It's another misty morning atop LeConte. The high yesterday reached 41 degrees and the low was 34 degrees. It was 40 degrees and cloudy at 7am observation, although the mist appears slightly less dense than the past few days. I'd bet it burns off by this afternoon. With the recent warm temperatures, the snow up top has all but disappeared. The trails should be in good shape, at least by winter standards.
I spent the better part of yesterday afternoon wandering around the mountain 'looking for wild animals', as my friend Teddy would say. I was especially eager to see if anything wandered around camp during primetime for the crepuscular creatures, like bobcats and bears. I didn't see much beyond a few boomers and birds, but it's always good practice. One always gets more than they bargained for with such a micro adventure. I never went more than a quarter of a mile beyond camp, but there is so much reality crammed into these forests. Your ears gain a heightened level of sensitivity, your mind is trained on the present moment and your woods sixth sense can feel the compelling elements of life around you as you walk. This newfound sense of acuity is it's own gift.