Good morning, 

It's another beabeautiful morning on my favorite mountain! Our high yesterday was 25 degrees. The overnight low was 14 degrees compared to yesterday's 4 degrees. We received 0 inches of precipitation. The current snow depth is 3 inches with more drifts around the mountain. Alum cave trail has not been broken yet so it will be slow going whoever starts early this am. All roads are open so all trails are accessible. Traction devices are needed to reach the summit so plan accordingly. Today is going to be a busy day with dayhikers. I will be out and about enjoying the day. Have a great day. SEE YOU AT THE TOP! 

​P-NUT

Good morning, 

It's a gorgeous morning at 6593'. The high yesterday was 27 degrees. The overnight low was a whopping 8 degrees. It was 7 degrees at 7am observation. We received 4 inches of fresh powder. We have a total of 4 inches and drifts much higher around the mountain. It is 4 degrees as I'm typing and clear skies. It's cold folks pack your best winter gear! High gaiters, traction devices, and warm gloves! 

On my morning walk for sunrise at Apollo overlook I noticed our local mountain Fox prints! He's a tough creature to indure these cold conditions! 

Wow! What a wonderful experience to feel like a kid again. My girlfriend and I played in the snow and made cookies yesterday. The snow hangs heavy on the trees. As we walked through camp, we found ourselves ducking under branches and slingshotting snow at one another with limbs. The accumulated snow was very powdery reminding me of the many times I've enjoyed snowboarding on mountains similar to LeConte. In contrast to the grey skies LeConte had yesterday, blue skies will welcome us today! Have a great day! 
SEE YOU AT THE TOP! 

P-NUT

3:00 PM Update:

Here are some photographs of current conditions atop everyone’s favorite mountain. Looking at 4” of fresh powder and it’s 21°. US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) and Cherokee Orchard will remain closed for the duration of the storm. Be careful out there!

It’s a beautiful snowy morning on the mountain top! The snow started really coming down around 6am and has continued since. Our high yesterday was 37 degrees. The overnight low dropped to 25 degrees. It was 21 degrees at 7am observation. We've received 0.05 inches of precipitation and currently 1 inch of snow. It's expected to continue until 10 pm when the Winter Storm Warning ends.

​I'll be out enjoying the winter wonderland and taking pictures for tomorrow's blog! Have a great snow day. SEE YOU AT THE TOP.

​P-NUT

Good morning folks, 

It's another cloudy, socked in morning at 6593'. Our high yesterday was 44 degrees. The overnight low was 31 degrees. It was 30 degrees at 7am observation. The mountain received 0.67 inches of precipitation. We received 0 inches of snow. Temperatures are going to drop today and looks like we will get 5-6 inches of snow on Thursday! (OH YEA!) 

Rainy days are for catching up on chores around the lodge. Laundry was a priority of mine yesterday! After several hours of my clothes hanging in my cabin, I opened my cabin door and was hit in the face with a refreshing scent of fresh clothes! With my chores complete by 10am, it was time to make homemade whole wheat bread. I love seeing the dough double in size. After it rose, I put it into bread pans to finish the rising process. 350 degrees and 45 minutes later, my bread was complete and let me know it by the wonderful smell in the kitchen. Mmmm! I let it cool , cut a few slices, enjoyed with a hot bowl of Cajun 15 bean soup! What a great day relaxing and listening to the rain pelt the wood shingled roof. All in all a great day yesterday! Have a great day everyone! SEE YOU AT THE TOP! 

PNUT

​" Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul". John Muir

Good morning folks, 

It's a cloudy, socked in  morning at LeConte. Rain is moving in today. The high yesterday was a warm 42 degrees. The overnight low was a measly 30 degrees. It was 40 degrees and cloudy at 7am observation. We received 0.00 inches of rain, but that is sure to change throughout the day today. Colder temperatures move in this week with chances of light snow fall. I have been doing my best snow dance. If you are planning to reach the summit pack your rain gear! I always bring my rain jacket in the Smokies. Traction devices are not needed to reach the summit. 

The busy weekend has me ready for a nice relaxing day on the mountain. Reading and going through the large amount of photos I have been snapping is high on the list. Yesterday was an absolutely gorgeous day at 6593'. Hope everyone was able to get out and enjoy the spring like weather! Have a great day everyone! See you at the top!

Good morning folks

It's a gorgeous morning on top of the mountain. The high yesterday was 35 degrees. The overnight low only dropped down to 27 degrees. It was 31 degrees at 7am observation. It has been a warmer, dry weekend at LeConte. There are still spots on Alum that are coated in a thick layer of ice but easy to navigate. Rain is moving in Tuesday, with a chance of light snow this week.

Oil lamps illuminate the kitchen while I sip on my new favorite coffee, from the Artistic Bean. Life is good! As I reflect on my time here, I agree that this is exactly what I needed to recharge my mind, body, and soul. Looking forward, spring will be here before we know it prompting an abundance of flowers to bloom throughout the park. As I was driving Hwy 441 a few days ago, I noticed bright yellow green-stemmed daffodils lining the road.being outside encourages me to slow down and notice the small things. During my walk back from Apollo overlook this morning, my normal sunrise spot, a red squirrel (boomer) followed me down the trail bouncing through the tree limbs like it had just joined the circus! It was having an exciting morning at 6593'.

