I went to Yosemite this season with a plan to rope solo the Zodiac on El Cap. I wasn’t 100% sure if I would go for it or not, but my gear was organized and rack packed - just in case. I showed up to Yosemite with an increasing resolve to commit to this dream. All of a sudden I was off the ground, inching my way up with an array of cams, hooks, nuts and beaks. I’ve always been drawn to solo adventure and the Zodiac appealed to me because it’s steep (mostly clean falls) and I hadn’t done it yet, so it would be a true adventure. After fixing the first few pitches, I spent my first official day on the wall getting myself and haul bag to the top of pitch five, just below the black tower. I was mentally exhausted from dealing with rope tangles and logistics but I was proud of my calmness amid the problem solving. I woke up early the next day and watched the birds cut through the dawn light as I drank my coffee. All of sudden, I hear a whup-whup-whup and look just in time to see my phone soar with an impressive outward trajectory toward the talus field below. My heart sinks because in an instant I know that it’s over. Not only was my phone a life line up there and a way to keep an eye on the weather, but my first thought was of Drew who was in Baffin Island. We had been messaging (via his sat phone), sharing our respective adventures at the end of each day. I thought of how stressed he would feel with messages going unreturned and complete radio silence for the next four days. In my heart, I had only one option. I was nervous getting myself and my heavy gear off the wall but I took a deep breathe and began my journey back to the ground. I was reminded of the things that are most important to me in this world and gained invaluable knowledge for self rescue. Next time, if solo, I would have a back-up coms device and a better communication plan. As always, I’m inclined to share these stories of attempts/change of plans etc because they are often the most important stories to tell. After coming down, I wanted to leave the valley but instead stayed and played in the river and on the rocks with friends - another perspective check. ❤️