressive introduction to a debut album. Gallant is a force. A voice this big, yet it feels as though you're peering into a room of just him and his pains. This album starts on a high note (figuratively and literally), and just builds and binds as you listen. Drawing the attention from artists such as Frank Ocean, Seal, even Prince, Gallant finally found his voice and gifted us the album he's waited his entire life to make. And we couldn't be more thankful.

Favorite Tracks: Bourbon, Skipping Stones, Bone + Tissue

3. Frank Ocean — Blond(e) Yes, I attached/didn't attach the "e." Debate as you'd like. Is this a digital vs physical release thing? Is it a deeper gender rooted one from Frank himself? Right now, it's because whichever version you take, I'm talking about that one. This year, we were not only graced with the long awaited follow-up to 2012's phenomenal Channel Orange, but we were given TWO albums from Frank. Because Endless was never officially released in anything but video format, I'm not going to cover it. Blonde though... This album was everything we waited for and so much more. Full of twists and turns, loose ends and sprawling melodies, there are so many elements here that seem out of place, yet work as strengths. Carefully crafted landscapes weave us through the deep emotions Frank seems to shelter from everyone. We get a glimpse at the romantic, at the beauty, the depth that makes Frank Frank. This album was vastly different than his previous. This album is sparse, it's vacant, but not hollow. You're in an empty room, but there's so space to move. Pitchfork said it perfectly, stating, "These songs are not for marching, but they still serve a purpose. They’re about everyday lives, about the feat of just existing, which is a statement in its own right."

Favorite Tracks: Solo, Pink + White, Nights, White Ferrari

2. Childish Gambino — Awaken, My Love I've been a fan of Gambino for the very beginning. The nerdy hipster that raps about Freaks and Geeks, and Sufjan Stevens—so different, and so relatable. Queue 2016 Gambino. When Glover decided to reinvent his musical persona and punch us all in the gut when he decided to channel his inner 70's and give us the record nobody ever saw being made. The rapper we knew is gone. No more Adele samples. Instead, we bring in R&B, psych rock, soul, and funk. With the lead singles Me and Your Mama and Redbone, a new era was upon us. Name drops of Prince, of D'Angelo, of Sly and the Family Stone, of George Clinton! Glover reinvented himself in a way that shocked the music world. Redbone was arguably the best song of the year. The retro fusion created, with the absence of rap altogether, is a treat. Hearing Glover sing, actually sing (and with no vocal manipulation), makes this album what it is. Yes, this is a different Childish Gambino. Yes, I miss the old. But, I'm not the slightest bit worried with where he is going. Glover was finally cast in a Spiderman. He created, directed, stared in his own new Golden Globe winning show. He was cast in a new Star Wars film. Then he wrapped the year by releasing one of the most groundbreaking records in the last few years. Needless to say, Donald Glover and Childish Gambino handedly won 2016.

Favorite Tracks: Redbone, Me and Your Mama, Have Some Love, Boogieman

1. David Bowie — Black Star Look up here, I'm in heaven / I've got scars that can't be seen...

A true gift to the world, from the legend that is David Bowie, on his 69th birthday. A heartbreaking and beautiful farewell to his fans, just two days before his passing. Bowie's swan song, his departing gift. He had recorded the entire album over the previous year in complete secrecy. Upon its release, the world was shocked. Applauded as one of his best works—becoming his first, and only, number one record in the States.

Touching on genres from industrial rock, hip-hop, jazz, and art rock, influencers ranged from Kendrick Lamar to Boards of Canada. This is not a pop album. But, this is a Bowie album through and through. He experiments, he hides messages, he reaches out to touch those lost and confused.

Bowie was a star, a Spaceman, an anomaly. He gifted us with music that will last forever. This collection of songs is breathtaking. It's hauntingly beautiful, and uplifting. He will forever be missed, and forever be loved. Leaving us with some of his best work was a move that only he could make.

Sean O'Neal, of the A.V. Club, perfectly stated, "a sonically adventurous album that proves Bowie was always one step ahead — where he'll now remain in perpetuity."

Thank you for everything. Rest in peace, Mr. Stardust...

Favorite Tracks: This album is seven songs long. Listen to it all. Bowie deserves that.