In honor of President's Day, I will share a short history mention. On June 15, 1934, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was born. Many years later Franklin D. Roosevelt formally dedicated the land as a National Park in his speech, he states, "In this park, we shall conserve the these trees, the pine, the redbud, the azalea, the rhododendron, the trout, and thrush for happiness for all the American people". Additionally, the CCC (Civil Conservation Corps) was brought in for the development on trails systems, bridges, and restoration of early settlers' homes. The CCC was created to provide jobs to young, unemployed men, occurring during the time of WWII. When you are out and about within the park, never take for granted what was done to make this land an accessible, protected landscape for all. I hope you have a great day! See you at the top!

​PNUT

Good morning folks, 

Its another gem of a morning at Leconte. Yesterday's high was 36 degrees. The overnight low only dropped down to 15 degrees. It was cloudy and 27 degrees at 7am observation. Trails are coated in thick ice so pack your spikes. Winds are calm up top.

Yesterday morning was spent sipping coffee with great friends and eating the famous homemade biscuits from Ann. She won the first ever International Biscuit Contest in Knoxville, Tn. Al made curry eggs, and we topped our biscuits off with homemade strawberry preserves from Dick. I think I've gained 5lbs since their arrival. I have had a fabulous weekend with with great friends and amazing food! We all sat at Myrtle Point the rest of the afternoon soaking up the sun and the vistas into North Carolina. This weekend's sunrises/sunsets have been incredible to witness. Rain is projected to move in late Monday into Tuesday with the possibility of snow next weekend. Fingers crossed! I hope everyone was able to get outside and enjoy our beloved country Smoky Mountains. Have a great day everyone! See you at the top! 

​PNUT 

Good morning from the high country,

Brrr. Its a beautiful morning at 6593'. This mornings low was 8 degrees. The high yesterday only reached 21 degrees. It was 15 degrees at 7 am observation. We received no precipitation. Winds were calm throughout the day which made for a pleasant day to be out on trail. Ice was not an issue, but I never go the high country in winter without my trusted microspikes. Trails were very wet from past rains and sure to be icy  today with the cold temperatures we are experiencing. All roads are open and trails leading to the summit await you. Pack plenty of layers it's a cold one folks. Creeks below have swollen and are roaring through the mountains. 

Yesterday I hiked Rainbow Falls trail with one thing in mind: groceries. With all the hustle and bustle in Gatlinburg, my time was short. Now that highway 441 opened, Alum Cave trail was my route back to my temporary home. Upon arriving at the Bluffs I noticed shards of ice plummeting to the trail below. Keep a close eye on this area of trail! Always use caution while hiking in the backcountry, it is wild and unforgiving. Friends I've come to know through my LeConte experience prepared us salmon with fresh veggies and rice. Thanks, Al, Dick and Ann for your company and food, you all rock! Sunset was one of the best I have ever seen. Tangerine skies and low lying cloud cover made for some epic photos, hope you enjoy them. I will be out on trails again today enjoying the weather. Have a wonderful Saturday everyone! See you at the top!

PNUT

Good morning from your arctic weather man, 

High Fives and Good Vibes! Today is shaping up to be a fine morning on the mountain. The sun is out and giving some much needed love to our solar panels. Colder temperatures moved in mid afternoon yesterday, with a light mist most of the day. Winds are calm compared to what we saw the other night. It's been a wet week here on the mountain, and I'm grateful to see the sun this morning! The high yesterday reached 40 degrees. And our overnight low dropped down to 11 degrees. It was 12 degrees and clear skies at 7am observation. We received 0.24 inches of precipitation. I will be out and about on trail today soaking up the sunlight! Trails could have patches of ice with the drop in temperatures so plan accordingly. It is currently 14 degrees and a beautiful morning! 

It's VALENTINE'S DAY! Get out and enjoy everything the Smokies have to offer with your loved one! Whether hiking, or dinner and a movie, I wish everyone love on this special day! Also, it's my dad's birthday! See you at the top! 

​PNUT

Good morning folks, 

What a wild ride that was! Winds howled throughout camp for most of the afternoon and into the twilight hours. With every surge of wind I braced for impact. I retreated to my cabin to seek shelter where winds rocked my cabin throughout the night. Wind gusts reached upwards of 40-70 mph around camp. The high yesterday was 46 degrees. The overnight low came in at 39 degrees. It was 40 degrees at 7 am observation. We received a whopping 2.5 inches of precipitation. A "High Wind Warning" is in effect and there are sure to be downed trees on trails and throughout the park. Highway 441 (NewFound Gap Road) is closed due to high winds. Cherokee Orchard Road above Twin Creeks is open to all vehicles. A " Flash Flood Watch" is effect today. Creeks within the park are sure to rise and roar through the mountains. It is currently 38 and cloudy and a light drizzle on the mountain. 

I have successfully remained dry and have pampered myself to curry eggs and sausage patties along with some strong black drip coffee. Looking ahead at the forecast, colder temperatures move in with sunshine which should be prime for sunrise/sunset. Trails leading to the top are free of ice/snow. Water will be an issue on trails today so be safe if you plan trekking to the top. I am looking forward to exploring some of the trails around LeConte when the weather breaks. All is well at 6593'. See you at the top! 

 PNUT