and it's true, it's been a hard time that i come through. it's made me thankful for the blues.

1/4/2015

Such clear icy sanity that it seems like madness. Henry Miller

Morning y'all,

It's another blustery morning up top. The high yesterday reached 47 degrees. The overnight low was 40 degrees. It was 41 degrees and mostly cloudy at 7am observation. The mountain received a total of 1.85" of rain yesterday. There is no snow or ice remaining up top. The trails are sure to be saturated. Be prepared for a wet and windy day if you intend to summit.

Please keep in mind that the lodge is closed for the season. Pipes freeze in the winter, so you'll have to haul water from the spring like everyone else. The most shelter you can count on up top is crouching on an exposed porch for a few minutes. It is likely going to be colder than if you continue moving to a more sheltered spot in the trees further down the mountain. Have fun!

Barb

1/4/2015 02:18:29 am

Hi JP,
I am new to the blog. I love your morning updates. I will be hiking up to the lodge in October. I read in an earlier post that Alum Cave trail will be closed from May to November during the week. Does that mean people will be able to use it on weekends? If so, will it be safe.. hand cables in place? I am older and not an avid hiker as so many of the other bloggers. I would like your advice on which trails are the easiest on inexperienced older hikers like myself.

Missy

1/4/2015 07:06:30 am

Hi Barb - I would think they would complete each cabled section in time for the weekend crowds. If you use hiking poles, you should be fine for balance.
My husband & I have hiked Alum, Trillium Gap & Bullhead. Alum has the best views and if you are only going to hike the mountain once, take Alum for sure. We found Trillium just as difficult as Alum, if not more so, because of the extra mileage.
Loved hiking Bullhead down, but would not want to hike it up.
None of the trails to the lodge are easy. The more exercise you can get before, the more you will enjoy the trail.
If you are doing a day hike, Alum will be quicker both up and down.
Be sure to report back and share your experience!

Barb

1/4/2015 07:34:40 am

Thank you so much Missy for the info and advice.

james

1/4/2015 02:40:15 am

hiked up12-26 was pretty icy. we had traction devices on but a lot of people did not. saw 1 girl fall lucky for cable. wonder if park service should have larger warnings at trailhead? left you some goodies including Cadillac brand coffee, my friend is cpa there and wondered if you could tell us what you thought. thanks for your daily posts , would not miss!!!! hi to my loving friend laurie at dbs miss you

Phillip

1/4/2015 05:05:14 am

I hope you didn't leave those 'goodies' out where a bear could get them !

Steve

1/4/2015 07:29:56 am

Park rules pretty much tell you to store food properly, which may not be leaving it at the door of a cabin. Some of you should read the Park rules. Thanks Phillip

1/4/2015 03:04:10 am

My dear James:

You're really getting me curious about this glorious mountain. I miss u immensely. Love the shirt!

LL

Sherry

1/4/2015 05:44:32 am

James you handed off the coffee to my daughter, Syd & she made sure JP got. It was a pretty day at the Lodge on the 26th.

Paul B

1/4/2015 06:45:51 am

Barb, each of the other 4 trails offer their own challenges. Trillium may be the least challenging but not as scenic unless you take a side trail halfway up. I like Boulevard the best. Although the longest, there are ascents and descents to offer variety and use different muscles. The views are outstanding and only one cable area. I find Rainbow and Bull Head more exhausting although shorter. Whichever you decide, start early, pace yourself and enjoy the journey.

Barb

1/4/2015 07:33:09 am

Thank you so much for all the information Paul.

candace link

1/4/2015 02:20:47 pm

JP do you have an instagram account? would love to follow along :) stay warm up there!

boyd

1/7/2015 12:59:21 pm

that is quite the beautiful picture

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and it's true, it's been a hard time that i come through. it's made me thankful for the blues.

LeConte Lodge

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