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What a year of music. Truthfully, I wish I had spent more time with it. There weren't as many big albums as years past. But, so many more gems. There were albums from favorite artists of mine that I basically completely overlooked (Sorry Jimmy Eat World, Thrice, Regina Spektor!!!). I'm surprised as many of you with some of spots on my list. But, these were all amazing albums. Very excited to see what these artists have in store for the future.

Looking past these, and into 2017, I want to list my five most anticipated albums to come. Some we may not get (I see you Brand New), but hopefully these are all in the coming months.

Then, just because I'm not adding any honorable mentions to my best of list this year, I'm adding five more to my most anticipated. HEY, it's my list, I can do what I want!

Okayyyy... That's it! That's my wrap up. 2016 is done and gone. And I'm already diving into 2017. I'm excited to see what music is to come. I'm excited to expand my ever growing vinyl collection. I'm excited to see better and better concerts. And, I'm excited to experience those incredible musical moments with the my favorite friends and loved ones. Follow me on Discogs, Spotify, or Last.fm. Happy New Year everyone.

Thai for Two Weeks

Currently, I'm sitting at Tom N Tom's Coffee in Bangkok—sucking up their wifi, and charging a plethora of devices. Next up for me? A trip to the BKK Airport, and roughly 23 hours before I see the beautiful land of my many forefathers—San Francisco (Spanish, I believe).

Alright... No, I didn't blog my entire trip like I had originally planned. Seriously, I've been in Thailand for 10 days. Did you really think I be posting on here on the regular? I will be posting a couple little things though, so stay tuned. I definitely have pictures and videos I want to get online. So, those are to come. But, for now...

Today was it! My last day. And really, it has been bittersweet. The last 24 hours or so, was just me and my boy Stephen. Oddly, the most low-key time we spent my entire trip out here. Woke up this morning in a pretty nice AirBnb, walked out to grab coffee (yes, at this same coffee shop I am back at now), and that was basically it! With Stephen headed back to island life for another two weeks, give or take, we said our good bye's here.

Have to say, it's sad seeing him go. Ten days with the guy, after him being gone for 10 months, you grow quite attached to that guy (don't tell him I said that). From here, he's got two more months out in this crazy world—hitting up both Cambodia and Vietnam, before coming back to the states.

From all of our friends back home, that didn't get to see you up close and personal like I've gotten to—we love you man, and we're all so proud of you. You're doing some truly amazing stuff out here. Experiencing Remote Year up close; meeting those involved, hearing the stories, talking to the employees, and even being included in the activities... This is one very incredible organization. You're living a life that most can't even dream of. Thank you, for allowing me to come out and be a part of it. Two more months man. Can't wait to have you back in California. Chicken and waffles are calling for us! Travel safe my brother. Keep the updates coming, and we'll be seeing you on Skype.

Best of 2015 — Albums

Today is January 31. My goal each year is to post my year end list by the end of January the following year. I do this because I spend the month relistening to all of my top albums from the previous year. I dig deep, I catch up on things I may have missed, I get everything into order. And finally, I get to this point.

In 2015 I used Spotify to stream nearly 25k minutes of music. I listened to over 1,600 different artists, and over 5k different tracks. Those are my Spotify stats. I can't even begin to imagine where I'd be once I factor in iPod, iTunes, podcasts, live shows, and radio.

Because I've waited so long to post this, I won't be too crazy about it. instead of talking about every album, I'm just going to say something about my top 10. I know some friends have been waiting to read this for a while (Hi Katelyn!), and I don't want to make them wait any longer lol

25. Majical Cloudz—Are You Alone? 24. Justin Bieber—Purpose 23. Adele—25 22. El Vy—Return To The Moon 21. Ryan Adams—1989 20. Future—DS2 19. Youth Lagoon—Savage Hills Ballroom 18. Beach House—Depression Cherry 17. Dr. Dre—Compton 16. Jason Isbell—Something More Than Free 15. Dawes—All Your Favorite Bands 14. Noah Gundersen—Carry The Ghost 13. Big Grams—Big Grams 12. Alabama Shakes—Sound & Color 11. The Decemberists—What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World

And now, my top ten albums of 2015... 

10. Sleater-Kinney—No Cities To Love These girls are legends in the rock world. They've been on hiatus since 2005, but not out of the spotlight (Carrie Brownstein, Portlandia). When this album dropped in January, I knew it would be an amazing year for music. Back with all the grit and attitude we've been without for a decade - these girls came back for their throne.

