Roger that!
It becomes more than a "pilgrimmage" rather than a hike after first one. Something about the air (or lack thereof) and the granite sentinels around you. Of course, the people, too. You meet some very interesting people at the campgrounds, the store and on the trails.
My wife and I were married at the Portal July 2007 and we reached the summit last July to celebrate our first anniversary with fellow poster BruinDave. We can proudly gloat, "We were up there." Mother Nature announced her congratulations with rain, sleet, snow, wind and, of course, lightning and thunder. Quite the anniversary present.
OfeFish: Congratulations. Great shot of you two! That peak behind you (Lone Pine Peak) adds a little perspective to the shot and is calling you two to climb it!
It brings joy and a smile to our faces to those who have reached the top to read about someone reaching the top of "Mecca West" for the very first time, because we remember our very first time. It took me 17 hours, 12 minutes and 25.03 seconds my first time. See? You never forget!
Have fun.
