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1,304 Miles of Trail End at LeConte Lodge

5/25/2012

 
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Sam McGroom's sign was simple, but her task difficult as she chose Mt. LeConte to celebrate her completion of all the hiking trails in the Smokies.
Hello to all of you.  I'm passing along a couple more inspirational stories of folks we've been fortunate enough to host here at LeConte Lodge, a special place for a long time.

We're enjoying a beautiful Friday on Mt. LeConte, though we do have a few clouds building this afternoon.  The forecast calls for warm days with the typical summertime chance of afternoon thunderstorms.  Thursday offered up ample sunshine to dry up our puddles with a high of 63 and low of 46.  At observation this morning (about 6:45 a.m. when we call in weather conditions on LeConte to the National Park Service), the temperature was 52, the warmest observation temperature since May 2.

We were happy to host the celebration of Walland, Tenn., native Sam McGroom's big accomplishment Thursday night.  Sam chose the Trillium Gap Trail leading to Mt. LeConte to complete all of the hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The nickname for membership in such a group is the "900 Club," though with several trails in the park closed the total is probably closer to 800+ miles.  At any rate, Sam logged 1,304 miles to meet her goal of covering the park.

"It's a big accomplishment for me," McGroom said.  "I wanted to celebrate it at the lodge.  I think it's amazing that the weather has been bad all week, and it was beautiful today.  I was greatly rewarded."

Sam started her Smokies' quest on Sept. 7, 2010 and wasted little time in making this dream reality.  "I would have finished quicker, but we were waiting on our reservation on LeConte," McGroom said.

She says her favorite trail was "the trail I just hiked!"  However, she did mention that backpacking Hazel Creek with her son was special.  She was quick to thank her family for all their support and effort.

"I've learned so much," McGroom said.  "I have had some magical experiences."

Sam could have chosen any trail to place the bookend on her goal, but we're honored you chose LeConte to celebrate your accomplishment.

We were also honored to host John Mason, an Asheville, N.C. native, on his 50th hike to LeConte Thursday.  Mason persevered through heart attacks and other serious medical challenges to return to his beloved LeConte Lodge after missing last year.  Mason eloquently addressed our guests assembled for dinner, speaking of his friends who had helped him return to celebrate life on LeConte.  He came up with his wife and eight close friends from Asheville.

"We had a magnificent LeConte experience once again," Mason said.  "You might be strangers when you get to the top, but not after dinner."

Glad to see you back at the top of Tennessee, John.  Come on back and see us soon.  That goes for the rest of you reading, too.  Have a fantastic weekend.  Happy trails.



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The new growth on the Fraser fir trees on top of LeConte survived Monday's hail storms just fine.
Pat N.
5/25/2012 07:56:19 am

Glad to hear/see that you are enjoying some sunshine. A BIG congrats to Sam for her awesome accomplishment. How neat to end it at LeConte.

Brian N. bama
5/25/2012 08:38:53 am

Allison, can you see any of the fireworks on the 4th from the lodge? My boys are wanting to hike up and stay in the shelter that night.

High on LeConte
5/26/2012 07:51:25 am

Brian,

Allyson is off the mountain, but I'll try to answer for you. Yes, if we catch a CLEAR night, the fireworks show across the Tennessee Valley is outstanding. There are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, because Mt. LeConte is so steep, we can't see Gatlinburg's fireworks show--we just hear delayed booms and see flashes. Second, our odds of having a clear night up here are probably less than down below as we get more clouds and rain than in the valley. But, if you catch a nice night around Independence Day, you'll remember it a long time. Also, I'm sure you will, but make sure you get reservations through the National Park Service to stay at the shelter, as it will likely be busy. Thanks for reading. Good luck on July 4th.

sswallace
5/25/2012 11:04:05 am

Nice job Sam. Anyone care to comment on what I can expect time wise hiking up Alum and down Boulevard as a day hike? I did up Rainbow and down Bullhead at 3.5 hrs up and 3.0 hrs down this winter in crampons half the time.

Debi link
5/25/2012 11:30:56 am

Awsome! Congrats to both!!!!

Suzie
5/26/2012 02:10:15 am

Sam, you are awesome and such an inspiration! Congratulations!!! I'm so glad the weather was great for your finish and the hospitality and reception on LeConte was superb!

Barbara
5/26/2012 07:00:50 am

Nathan, I really enjoy reading your blogs. You have a good time wherever you are and it shows! What an asset you are for your spirit, good humor and storytelling.

High on LeConte
5/26/2012 07:57:13 am

Barbara,

Thank you for reading and your kind words. I'll send your check down on the llamas Monday. In all honesty, LeConte Lodge has been a special place for a long time and it's a good place to work. We work hard, but we have a good time here at the top of Tennessee (and try to make sure our guests do, too).

Juanita foust
5/27/2012 02:05:07 am

Congratuations to sam I know you are proud the sunset friday night was beautiful thanks for the pictures


Comments are closed.
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