Favorite Tracks: Price Tag, No Cities To Love, Surface Enemy

9. Jamie xx—In Colour While this is no album from The xx, it's a new album from The xx. Jamie brought that cryptic feel, and mixed it with the electronic and dance vibes we all wanted - even if we didn't know we wanted it. nominated for a Grammy this year, it is full of tracks you've been feeling all year, without actually knowing who was behind it.

Favorite Tracks: Loud Places, I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times), Girl

8. CHVRCHES—Every Eye Open  CHVRCHES finally released their highly anticipated follow-up to their 2013 phenomenal debut album, The Bones of What You Believe (my number four album of 2013), and absolutely crushed it. This album was everything I could have wanted. The amazing Lauren Mayberry come strong with amazing vocals and powerful lyrics, over some of the most exciting electronic beats of the year. The only thing to improve this album was seeing them play most of it live at the Treasure Island Music Festival in San Francisco.

Favorite Tracks: Clearest Blue, Never Ending Circles, Bury It

7. Leon Bridges—Coming Home  This album... This was the album nobody knew they wanted to have. It was the biggest surprise of the year for me, and most satisfying. We very rarely get albums that appeal to everyone from young kids, hipsters, adults, and grandparents. Bridges created just that. Bringing the sounds of Motown, adding his soulful vocals with the perfect R&B vibes, this album is going to continue gaining popularity over the next year - no question about it.

Favorite Tracks:  River, Better Man, Coming Home

6. Tame Impala—Currents  If you aren't onboard with Tame Impala yet, you're missing out. I wasn't sold on this album right away. Then I realized how often I was listening to it. the things these guys do with their sound is just incredible. I still swear they're channeling The Beatles in everything they do, but that's a positive in my book. Really looking forward to seeing these guys later this year at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley.

Favorite Tracks: the Less I Know The Better, Eventually, Let It Happen

5. James Bay—Chaos And The Calm  Very quickly this year I became obsessed with this man. His voice is beautiful. His lyrics are personal, and perfect. While I don't have this as what I think is the best album this year, it might my favorite. I've probably listened to it more than any other album. Bay sings with his heart, and backs it with his beautiful guitar playing. He's a folk singer, that knows just how to tell his stories. Listen to this album. Trust me.

Favorite Tracks: Let It Go, Scars, Hold Back the River, If You Ever Want To Be In Love

4. Courtney Barnett—Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit  I'm not typically a big fan of solo female artists. I have nothing against them, just usually don't grab me off the bat. Barnett grabbed me. She grabbed me, and shook me all year long. Simply put, this was one of the most impressive debut albums I've listened to in quite some time. Australia is delivering some of my absolute favorite artists right now (still obsessed with Ben Howard btw), and I couldn't be happier (really, keep them coming!). Barnett shreds on her guitar, and really tells her stories with a punch.

Favorite Tracks: Pedestrian at Best, Depreston, Nobody Really Cares If You Don't Go To The Party

3. Sufjan Stevens—Carrie & Lowell  Sufjan, oh, Sufjan... Over the last decade, this man has made some of my favorite music. After his giant shift in sound on his 2010 Age of Adz,  I was worried what he would be back with. Never did I think it would be an autobiographical album about the relationship he had with his stepfather, Lowell, and his alcoholic mother that left him as a child, Carrie—all told beautifully through these eleven songs. A collection of tales; a psalter. Painful, but full of beauty. This is such an incredible album that it will take you several listens before you even realize (if you even do) that the entire thing is without percussions **glass shattering realization sound effect**. That's right... Zero drums on this album. And, you know what? You won't miss them one bit.

Favorite Tracks:   Blue Bucket of Gold, Should Have Known Better, Fourth of July

2. Father John Misty—I Love You, Honeybear  This was a tough one. If it wasn't for how iconic I believe my number one album will become, this would take the top spot with ease. FJM (Josh Tillman)  recorded a truly intimate, open, and honest album that all should know. The best thing I've read about this album was from Pitchfork , stating it is "so cynical it's repulsive and so openhearted it hurts." This is a love letter to Emma, his wife. It tells the tales of love in all of the ways we've dreamed of expressing ourselves. Describing this album is difficult. Tillman is an ass. But, you love him. He defines hipster, but goes completely against it at the same time. If you ever have a chance to spin this on vinyl, do so. Grab a glass of scotch, and lose yourself. 

