Good morning!

All is quiet in camp this morning as a majority of our volunteers have made their way down the hill to flat ground. The last of the propane tanks were set in place at around 4:00 yesterday and t-shirts were stacked to the brim in the Office ready to sell (they will be unveiled soon). We can't wait for you to see this years design! 

Temps overnight reached a low of 17 degrees while our high yesterday was a warm 33 (when standing in the sun). As we continue to freeze and thaw, there have been reports of icy conditions on the trail so remember those traction devices if you plan to make a trip to the lodge. Today, we are expecting about the same conditions up top, sunny with a chance of scattered cloud cover. 

Good Afternoon,

The winds have ceased but temps remain in the mid twenties up top. We are expecting another night of dropping temps as we prepare for the Airlift tomorrow. As our volunteers reach the lodge, there have been comments of icy spots on the trail from the parking lot all the way to the lodge. Remember those traction devices and warm layers if you plan to visit the lodge! 

The crew continue their work in camp as we (satisfyingly) emptied, deep cleaned and restocked the kitchen. It is now sparkling clean in anticipation for our first guests next week!

Good Afternoon All,

​It’s that time of year for the crew members to start hiking up the mountain and get ready for the 2019 season. After we all gathered for a big breakfast in town down below, we began our ascent up Alum Cave Trail on Friday. Once we reached the lodge we unpacked our belongings, ate dinner, and started preparing the lodge for the season ahead. We could not ask for better weather at the top. We are currently under clear skies with no rain or snow in the forecast (fingers crossed that doesn't change). Temperatures are staying on the colder side, currently at 27 degrees with lows dropping into the lower teens.
We have a great crew lined up for the 2019 season. A large portion of returning crew members from the 2018 season with a few new crew members who are excited for the opportunity and adventures ahead.

Good Morning,

Folks gravitate to Mt. LeConte to experience life above the clouds, or in yesterday’s case, life in it. The gray veil and unrelenting winds never let go Thursday, but the rain and lightning didn’t show up until well after dusk. Better that all this rough weather works itself out before it comes time to fly.

Yesterday’s high temp reached 48 degrees with a low of 39. We received 0.63” of rainfall during the night. It’s currently 46 under the same cloudy skies but the winds have finally eased off. Hoping that conditions improve throughout the day.

By now the Crew has had their fill of apple fritters at our sister restaurant, the Applewood Farmhouse, and are close to hitting the trail. We’re excited about getting them up top, settled in, and straight to work so that everything is ready for Opening Day. Once it looks like we’re going to begin flying in our supplies, we’ll be sure and let everyone know. As a reminder, lodge grounds are closed to public access during the Airlift for safety reasons.

Have a great day.

Good Morning,

Better hold on to your hats! The winds have been howling since yesterday afternoon. Thought my cabin was about to take flight with the ravens! Sustained winds are holding at 20-30 mph with gusts bursting in at 50-60. Should be this way all day. Temps remain mild, as yesterday’s high was 50 degrees with a low of 35. We’re currently at 39 under cloudy skies.

It’s “time to wake up the lodge” mode in Mt. LeConte. The crew will report tomorrow afternoon and we’ll begin prepping for another season in earnest. Reminder that even with all of this activity, the lodge doesn’t officially open until Monday, March 25. It’s a week later this year, so folks with Priority reservations do a double check of your arrival dates!

Special thanks to winter caretaker, Seth Orme, for another fabulous off season up top. And also to Kemp Stonehouse for filling in these last couple weeks.

Have a great day.

Good morning,

Tuesday was a gorgeous day to be in the woods. Shaping up to be a nice start today as well. Currently 43 degrees under clear and calm skies. No new precipitation.

24 hour temperature range | High: 51 Low: 26

NOAA 7-Day Forecast

--

Some of life’s experiences leave a permanent smile imprinted on your soul. Another winter savored on Mount LeConte has surely left a mark. Thank you for sharing the journey...

See you up the trail,
Seth Orme

​P.S. - Onward.

Good Morning,

The clouds gave us a meager 0.05” of rainfall yesterday, and what few flurries there were never amounted to anything on the ground. It’s below freezing for the moment under clear skies and light winds.

24 hour temperature range | High: 40 Low: 26

NOAA 7-Day Forecast

--

Spring was in the air. The dark gloomy days would be fewer and farther in between. Soon, I’d hang the lantern up for the season, there would no longer be a need for the caretaker. To the snow covered mountains of Montana I will flee. Back into thin air I will roam…

But that time has yet to come. The present moment is the gift I’ll continue to enjoy the most. For now, the black lantern will continue to glow mysteriously through camp; and with it, I’ll turn my daydreams into reality.

Onward,
Seth

Good Morning,

If there was ever a day to get out and enjoy the outdoors, yesterday was it. Abundant sunshine! Winter may not be done with us yet, but spring is certainly coming. Current conditions are clear and calm with temps in the mid 30s.

24 hour temperature range | High: 51 Low: 33

NOAA 7-Day Forecast

--

The lodge was part of the forest, part of the mountain. I marveled at the two pieces of wood staring at each other. Both were in a different phase of life. One was thriving with green needles spread wide; the other looked on with a refined demeanor. How similar they both were, sentinels of the mountain; and yet, they couldn't be more different.

The random thought danced around in my head for a little while longer. A composition came into mind. I released the shutter - storing the thought forever.​

Onward,
Seth