January 27th, 2013

01/27/2013

Morning,

The high yesterday reached 36 degrees. The low was 22 degrees. It was 34 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation yesterday. There is about 2 inches of snow left on the ground. The trails are very, very icy. Be sure to pack some traction devices.

Comments

Debi

01/27/2013 9:05am

Welcome back JP.

Richard H link

01/27/2013 9:06am

Hey, hey, hey! Nice to see whom appears to be a familiar figure standing in the sunshine. Welcome back!

Ryan in Green Bay

01/27/2013 9:24am

I just want to thank that one person to make disparaging about JPs quotes. I hope you are happy. The tone of this blog has done a 180 since. JPs quotes and style of writing made a normal person like me and most the followers of this blog step outside of reality on a daily basis. It has lost that. I understand that people can share opinions, but think before you speak. Welcome back JP.

Linda M

01/27/2013 10:15am

What will it take to get the "old" JP back?

Sandra

01/27/2013 3:04pm

Ditto!

Renate

01/27/2013 10:53am

Welcome back JP!! I don't comment every day but I do read the blog each day! I love the mountains and especially Leconte! Please don't let some people discourage you and your beautiful words! Take care and God bless!!

Cindy in GA

01/27/2013 11:04am

Welcome back JP, you've been missed!!

Rebecca

01/27/2013 11:34am

Hope you had a good time away. Just happy to know you are back on "Post" up top.

Doug in Ga

01/27/2013 1:06pm

"Back in the high life again"..glad you're back on the mountain.relish in the fact that you're at a place you love...a place the rest of us long to be!

Brant

01/27/2013 2:40pm

JP... Hope you had a great trip out west. I add my voice to say those of us down in the flatlands are glad you're back on the Mother Mountain.

Franklin

01/27/2013 2:56pm

Good to have you back on the mountain. Look forward to reading your thoughts and ramblings everyday. And the pictures too. Seems you have a bunch of people that care about you, don't let the bull**** get you down. Come back to us JP !!

Jay McA link

01/27/2013 2:58pm

JP
Glad you are back on the Mtn. Hope the knee has healed. Still have that Green Mtn Bold for you.
Question: you speak often of traction devices. Though I've hiked for over 40 years I've never owned any. Our hike on AT near Charlie's bunion convicted me I now need something. Are Yak traks sufficient? Or Micro Spikes or something more aggressive. And do you take these off in the rocky/soil conditions. As I plan to hike in Feb up your way I need some advice.

Thanks! Figured your a fan of early mid 1900s literary giants so i close with:

“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.”
JRR Tolkien

01/27/2013 3:04pm

Jay,
Thanks for the comment. I love my Microspikes. They're a great compromise between aggressiveness and ease of use. I find 'real' crampons to be a bit much for the trails down here...

You can find them at the NOC. They run around $60...

Barbara

01/27/2013 3:35pm

Jay, good quote.

Steve D

01/27/2013 5:24pm

Jay McA-I will add to what JP said about the microspikes, He recommended them to me about 6 weeks ago, and I have hiked the Alum Cave Trail several times with them when it was pretty icy. They are terrific, and it is ok to keep them on for as long as you want to on the regular trail if you know you still have ice ahead of you. They are made by Kahtoola and though kinda expensive, worth every nickel and more!
JP-I missed you too, and look what happens when you leave, the place just falls apart!

Aaron - Clearwater FL

01/27/2013 5:56pm

Microspikes are a favorite of mine as well.

Sandra

01/27/2013 3:02pm

Glad you're back, JP! I miss your musings & hope you will be back at it soon. I check this site every day, not for the mountain report (I live a long way off) but to see the gorgeous pics & read your observations. Hope all is well with you!

Darla

01/27/2013 3:36pm

I hiked the Alum Cave Trail on November 19, 2012. I did not do very well. I was extremely winded and for physically ill on the way up. I had trained by running and walking. I live in South Mississippi which is not at all similar to a hike up LeConte. My question is as follows: How do you seasoned hikers train for a hike? I obviously did not train correctly. Also, I had said that I wouldn ot do the hike again. However, after returning from our hike, I began reading JPs posts each day and I am determined to return to Mt. LeConte and try to enjoy the mountain as many of you do and as JP does. I miss the beautiful descriptions of the mountain that I must have missed on my first hike. Advice would be appreciated.

Joyce R.

01/27/2013 4:55pm

My suggestion for your next trip to Mt. LeConte, Darla, is to start out early, take your time, and enjoy the mountain!

Paul B

01/27/2013 5:11pm

Darla, I live in SW Ohio which is not exactly mountainous either. I have found a local park with a good hill that I use to hike up and down for an hour+ at a time. It is nothing like LeConte but the rocks, roots, uneven ground etc make it more trail like. I have found that even a relatively flat trail with the roots and rocks is better than a treadmill or level track. Someone on this site a couple years ago also suggested doing stairs in a building. I used to work in a 9 story office building and I would walk the stairs instead of using the elevator, then at the end of the day 2-3 times a week I would do the complete stairs several times. I use a bike on hilly terrain as well. Whatever you do, push yourself a bit, don't make it a casual stroll. Good luck and don't give up!! LeConte is too beautiful not to go back and enjoy. I have found it to be a great motivator!

