For Years, I Put Off Backpacking With My Dad. Then He Got Cancer.
Already have an account? The author's father Photo: Maggie Slepian On our first night in Yosemite, my dad unfolded his map on the rickety table in our tent cabin, pointing out big climbs and campsites along the route we’d hike over the next five days. He had mapped a truly incredible trip, ending with a summit of Half Dome that he’d worked hard to procure a permit for. Afterward, just as we finished packing our food, my dad cleared his throat. “Hey Maggie, I have something to tell you,” he said. His tone told me this was something that I wouldn’t want to hear.