these eyes have seen alotta loves but they're never gonna see another one like i had with you.02/23/2012  There just isn't any kind of night's sleep in the world that can compare with the night's sleep you get in the desert winter night, providing you're good and warm in a duck-down bag. The silence is so intense that you can hear your own blood roar in your ears but louder than that by far is the mysterious roar which I always identify with the roaring of the diamond of wisdom, the mysterious roar of silence itself, which is a great Shhhhh reminding you of something you've seemed to have forgotten in the stress of your days since birth. I wished I could explain it to those I loved, to my mother, to Japhy, but there just weren't any words to describe the nothingness and purity of it. "Is there a certain and definite teaching to be given to all living creatures?" was the question probably asked to the beetlebrowed snowy Dipankara, and his answer was the roaring silence of the diamond. Kerouac  Top photo, above & below: Dynamic sunset. Morning, It was a blustery day up top. The wind gusts must have been in the 50's. The high was 39 degrees. The low was 30 degrees. It was 35 degrees and clearing at observation. The mountain received .38" of rain yesterday. There is still some patchy snow on the ground and it looks like the trails are pretty icy. With the little birdies chirping and the grass smelling the smell of fresh spring rain and the pure unbroken intensity of sunset yesterday still burnt in my mind as if I had woken up in the middle of an all too pleasant to be real dream ... It is bittersweet, but mostly sweet to think I only have a week left up here. Winter has passed by like a ship in the night and I hope to meet her again one day.   CommentsPaul B 02/23/2012 9:16am
Just a week left...say it aint so Joe. You will be missed and I think we would all agree that we would love to have you return again in November. Les Rust 02/23/2012 9:25am
JP -- Again, your pictures are wonderful and give me a lift in the day. Sorry to hear that you only have a week left up at the lodge. You have done a great job of blogging this winter; I really appreciate it. I first climbed LeConte back in the mid 60s and it has had a special place in my heart ever since. Thanks again for doing such a great job this winter. I hope that you get to see bobkitten before you leave; having grown up in the Smokies I know how elusive it can be. Blessings on you. Tony Ga 02/23/2012 9:56am
When you said you only had a week left, it was like a sadness came over me. Feels like I'll be losing an old friend in a week. Thanks for sharing the mountain with us. Happy trails to you and I hope our paths cross again. Kathy F 02/23/2012 10:05am
Wow....I can't believe you only have a week left too! Time sure does fly. Thank you for all of your awesome pictures and your daily updates!! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us too. We have all enjoyed reading them. Take care! Andrea 02/23/2012 11:06am
I can't believe it's almost time for you to go, kid. Thanks for the great job you did this winter keeping us in touch with our beloved mountain. Don't be a stranger and hope to see you again in a few months. Candy 02/23/2012 11:17am
I agree with everyone above....it will be sad to see that you will no longer be posting pictures and comments....sometimes I feel as if you are inside of my head, saying exactly what I feel when reading your blog on the natural beauty of the mountains, snow, sky, view, all. I am sure I am not alone in the familiar way of thinking....thank you for your youthful view of the mountain....may we never grow too old to travel and view God's beauty. Terri 02/23/2012 11:47am
JP...wow...your time on the mountain seems to have gone quick to those of us who have been following your posts. Thank you for all you pictures and updates. Rod 02/23/2012 11:54am
Only a week left, and your most illusive neighbor continues to remain unseen. The building concern whether you will achieve your winter long objective in time has tied this blog together, akin to a good story, hopefully to reach a finale of succeeding before you must leave the mountain. Jacque J 02/23/2012 12:39pm
What an amazing sunset! J.P. you have done a great job with the blog this winter!!!! Good luck with whatever lies ahead for you! Ziggy 02/23/2012 12:49pm
I can just envision JP singing this old Beatles tune on his way down off of LeConte next week, with the mountain (and all of us) replying - please come back someday! Ben 02/23/2012 12:57pm
It has been awesome dude! Thanks so much for bringing the mountain to us. As I read your words and see your pictures I can feel, hear, see, and smell the mountain from my office building in Augusta. "See Me, Feel Me, Touch Me, Heal Me". Sharon 02/23/2012 2:51pm
Add me to the many who will miss you when you're gone. Your stories, your excerpts and quotes, your photos ... they are my virtual candy every day. I look to the mountain and know you're up there, and it gives me peace and pleasure to pop in and see what new treats you have to offer. Happy trails to you!! We will forever remember JP and his excellent blog. Thanks JP your awsome!! But I bet your mom tells you that all the time. On your nights when its so quiet, do you ever hear the coyotes howling? Or wolfes? On such a quiet night then to hear one of them, it put me right on the ceiling. Allison really has some big shoes to fill when she gets back. You took her job over and done did it too well. Happy trails kiddo!! Donnie R. 02/23/2012 5:22pm
Post card quality my friend ! Excellent work on the mtn. this winter JP..the best that I can recall. Thanks for all you do ;) Sherry J 02/23/2012 7:42pm
Now do you believe that you are everyones favorite winter caretaker???? I told you so and to think that you thought I was kidding. Seriously, it's been a pleasure to meet & know you. After last weekend you have lots of new, young fans in Syd & her friends. They think you're awesome. I'll see you again before airlift. Btw, did u happen to find the OR gaiters? I hope you enjoy your last few days on the mountain & I do hope you get at least a peek of your bobkitten...... Bill Yeadon 02/23/2012 7:46pm
JP all winter long you have been quoting lyrics "These Eyes" Guess Who that are much older than you. Did you have older siblings or are you just a fan of the 60's. catsac 02/23/2012 9:06pm
i am unable to climb the mt to the lodge due to lung ds. i watch for your pics everyday and feel as if i have been there. thanks so much Zellie's Granddaughter 02/23/2012 10:02pm
Thank you for allowing me to "tag along" on your winter adventure on the mountain. I'll miss your photos, your song lyrics, your quotes, your updates and, of course, this wonderful journey that I've enjoyed all winter. Thank you for introducing me to the winter mountains. Grammy 02/24/2012 12:01am
The last thing I do at the end of the day is read your blog, JP. You have thrilled me, delighted me, inspired me. Your pictures (sans the dying hemlocks), your stories and quotes have been a joyous gift. Thank you. I wouldn't have missed this for the world. Bob 02/24/2012 8:52am
JP, Margo 02/24/2012 8:59am
"Time is the wisest counselor of all." Pericles Leave a Reply |  Allyson Virden
Welcome to the home of the LeConte Lodge blog. My husband Chris and I are starting our 10th season on the mountain. We look forward to sharing the daily happenings from this amazing place we call home. ArchivesMay 2012 CategoriesAll |
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