Steve D

01/27/2013 5:32pm

Darla-I agree with Paul, if you can find something that simulates that elevation that you encounter on Mt Leconte, that will help alot. Everyone's body tends to react differently so if you can find a treadmill that can be elevated at a steep angle or like he said a local building that has a lot of steps, that should help. Good luck, and we hope to see you back out there!

Just 2 years Hiking Leconte

01/27/2013 8:04pm

Like you I was deep south flat-lander, but in middle GA. Zero hills. No expert here, but I prepped as follows - Two days a week in gym alternating 10 minute rapid paced intervals on flat tread mill jogging, ecliptical, tread mill inclined walking, eliptical again, and then stair climber. That makes for an intense hour. 2 days a week I walked/jogged 5 miles, increasing the time interval jogging as much as my fatigue would let me. Then on Sat or Sun I would plan a 8-12 mile walk with backpack weighted similar to what I expected to pack. It's a bit extreme, but in three months I was able to take rainbow up and Bullhead down and enjoy pace without getting wiped out. 3.5mph pace in the flat yielded a 2-2.5mph rate up the mountain. As others have said, start early, set an enjoyable pace, and happy trails.

tomk in SC

01/27/2013 8:29pm

Darla, I was the stairs guy. I've hiked LeConte annually for 25 years and brought a lot of new people hiking. The idea is to be safe and comfortable during and after the trip.
Five things: 1) Uneven terrain to strengthen ankles. Flat, up down, doesn't matter much, just find some bad lawn and walk there regularly, like once a week.
2) Cardio anything. Get to a point where you can put out some serious energy for a couple of hours. Ellipse, bike, jogging, whatever. Learn to eat and drink, water and electrolytes, along the way. All of the folks that have complained of muscle cramps at the top are folks that chose not to drink electrolytes.
3) Stairs. Your goal is to do be at 1500 feet of climb about two weeks before hiking. You have to work up to that or you will be sore. Start at 250' and stair at least once every four or five days. If 250' goes well, move up to 500' Then 750' and so on. A stairs machine won't do it. As it turns out it is the DOWNS that kills your quads after the hike and a machine won't prepare you for DOWNS. Never take stairs down two at a time. It's a good way to lose your teeth or break your neck.
4) Learn to use poles.
5) Don't train with a weighted pack. It unnecessarily loads up knee, ankle and hip joints.

Nobody that has followed this has experienced difficulty. The key is to prepare ahead of time so your hike and the stay at the top is a pleasant one

Darla

01/28/2013 6:08pm

Thanks for all of the advice. I made the hike in 4 and 3/4 hours. Is that slow or should I take my time a bit more on my next hike? I am very determined to do better next time I come to Mt.LeConte. I just want to enjoy it more than last time. I am not exactly a spring chicken (in my early 50s) , but I saw many hikers who were older than me and they were making it up and down in one day.

Anonymous

01/28/2013 9:29am

I once saw a guy in the gym preparing for a hike. He was on a treadmill wearing his hiking boots and his weighted pack.

Debi

01/29/2013 4:41am

Darla, We usually do it in about 3 hours or a little less. Thats with a few breaks and snacks. But, its not a race(thats not what my son thinks) and everyone is at their own pace. Take your time, start early and enjoy that view. And make sure you drink something.

ElCon

01/27/2013 4:00pm

Hope you had a good time last week, JP. Good to see you back on top. Like everyone else, miss your fun writing style.

grammie

01/27/2013 4:11pm

When I signed on today there was the beautiful mountain view and the sign I've been waiting to see; JP has returned. Hope you are rested and renewed. We who follow this blog welcome you, your photography and your intellect. You were missed.

Jan

01/27/2013 6:02pm

Sure am glad I am not the only one who has missed JP 's musings!! I could hardly wait to read them each day. Shame shame shame on the person who has squelched such prose!!! Please come back to us JP and don't let them win!!! We are the ones suffering. If he doesn't want to read it the choice is his!!! Sure am glad you are back caring for our beloved lodge! Stay warm and take care.

JT mobile ala

01/27/2013 6:55pm

JP , I hope you are back, I am not convinced that you are. Could you tell us about your trip ? enjoy reading everyday .

Andy D

01/27/2013 7:05pm

Welcome back, JP.

Ditto on the Microspikes, some of the best gear I own. The AT from Newfound Gap all the way out past Charlies Bunion was like an iceskating rink today, but the Microspikes were solid and I was hardly slowed down.

