Daily Posts

December 13th, 2018

12/13/2018

UPDATE!
I keep mentioning that you should plan for icy conditions; and yet, I haven't shared any "what to have" information. Let's change that shall we?

There are numerous options available. I’ll keep it brief and mention two options that should be available locally.

Katoola Micro Spikes: The price point is more of an investment compared to other option, but this is a great go-to for bombproof traction and solid durability.
Yaktrax Walker: A more affordable option that provides less traction and durability than the Micro Spikes, but are lighter and more affordable.

I’ve used both options extensively and they are excellent safety tool for traveling in the higher elevations during the winter. Ultimately, in the world of ice traction, you get what you pay for.

Local Option:

NOC Gatlinburg
1138 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 277-8209

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Good Morning,

It’s currently 34 degrees, snowing up top. There is currently 6” inches of snow on the ground. Prepare for snow and slushy conditions in the higher elevations.

24 hour temperature range: High 34 Low 25

--

Walking quietly through the forest, I listen as the spruce celebrate their new found freedom. Warm air was softening the frozen grip of snow and ice. Cascades of slush slipped joyously from the emerald branches. I pause. Like a soft snap of the fingers, the whole mountain dripped in unison. Continuing up the trail, I was happy to see the mountain making moves, making changes.

The sun didn’t sing long; a short ballad above the mountain tops before disappearing into the wispy curtain above. I smiled for the gift - grateful for the moment. Looking around, the evergreens stood taller than before - continuing their dripping ovation.

Onward,
Seth

P.S. - You are amazing! When I walked into the NOC to check my mail, they said I that I now have my own box for all my mail. I was confused; then I saw all the goodies you sent! I'll say it again, YOU ARE AMAZING!

The list of goodies is incredible: Ten different types of dark chocolate, every dried fruit imaginable, a new book, fresh baked cookies, Collins Street Bakery Fruitcake, and on and on. My cheeks still hurt from smiling. I must say, it was not a light load heading up the mountain, but I was happy to do it!

Thanks again for making my day, yesterday!

"Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been."

Mark Twain

0 Comments

December 12th, 2018

12/12/2018

1 Comment

Good morning,

It’s currently 29 degrees, snowing up top. There is currently 7” inches of snow on the ground. Prepare for snow and icy conditions in the higher elevations.

24 hour temperature range: High 29 Low 12

--

Good morning,

Crunching up the Cliff Tops trail, I listened as the wind slapped the tree tops. Sunset would be a battle. On top of the ridge, I huddled next to the myrtle and continued marching toward the ledges. I walked out onto the Cliff Tops; the light was a vibrant orange, peak golden hour. Sharp gusts of wind threw the powdery snow into my eyes. Ducking deeper into the forest, I found a vantage point to watch the setting sun.

Crouched in the snow, I marveled at the perfect combination of beauty and peril the wilderness never fails to provide.

Onward,
Seth

"Someday is not a day of the week." -Denise Brennan-Nelson

1 Comment

December 11th, 2018

12/11/2018

4 Comments

Good morning,

It’s currently 25 degrees, snowing up top. There is currently 8” inches on the ground. Prepare for snow and icy conditions in the higher elevations.

24 hour temperature range: High 28 Low 12

*US Hwy 441/Newfound Gap Rd from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC is scheduled to open soon!

Stay up to date on road conditions here: https://goo.gl/HikrMr

--

Good morning,

I watched as the sun slowly climbed over Pisgah National Forest. The beacon of golden light transformed this frozen mountain into a crystal palace. Coming to my senses, I stumbled with excitement to capture the Smoky Mountain masterpiece. Deep blues and vibrant purples smeared the snow encased ledge. A deep streak of orange burned across the horizon. Some combination of words escaped my mouth but I’m can’t recall quite what they were…I was at a loss.

Attempting to come straight back to the lodge, I couldn’t help but explore the untouched path up to Cliff Tops. Happy as a pig in mud, I eventually found my way back home...for now.

Onward,
Seth

"Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise."

George Washington Carver

4 Comments

December 10th, 2018

12/10/2018

5 Comments

Good morning,

It’s currently 26 degrees, snowing up top. We received just over 2” inches of new snow. There is currently 8” inches on the ground.

