CALIFORNIA HIKER The Merced Hikers Some of the Merced Hikers. Photo by Renate. HISTORY: Our hiking group was formed when a few ICU nurses (formerly of Sutter Merced Medical Center) had a desire to hike to the top of Half Dome. In January 2000 Renate set a date for a Half Dome Hike. In preparation of the big hike we planned on hiking together once a month. People were definitely interested! We took our first hike in Pescadero Marsh along Highway 1 in February 2000, in the rain. We all had so much fun, we vowed to do this again. And we did! Many adventures later, we are still hiking in 2005. Photos and Graphics by California Hiker. Please do not take!