A Little Color Goes Along Way

7/24/2014

I love this little coneflower that blooms every year next to our wood shed. The contrast in colors warms my heart. The vibrant yellow next to the rustic grey captures my attention and makes me smile. It is nice to have the flowers blooming during this rainy month. We had a decent rain shower this morning. It is that time of year when you can tell when the rain is moving in. The humidity can be so thick you could cut it with a knife. We had showers on off all day yesterday. The high was 67º with a low of 55º. The crew is plugging along and staying busy with the summer hikers. It is amazing how many people will brave the wet weather for a chance to visit their favorite mountain. Of course, for me, after hiking a few miles, the rain feels wonderful. Just make sure you bring a dry shirt to change into. Once you stop at the top, it can get rather chilly.

I guess it's time for my yearly etiquette talk. Remember folks, when you are hiking down and you come across someone hiking up hill, stand aside and let them pass. It is easier for you to get your momentum back going down hill. I also recommend a friendly "thank you" to the folks that moved over for you. Now, if you come across a large group, move over and let them through. It is easier for one or two people to find a good spot to move off the trail than it is for ten people to move over. If you practice these little bits of etiquette, it will make for a more pleasant hike for everyone. Remember to smile and say hello. It could make someones trip much brighter.

Sharon S

7/24/2014 03:52:07 am

Very good advice! Thanks for the reminder.

norman

7/24/2014 04:21:31 am

Ref. glenn OH & tomk in SC 7/23/2014; Who has the say as to who will replace Allyson and Chris? And is it a done deal??

tomk in SC

7/24/2014 04:30:31 am

I have no idea whether a replacement has been selected. I would assume the choice is made by the company that runs LeConte Lodge. "LeConte Lodge Limited Partnership" is the authorized entity. (Per 2014 Rate Sheet) I would assume that all management decisions like that are made by LLLP. I suppose the Park Service could apply pressure one way or the other, but I would expect that to be extremely unlikely. Still Chrissy and Alan would be awesome!

7/24/2014 06:13:30 am

I would think that too!

Glenn OH

7/24/2014 06:37:29 am

I have no idea either, I just think from talking to Chrissy and Alan that they would be great for Leconte Lodge!!!

7/24/2014 09:01:20 am

Who would take care of the llamas?

Kent

7/24/2014 06:59:38 am

It seems I'm usually the one to pull over, whether I'm ascending or descending. Perhaps I'm just overly polite (don't laugh, I'm really a pretty nice fellow) -- or the approaching hiker(s) just aren't quick enough to make room, so I just want to get the situation under control.

When I'm going uphill, losing momentum has never really concerned me, to be honest. It's not like cycling where it can be a real chore to get cranking again on a steep climb if you're forced to stop for some reason.

TwistyP

7/24/2014 08:45:07 am

I exercise the same procedure. An uphill hike is never a race for me and therefore I usually pull over to give the opportunity for the downhillers to pass. I'm not changing the right of way rules, just presenting another option. If I stop during an ascent, it's an opportunity for me to catch my breath and that's how I "Hike My Own Hike". I also keep in mind that you are much more likely to be in a hurry on the descent due to a misjudged hiking time. It happens to the best of hikers.

7/24/2014 08:59:58 am

I welcome to chance to catch my breath in either direction. ;)

Jan

7/24/2014 02:01:29 pm

I was gonna say that too! Well, on the uphill part, catching my breath and just taking a break is always a good thing. On the downhill part, lately it's to give my knee a break. It's not a happy knee. It's a screaming knee these days. :( But, I will survive!!!!

7/24/2014 07:22:57 am

I like the "UP hikers have right of way" convention. Struggling uphikers will use the pass to take a break, but when I am hiking up I prefer to keep whatever rhythm I have. I'm with Allyson on this one. DOWN hikers should defer. Aside from momentum, down hikers usually see the pass coming earlier as they are usually looking a lot further down trail than an up hiker is looking up trail. Thus the down hiker can choose a better spot to stand aside.

Larry O

7/24/2014 07:50:32 am

I agree with you and Allison, why not let the uphill person choose whether to move over or keep going? I usually tell climbers to keep coming and if they choose to stop I will go ahead, but I let it be their choice.

Ron Adams

7/24/2014 09:46:10 am

I am like you, Kent, I almost always step aside for fellow hikers, whether I am going up or down hill. In fact, I never even thought that the downward hikers should be the one stepping aside, but it does make sense. And I always say hello to hikers I meet; some ignore me, which I find odd, while others may stop and talk to me about themselves and the mountains, which I always enjoy.

Jana

7/25/2014 02:10:52 am

I usually welcome the break on the way up, but like to use the decline to my advantage & it's harder to stop. I always appreciate those who let me pass, but if someone looks like they're in a hurry it's no problem to let them go. Either way I'm always happy to see others on the trail.

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A Little Color Goes Along Way

LeConte Lodge

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