Favorite Tracks:  I Love You, Honeybear, Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins), The Night Josh Tillman Came To Our Apartment

1. Kendrick Lamar—To Pimp A Butterfly When I look back at the notes I wrote for this album, the first line written down is "groundbreaking, game changing, personal/introspective, historic, important"

Yeah, that's just a list of words. But, they get right to the core of this album. No matter how you look at it, Kendrick created a masterpiece. This is a story. A story about himself, about Compton, about black lives, and the struggle African Americans have faced throughout history, and continue to do-so still today. Kendrick sees where he has come from, and where he is now. He tells about how he hasn't done nearly enough to help change the way things are. He tells about feeling guilty, about rising to superstardom. And he does so in such intelligent ways. 

TPAB is a smart album. It is deep. The samples he uses, and the influences throughout (a rap album with oh so much jazz), and clever use of non-traditional instrumentation (the horns are gorgeous). Listening to him sit and interview Tupac... What??! Make no mistake, this is an epic. A tale. One that needed to be told. This is not an album full of singles. It was made to be heard as an album. Sit, put it on, listen to it start to finish. That's how you're going to get the tale. The history lesson we should all know and understand.

Kendrick keeps growing as an artist. seeing him open for Kanye a couple years ago, I saw just what he could become. Even now, I don't think he's there yet. Kendrick is nowhere near done. He released this album, and it didn't even include the songs he played on both the final Colbert Report or Fallon  . It doesn't touch on the guest spots he's had (Big Sean's "Control" or the new Kanye track "No More Parties in LA").

Kendrick Lamar just created, what I think will be, one of the most important hip-hop records of all-time. And, he's just getting started. 

Favorite Tracks: King Kunta, The Blacker The Berry, Hood Politics, How Much A Dollar Cost, i

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And that's it! Those are my top 25 best albums of 2015. Narrowing it to 25 was difficult, to say the least. My top three were basically locked from the moment those albums came out. they didn't shift even a little bit. But, everything else did. Even writing this list, I made last minute adjustments I hadn't planned on.  

Just like I do every year, I want to include a couple of honorable mentions. These didn't make the cut. They could have, maybe should have. But, for whatever reason I don't have them on my list, I still want you to be aware of them.

Honorable Mentions

Death Cab for Cutie—Kintsugi Chris Stapleton—Traveller  The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die—Harmlessness

D'Angelo and the Vanguard—Black Messiah

Now... This D'Angelo album was a tough one. It was a surprise release in December of 2014. But, the physical album was released in January of 2015. It deserves to be on a list, but I'm not sure how I should have placed it. I'm adding it here. If, for some reason, you haven't heard it yet—fix that. D'Angelo was gone for 14 years. He came back with one hell of an amazing album.

Most Anticipated 

Let's face it folks, 2016 is upon us. Tomorrow is February. It's almost time for the Super Bowl! Jeeze...

Here's my list of most anticipated albums of 2016 (two of which we've already been told we are for sure getting. Don't keep letting me down guys!).  None of these have an album title just yet, aside from the new Kanye West album—which, has already changed names once this year, and is due out in just over two weeks. I cannot wait to get my hands on these. My ears are too eager.

Brand New Radiohead Frank Ocean Kanye West—Waves LCD Soundsystem Gorillaz M83

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That's it!  That's 2015! I'll attach a playlist here of my top 25 songs of the year. But, it's basically a track from most of these albums (shocker, right?). Already saving albums from this past month, and excited to see what 2016 brings us. With those to come, I know it's going to be an incredible year of music. Maybe this time around I'll post my list in December, before the year even ends... But probably not? 

Per usual, follow along with my music listening journey on any network you'd like. I'm on Spotify, last.fm, or follow up Discogs, where you can watch my physical record collection grow.

#NowPlaying Believe You're Mine by Nada Surf Man are these guys great. I'm so excited they're the new #VMP artist. Can't wait to get that, and for new music!

I made it to the top.

In just over a month, I'm going to turn 29. I've been lucky enough to have a group of guys, of brothers, that I've known for the better part of my life. A small group, I've known since I started kindergarten. Another, since middle school and high school. Never have I taken this for granted. I truly love all of these guys.