Mary

01/27/2013 8:09pm

Repeating one of JP's beautiful quotes ..... How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. Anne Dillard. Please come back to us JP, we are all in need of our daily fix of your beautiful and eloquent description of the place we all so dearly love.

Cindy in GA

01/28/2013 6:26am

tomk in SC

01/27/2013 8:14pm

JP: Welcome back! I head to San Diego Super Bowl Sunday. Won't stay long, however, and I'll be back here early WED morning via a CLT red eye. One of the things we talked about here, I THINK it was after you left, was the possibility of snagging a picture of the elusive bobcat. Doug has some game cameras and you would likely know where to place them from your experience with tracks. If you remember where the tracks were and can set up the cameras, you won't have to wait for snow to set them up. You game?

Laurelwood

01/27/2013 8:26pm

Welcome back JP. Hope you had a great trip off the mountain but sure am glad you're back. I read this blog every day and can't wait to see your humorous and exciting posts return. We all really miss hearing the thoughts from your heart.

Cathy dont hike

01/27/2013 9:58pm

As my name says: I dont hike....but I sure do love this blog. My love for the mts is renewed almost daily by the pictures & comments of hikers. Keep them coming! I have hope of one day seeing the sun rise on the mtn. Thanks to all!

Deedee

01/27/2013 10:02pm

A lovely silhouette in this day's photo,
edged with the reddish~gold promise
of a new day

Pretzel

01/28/2013 12:01am

JP! So happy that you're back. Works been crazy will give you a call this week.

-- PRETZ!

01/28/2013 8:41am

Pretz,

My phone is spotty up here... I'll try you from the lodge phone one of these nights! It's an 865 area code....

Can't wait to hear about your kickstarter! Stay awesome buzzy!

Sam

01/28/2013 8:23am

Welcome back JP!! Have missed your daily comments and I join the rest of the posts in asking you to return to your daily thoughts and words of wisdom. Please don't let one person ruin what has become enjoyment for untold numbers of faithful readers.

Donnie R

01/28/2013 8:44am

Welcome back JP !! Let's just say my cup of coffee this morning was much more enjoyable with you and your posts back at the helm ;) Like a duck in the rain my man let it all roll of the back !

Donnie R

01/28/2013 8:46am

That's OFF the back...sorry about that.

01/28/2013 9:08am

JP, like Donnie R my coffee time was much more enjoyable seeing that you are back. Being a 48 year old East TN "country boy", I still have plans on making it up that way one day. I hope it will be sometime soon. The mountains are such a beautiful place to retreat too. I would imagine for my first trip up I will have to take the easier trail up, but I'm not sure which one that would be. Can you advise me? Thanks!

01/28/2013 9:17am

I don't comment very often on here but... JP I am glad you are back!! I read this blog every day and enjoy the pics and words of wisdom!! Thank you for the time & trouble you go thru to make this blog what it is!!

Jenny link

01/28/2013 9:40am

The people have spoken, JP. If you don't want to keep writing on this blog, maybe you can start one of your own. Your adoring fans miss you--don't hold out on us! Take care.

Melissa

01/28/2013 9:49am

JP - your words and insights have given me bright moments thru some dark times lately...please don't let one person take away the blessings you give to so many of us.

PS: My Microspikes have been work every single penny. I went thru a couple pair of Yak-Trax on LeConte (broke both pair on the way down on rocks) in late 2010 - early 2011 before I got my Spikes. I put them on when I start and take them off when I stop - thru mud, rocks, water, you name it. I've never even scratched those bad boys! LOVE THEM!

Barbara (Mamaw B)

01/28/2013 9:59am

Don't know the reason for the change in posting but as state from many we all enjoyed JP's comments. I would like those responsible to know that JP's musings brought more positive attention to Leconte Lodge than any other publicity. It made people feel good about the place who otherwise might not have had such good feelings about a concession in the park. It created talk about the place and made folks refer others to the site. I miss those things as well as many others. JP is a wonderful young man an I am glad he is back. The site is now mostly useless. We can get weather reports from many places. He creates a positive image for Leconte Lodge.

Sandra

01/28/2013 11:05am

You are so right! If JP has been told to "stick to business" in his blog, that's a big mistake. He has done such a great job of promoting interest in LeConte Lodge by offering his observations and insights.

Theresa / TN

01/28/2013 12:02pm

Ladies (Barbara/Mamaw B and Sandra) I agree with you both. I started following this blog a couple years ago. My dream is to climb/hike Mt. Leconte soon. Until then I enjoyed the pictures and comments from those in charge of this blog. I too can get the weather report from other places. I'm afraid people will no longer visit this blog if this continues. And I'm sad about that. We can't force people to comment a certain way on this blog but we also can't help it if we lose interest in the blog. So I'm saying a prayer things turn out for the best for all affected here. Also would like to say "Thank you " to all those who posted info. for beginner hikers I'll use this info. to help with my first hike up the mountain. Peace folks and God Bless.

Allyson Virden

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