all my life, i been a waitin'. tonight there'll be no hesitating.

12/1/2013

Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously. Hunter S. Thompson

Morning y'all,

It is... you guessed it, another gorgeous, clear day up top. The high yesterday reached 34 degrees. The low was 28 degrees. It was 28 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received more abundant sunshine yesterday, so the snow total is down to about an inch. However, the trails are still pretty treacherous. The snowfall pattern was a bit unusual and temperatures have been just about as cold down in the valley as up top, so the ice on the trail is consistent throughout. I would recommend Microspikes for the majority of the trail, certainly from Alum Cave up. See y'all on the trails!

Lydia link

12/1/2013 01:06:50 am

I just realized as I was reading this, your reports and your recommendations could save someone's life. For myself, I am storing all this advice for the future and meanwhile enjoying your photos and artful descriptions as I train and keep my eye on the prize of making it there.

Wendi

12/1/2013 03:27:34 am

Me too Lydia!!! I'm getting healthier everyday and will make it to LeConte Lodge someday. Good luck & keep you eye on the prize!

Debi

12/1/2013 10:25:46 am

Lydia, I think you can do it. Start really early and take your time. It takes me 3 hours or less. But if you start early and rest in the summer where the day light hours are longer u can do it. Stay two days to rest and enjoy the mountain life up there. I know you'd love it up there. Keep hiking sweet Lydia and get those legs strong. Its not even easy for me. And I'm planning on hiking the AT when I turn 55. You can do it. Also, for all you that know me. Thinking about another dog. I just asked my daughter if she'd take it for 5 or 6 months while I'm gone. She said What kind? I told her nothing that is going to eat my future grand kids.

tawny

12/1/2013 11:05:23 am

Debi...how long til your AT hike? I turned 50 this past summer and still hoping to climb a 14000 foot peak, hopefully next summer. Had planned on doing it this year but due to family obligations it just wasn't possible.

Debi

12/1/2013 09:41:05 pm

tawny, My husband and I are both 48. He has 6 1/2 years to work yet before he can retire and we can hit the trail. I'd love to go right now, but just can't. Still have 1 left in school yet too.

doug y link

12/2/2013 12:15:23 am

Great to read about your intentions to hike he A.T. Debi; I've done it all myself, but over my lifetime of hiking, never all in a single season which is on my 'bucket list'; I have many books and brochures on the A.T. and preparing for a hike which includes the logistics of re-supply and many other variables; I don't know if I'll ever be able to schedule the "Big Thru Hike", but I like hearing about the plans of those who want to and are planning to do it ! Good luck in your quest ! G'day

Lydia link

12/1/2013 01:08:01 am

P.S. Thank you, JP.

Gray Owl

12/1/2013 01:35:22 am

Climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills

doug y link

12/1/2013 02:52:51 am

Good quote by Hunter S. Thompson; He also said: "Life should not be a journey to the grave

doug y link

12/1/2013 02:56:15 am

Must have struck the wrong key.....continuing......"with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow ! What a ride!"

norman

12/1/2013 06:48:54 am

all i can say is AMEN!!

Tanya

12/1/2013 11:00:40 am

Amen to that, Doug!!

holtknoblady

12/1/2013 03:31:28 pm

Funny how I never appreciated this quote till I had some age on me....now I dearly adhere to it!

Jenny B. link

12/1/2013 11:33:07 am

Had a fantastic hike today up the right fork of Trout Branch. We came out on Alum Cave Trail at 6000'. The stream was beautiful and full of interesting ice formations. Snow depth was up to about 3" in the woods. Once we emerged on the trail we put on our microspikes, for it was indeed icy. Even the very bottom section below Arch Rock had treacherous spots. We met JP coming up the trail as we were coming down. I'm so glad I had a chance to meet him and tell him how much I like his blog posts.

Mary, Ohio

12/1/2013 12:07:41 pm

Debi,
The AT is on my bucket list as well but I think I will be older than 55 before I get my chance. My last son graduates in 2017. I try to read many of the books that are written by thru hikers and I hope to be one some day or section hike it with my husband. Good day to all. Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving holiday.

Debi

12/1/2013 09:43:32 pm

Mary,Ohio- My last son graduates in 2015. I tell ya this school and work stuff just gets in the way. lol

doug y link

12/2/2013 12:19:48 am

Mary: If it's any encouragement to you, a 77-yr-old grandmother hiked the A.T. for her 3rd time at the age of 77 !!! She was called "Grandma Gatewood" if my memory serves me well; Nowadays, in our present society and all its, well, "complications" for lack of a better word right now, a thru-hike might be a wee bit more problematic, but nonetheless a great endeavor; It's fantastic that perhaps both you and your husband might do it ! I hope you can.

Mamout

12/1/2013 07:33:06 pm

Ice age

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all my life, i been a waitin'. tonight there'll be no hesitating.

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all my life, i been a waitin'. tonight there'll be no hesitating.

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