For Labor Day Weekend of this year, we bonded in a way we never have, and made memories we'll never forget. After a solid years worth of planning, myself, and eleven other guys from across the state met at the one and only Curry Village, in the Yosemite National Park. We knew what we had in store that weekend. But... Had no idea what we had in store. Twelve guys eating pizza and drinking some beer, and called it an early night. For, come dawn, we were hiking Half Dome.​

Everyone that you ask has a different story about Half Dome. Some people did it in ten hours. It took some 15 miles, while it took others 18.  I don't care about all of them—I'm telling you about my day. And, it was hell.

  We started our day with alarms going off at 4:30 am. By 5:45, we had left camp, and on our way—First stop, Happy Isle trail head.  From Happy Isle, you head up the Mist Trail. Know this... in the middle of this California Drought, the "Mist" trail is really just a trail made of granite step after granite step. And, be known, it's actually one of the worst parts of the entire hike (the other stairs definitel top these—more to come on that later).

If you aren't physically prepared for this hike, you'll find out now. I found out. Maybe I should have forced myself to the gym on those "off day's" after all.

Once you step your way up the Mist Trail, you're at Vernal Falls. Here we had a quick rest, and saw our group split in half. This is where we found our pace, and grouped with those we'd be with the rest of the day. Moving past Vernal, we were on our way. Weaving through switchbacks, some more steps, and some (finally!) relatively flat ground—Nevada Falls awaits!

WARNING: If you plan on ever attempting this hike - Nevada Falls is the last spot to refill your water (stay tuned), and it's the last toilet—if that's your kind of thing. 

Leaving Nevada Falls, the trail marker clearly tells you there's still another 4.5 miles until Half Dome. I'm assuming that means until you hit the base of the rock. 

Working your way through the gorgeous backwoods of Yosemite Valley is something incredible. the sheer beauty that is carved into this incredible state of ours.

Hiking, hiking, and more hiking. I knew this day would be long—this was something else. I've already had more water than I planned, a year's worth of jerkey, and more almond butter than I can explain. This day was beyond LONG. 

To speed things up, I'll fast forward a little... 

Finally making our way up the last large hill, we reach the base of the Sub Dome—The Half Dome hike is filled with hiking the trail, climbing the Sub Dome, trekking across the Saddle, and then (finally) traversing the notorious cables to the summit of Hald Dome itself. 

Now... Let me tell you a little something that nobody seems to tell you/warn you about prior to this hike—the stairs of the Sub Dome are the most difficult part of this entire hike. Again, THIS IS THE WORST PART. And, it's not even close. Cables? Wear gloves, work your arms, you're good to go. These stairs, there's no preparing for them. They will destroy you.

By this point of my hike, I was hiking alone. If you have even the slightest fear of heights, you might freeze here and want to turn back. That alone made sure my friends got to the top as quick as possible. My body wouldn't let me. The sky was hazey and full of smoke (California wildefires everywhere), but the view around was still incredible. Something full of awe.

(Note: There was NO WAY I was taking a picture while on these stairs. Whatever you're imagining, they were worse) 

Being alone, I was having the toughest internal struggle I've ever worked to power through. And there were absolutely times I didn't think I'd make it. But, all of these miles in, and all of the work that I did—there was no way that I'd get to the top of these stairs and not tackle and climb the cables to the top of the rock. 

Going back to my amazing group of friends for a minute. Of all that I have, the most recent is Michael McGrew. We became brothers on the first day of college, when we met as roommates, and we both knew we made a friend for life. 

When I finished the Sub Dome and reached the Saddle, I saw the last member of my small group working his way up the cables. I was the last of our twelve, and completely exhausted. Sitting at the base of the cables though, was Michael (Mikey Fresh). he had just come down. And hearing him encourage me up, and tell me it was worth it, and that my group was there waiting for me... it was all I needed to hear.  

I strapped on my gloves, tightened my climbing harness, and set forth. While nobody tells you about the Sub Dome stairs, everyone talks about the cables. Let me say, they've earned their reputation. "Steep" doesn't begin to explain them. 