24 hour temperature range: High 30 Low 21

*US Hwy 441/Newfound Gap Rd from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC is closed due to snow / ice.

Stay up to date on road conditions here: https://goo.gl/HikrMr

--

Good morning,

It was snowing when I left the cabin this morning. Finally cold enough, the fresh layer of snow was light and soft. Walking down to the weather station was interesting. Each step started with ,what felt like, a powdered sugar topping and ended with a solid crunch through graham cracker crust. Finished with the snow measurements, I crunched my way to the kitchen and started boiling water for tea.

On the trail, I moved awkwardly though yesterday’s frozen footsteps. Looking up, a pale robin’s egg sky became visible. Maybe today Mt. Le Conte would escape the rattled snow globe we’ve been engulfed in. I arrive at Apollo Overlook, the exposed area between the shelter and the high point, and begin the patient waiting game. What would I see?

Back in the kitchen, I finish the last few sips of my peach tea and sit down to begin my work. Looking outside, I noticed the sun painting the tips of the trees. The light is a faint celestial glow. I set my tea down and disappear out the door. The snow globe was cracking…

Onward,
Seth

Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.

Henry David Thoreau

5 Comments

December 09th, 2018

12/9/2018

4 Comments

Good morning,

It’s currently 26 degrees, snowing up top. We received 6” inches of new snow. The mountain warmed slightly in the night, turning the steady snow into sleet. The temperature has dropped slightly turning the sleet back to snow.

24 hour temperature range: High 32 Low 24

*US Hwy 441/Newfound Gap Rd from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC is closed due to snow / ice.

Stay up to date on road conditions here: https://goo.gl/HikrMr

--

Like a snowflake my thoughts swirled wildly through the air - eventually finding rest on solid ground. Closing my eyes, I wondered how many aspirations would drift around before finding their resting place - how many snowflakes would stray around Mt. Le Conte before finding their home?

The wet patter of sleet against the skylight lulled me awake. The mountain had warmed during the night. Gearing up, I reached past my down jacket and went for the rain coat. Heavy sleet, on snow, would make for a challenging landscape. Opening the cabin door, frozen shards of sleet bit at my eyes. This would not be an easy day on Mt. LeConte.

The whole mountain seemed to sag under the weight of wet snow. Laboring through the slush, I ducked spruce branches that were nearly touching the ground. Mother Nature was exercising her authority on the Great Smoky Mountains. Looking back at the evergreens, I admired their strength under the weight of frozen sleet; I admired their patience amidst the assault. Heading further up the trail, I marveled at the lessons we could learn from trees.

Onward,
Seth

“Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction.”

E.O. Wilson

4 Comments

December 08th, 2018

12/8/2018

8 Comments

Good morning,

It’s currently 26 degrees and socked-in (cloudy) up top. We received trace amounts of precipitation. What started as sleet has now become a steady snow.

24 hour temperature range: High 30 Low 23

*US Hwy 441/Newfound Gap Rd from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC is closed due to snow/ice.

Stay up to date on road conditions here: https://goo.gl/HikrMr

--

Mt. Le Conte sits stoically in the morning twilight, remaining indifferent to the local forecast. A steady rhythm of sleet taps the shoulder of my down parka as I saunter up the trail. A concerned field mouse scurries through the underbrush, making preparations for what is to come. I nod, endorsing his decision.

My mind drifts toward the coming storm - am I prepared? An image of fresh baked oatmeal raisin cookies fills my vision. I dwell on the scene until a loaf of flavorful sourdough gains traction. I quietly revel the notion of bakes goods.

From Apollo Overlook, I wait patiently for any sign of sunrise. An exercise in discipline, I appreciate the benefits that come from the daily trek to sunrise. On days like today, it is less about the sun rising and more about my willingness to show up, regardless of the outcomes. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and listen to what the mountain has to say. The gentle tap of sleet has stopped. The world is silent…

Fresh snow begins to fill the creases in my parka.

Onward.

“Don’t expect to be motivated every day to get out there and make things happen. You won’t be. Don’t count on motivation. Count on Discipline.”
Jocko Willink

8 Comments

December 07th, 2018

12/7/2018

2 Comments

Good morning,

It’s currently 23 degrees and socked-in (cloudy) up top. We received no new precipitation. There is currently .5” inches of snow on the ground.

