Rock star goes AWOL

Artist Hope Werness creates picture postcards of the footloose landmark in her conceputal art project “Half Dome Takes a Vacation.” Below are excerpts from the series of cards on display through Dec. 30 in Mariposa, Calif. Go to arts-mariposa.org/receptions.html.

To: Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite National

Park, Yosemite, CA, USA

Dear A.H.,

After visiting Denali, I headed south to Peru to see Machu Picchu.... It’s at 9,000 feet of elevation. Talk about the high life. Even I’m a little short of breath.

It was discovered in 1911, only 16 years before you opened for business. I’m sure those Inca nobles didn’t get five-star cuisine, and their beds surely weren’t as soft as yours are.

See you soon,

Love, H.D.

To: Sentinel Rock, Yosemite Valley,

Yosemite, CA, U.S.A.

Dear Sentinel Rock,

Here I am in Egypt. .... All this sand is getting on my nerves. It’s all yellow and brown, and I’m getting lonesome for green and blue.

Even for your old gray face!

W.Y.W.H. Love, Half Dome

To: Captain Edward J. Smith,

RMS Titanic, Southhampton,

United Kingdom

Dear Captain Smith,

I greatly appreciate the kind offer of a cabin during your beautiful ship’s maiden voyage. I would certainly enjoy the cruise, but since my dome tops 4,000 feet, I doubt that I could fit even though your ship measures an astonishing 882 feet from stem to stern.

I’ve accepted Wilbur and Orville’s invitation to catch a ride with them at Kitty Hawk instead. I’m not sure how they’re going to manage it, but they assure me they have a plan.

I do like the fresh air and will feel right at home up with the clouds and birds.

Thanks again, and bon voyage,

Yours sincerely, Half Dome