While this is talked about as being the most difficult part of the day, it was shockingly the easiest for me.​ I may have been because I have some experience climbing. It may have been because I'm just comfortable on rocks. It may have been because I was exhausted, wantd to get to the top to see my friends and celebrate the fact I actually did it.

What took the group anywhere between 45-75 minutes, I climbed in a quick 20. Trust me, if you don't have to spend extra time on these cables, don't. They aren't easy. They aren't fun. The view is both phenomenal and terrifying—and I have zero fear of heights.​ But this climb is practically straight up. And, that's not an exaggeration.

After being on the trail for nearly seven hours—I DID IT. I dropped the cables, and walked over the crest and was standing atop the iconic Half Dome. HALF DOME. I actually climbed the beast. Wandering the summit, looking for my small group of friends to celebrate, I was greeted with an amazing "Yeah! YOU F*@#ING DID IT!!!"​ from the famous Stephen Genest, as he came right toward me with arms open.

Everyone hugged, everyone cheered, everyone sighed out of exhaustion—while never feeling more physically accomplished.​

I started this day with a group of twleve. Twelve truly great, unmistakably incredible friends.​ And I'm lucky enough to have many, many more friends that couldn't make this weekend. i've never taken my friends for granted. I can't, and I won't. I've been blessed over my lif, being surrounded by the best support group one could ask for.​

With the exception of several friends, I could not have picked a better group of guys to be at the top of this mountain with. These five men are the best men I know. They have been with me through it all. they have made me. ​

My best friend Robbie. We met the first day of kindergarten, and have never left each others' side.​ Brothers for life. We've been hiking together since we were kids, and I don't plan on stopping. But, this was the toughest one yet. And, I'm quiet alrigt not topping it any time soon. Twenty-nine years man. Here's to many, many more.

Brett and Scott, my other kindergarten friends. Too many memories between us. I can't believe that we added this one to the list. I've experienced more with Brett than most friends ever will. And we're closer because of it all. Scott, my trail partner. You're such a lifesaver. If you only really knew. I finished this hike because of you.​

Stephen, there are just no words to express what I feel towards you. You're always there for me, through​ anything, no questions asked. I can always count on you. We've seen it all, and done it all. Lets go thourgh this bucketlist and find something to plan next.

Devin, while I haven't known you as long as the others, you're absolutely no less influential to who I am. This entire trip; the training, the planning, the finishing... I did it all because of you.​ You motivated me more than you will ever know. Long days at work, followed by hours at the gym - You. Giving up Memorial Day to drive to Yosemite to tackle half the hike - You. "Thank you" will never be enough.

​

Never in my life have I felt more accomplished. I was standing on top of Half Dome. I took pictures, I made a phone call, I ate snacks, and I drank water. Scratch that—I drank no water. I wanted to, but I was empty. Completely dry. Joy. I shared water and Gatorade with friends, and we packed up to head down. This, I actually loved.

Trekking down the cables was a blast. A loose grip, and light feet, it's a basic rappel. And, a lot of fun. The hike down was filled with a lot of excitement.  I'm sure a good deal of that was brought on because I was pushing dehydration—seeing as the nearest water source was five miles away. Let me say it now, because I cannot say it enough... LifeStraws are incredible. Buy one, bring one, every time you hike.

To wrap this up... I started this way the same way I ended it- in the dark with a headlamp on. Walking stride by stride with Mr. Lewis, we came shuffling into camp right in time for an evening beer. Beer has never tasted so delicious. A shower and bed rounded out the night. 

The weekend was capped the next morning. I struggled to get out of bed, crawled to the general store with Robbie, and bought our "I Made it to the Top" shirts.  Because, you know what? We did just that.

FINALLY some new music from Half Moon Run! Beyond excited for this new album!!

It is so ordered. Congratulations America... This is one hell of a proud moment.

Oh butterflies, you steal my sleep each night

Day is over, but I don't care! Happy birthday to the best big sister I could ask for! Love you tons Jennifer Lynn! Thanks for being someone who's footsteps in proud to follow in. Here's to an amazing 29! #happybirthday #loveyou #vscocam #afterlight #diptic (at Casa de Dempsey)

My love, I can be that...

Can't wait to see the Niner's win some games here. The future this place holds...

Arcade Fire melting my face off once again. Un. Freaking. Real. #vscocam #afterlight #arcadefire #reflektor (at Shoreline Amphitheatre At Mountain View)