24 hour temperature range: High 30 Low 12

--

Hoping for a morning like the last, I peaked out my bedroom window. A stone wall of mist guarded the mountain top. Though the news was a bit of a let-down, my morning rituals moved forward as always they do. I was soon smiling; the bathing coffee grounds filled the kitchen with rich dark chocolate tones. Peering out the back window it was apparent things were unlikely to clear up. I took a final sip of coffee, reached for my old canvas backpack and made for the door.

Sitting at Apollo Overlook, I stared blankly at the misty partition. Thoughts began to come; I catalog each idea in my notebook. Why should I do that? How can I do this? When would be the best time for those? I empty thoughts until my mind goes blank. Good.

I swing by the shelter on my way back to the Lodge. Two bundled ladies stand huddled over their food bag. We chat. Theres a handful of others still burrowed in their sleeping bags inside the shelter. I’m reminded of the challenges of winter camping…

I remember how good the pizza tastes afterward.

Onward,
Seth

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
John Steinbeck

2 Comments

December 06th, 2018

12/6/2018

3 Comments

Good morning,

It’s currently 25 degrees and mostly clear. We received .8” inches of new snow. There is currently 1” of snow on the ground. It’s warming up a bit now; expect icy conditions in the higher elevations.

24 hour temperature range: High 12 Low 8

*US Hwy 441/Newfound Gap Rd from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC is now open!

Stay up to date on road conditions here: https://goo.gl/HikrMr

--

My boots made their impression on the untouched snow. A single trail of footprints led toward Myrtle Point. The clouds had cleared but there was still enough moisture in the sky for a full palette of color. I settled into a heath bush, hiding from the wind. I waited patiently as the sun continued to paint.

In full view now, the sun began on the snow covered exposure at my feet. Light hues of purple deepened as the artist brushed my little patch of heaven. Smiling, I peeked around my shoulder to see what other projects were at work. A pastel masterpiece was in progress. Watch and learn I thought - watch and learn.

Humbled and happy, I traced my footprints back home.

Onward,
Seth

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

Samuel Beckett

3 Comments

December 05th, 2018

12/5/2018

5 Comments

Good morning,

It’s currently 10 degrees and cloudy with light snow. We received .05” inches of precipitation and .2” inches of new snow.

24 hour temperature range: High 26 Low 10

*US Hwy 441/Newfound Gap Rd from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC is temporarily closed due to snow/ice.

Stay up to date on road conditions here: https://goo.gl/HikrMr

--

The warm glow of kerosene lanterns give the kitchen an inviting glow. Hot tea begins to warm my finger tips. I decide to put on some smooth coffee-shop jazz, creating a dichotomy with the cold grey world just outside the kitchen door. It was quickly turning into a day that would filled with pages of Hemingway. I smile at the thought.

Moving quickly down the trail, I enjoy a run before the storm settles in and the reading begins. Wind biting at my cheeks, I soak in as much as I can - appreciating the forest for the trees.

Even at their worst - the Great Smoky Mountains are still some of the best.

Onward,
Seth

Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.

Rachel Carson

5 Comments

December 04th, 2018

12/4/2018

3 Comments

Good morning,

It’s currently 21 degrees and partly cloudy up top. We received no precipitation. It is getting cold once again!

24 hour temperature range: High 40 Low 16

--

The silence is palpable - you can hear the mountain holding its breath. Moving up the trail, remembering to breath, you listen intently to the mountain. Unable to stand it, a nearby branch breaks under the pressure. You continue on. The shelter comes into view, golden light decorates the tree tops. You can’t help but smile - it’s an allergic reaction of sorts.

There is work to do - you should go back. The world is patiently waiting down below. Like a mischievous child, the smile breaks free again. You wander further down the trail, bathing in the etherial light. Just a little longer, you decide…

You’ll stay out just a little longer.

Onward,
Seth

The true delight is in the finding out rather than in the knowing.

Isaac Asimov

3 Comments

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December 13th, 2018

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December 06th, 2018

December 05th, 2018

December 04th, 2018

LeConte Lodge

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