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April 10, 2013

4/10/2013

 
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This might be the last of the shaggy llamas for a while. Alan and Chrissy tell me that if weather conditions cooperate the llamas will be getting their summer shearing in the next few days. As it warms up, their winter coats make it tougher for them to cool off when hiking. We have to get the boys looking sharp for prom season.
Good afternoon to everyone.  This is Nathan, assistant manager of LeConte Lodge, and I'll be filling in updates on High on LeConte for a few days until Allyson returns from her days off.

First for the weather, I don't think we've had a nicer three-day stretch since we posted our 2013 calendar.  On Tuesday, the mountain basked in glorious sunshine with a high of 65 (the warmest day of the year) and a comfortable low of 45 (making for some fine sleeping weather).   Today is every bit as pretty. Crew members fortunate enough to have the afternoon shift off won't be found in camp.  If I were a betting man, I expect to see some sunburned faces from an afternoon hiking when the crew returns for supper service.  I was visiting with a day hiker today who found it hard to believe the weather had been so tough for our opening not long ago at all.  In that spirit, I'm posting a throwback photo from March 27 below capturing a drastically different mountain following our last storm.

I'm happy to report that the trail crew from the National Park Service began working on clearing the Bullhead Trail today.  Our most accurate reports rate Bullhead a mess of blowdowns, but the good folks from the trail crew are on the job (though it may not be completed in just one day).  If you see any trail crew or volunteers out working on trails make sure to thank them.  That's a tough, thankless job up here in the thin air.  Additionally, the park service is expected to open Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail on Friday, which will make hiking up Trillium Gap Trail to the lodge a more pleasant option.  Llama wranglers Alan and Chrissy have been using Trillium Gap Trail to pack supplies and report it is in excellent shape for hikers.

Although Allyson updates in the morning, I almost always have to update the site during the afternoon between chores as I am responsible for combining many of Chris' and Allyson's duties when they are off the mountain.  And taking care of our guests at LeConte Lodge always takes first priority.  Throughout the season I hope to meet many High on LeConte readers and hear your stories firsthand about your passion for our lovely mountain.  As we move along the season I'll try to pass along a few stories from the lodge and beyond and introduce you to some of the souls who venture High on LeConte.  Thanks for reading and happy trails.

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Throwback to March 27 following our last big storm. Icicles are considerably more scarce now after a couple of 60-degree days. Things change in a hurry High on LeConte.
Debi
4/10/2013 07:29:06 am

Prom season, funny! Wow, 65, wonderderful. Weather is warming up nicely down there. By no time you'll have those few 80 degree days again. Thanks Nathan for posting. Good to see you back.

Tracy G
4/10/2013 07:45:34 am

I love the picture of the llamas. So glad you are all having such nice weather up top. I hope to make my first trip in September, and can't wait. Thanks for this blog. I enjoy it everyday.

Tony P
4/10/2013 08:00:36 am

So glad to hear they are clearing Bullhead. I came down it earlier this year in some pretty deep snow and it was a mess from the downed trees. I am truly thankful for the folks that work on maintaining and repairing the trails.

doug y
4/10/2013 08:31:39 am

Hello Nathan: Good to read your commentary. I just never thought about the llamas having to be sheared, but I'm sure it makes them more comfortble, maybe amiable as well. Is there a use for the llama "wool", such as knitting or something ? We cannot give the trail crews enough credit for the hard work they perform clearing the trails; it's a demanding job. Bullhead and Boulevard seem to get the worst of the bad weather, etc. I enjoy the "Guest Sightings" photos and am looking forward to learning about the new crew members. G'day.

Matt M
4/10/2013 10:15:46 am

Hey Doug! Llama wool is superior to sheep wool in many ways. Do a search for Llama products and you will be surprised. Also, as a side note, Llama manure is also excellent for soil enrichment .

debnfl
4/10/2013 09:57:20 am

Thanks to you and the crew for daily postings. I enjoy the photos and postings. And a big thanks for all those hard workers clearing the trails!

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity...”
― John Muir

DebF
4/10/2013 10:31:59 am

Love seeing pictures of the Llamas. How many usually make the trek up each time? I have stayed at LeConte several times but have missed seeing the Llama boys. No girls?

High on LeConte
4/11/2013 07:14:38 am

DebF,

All of our pack llamas are male. In past years we kept some female llamas on the farm for breeding. However, now it makes more sense economically to find even-tempered, strong llamas from others and train them to become LeConte llamas. The current price of llamas is not as high as it once was.

I think we have 22 llamas on the farm now. Some of them are retired, having been good and loyal LeConte llamas during their working life. Others are on the other side of the spectrum, in the process of beginning their training. We typically pack seven or eight llamas per trip. So, we have enough for two teams to avoid llamas having to work back-to-back trips. That gives them some rest time on the farm. Thanks for reading.

Nathan

Nonnie Hotchkiss link
4/10/2013 10:59:51 am

What IS the elevation at the Lodge, Nathan? Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures.

tomk in SC
4/10/2013 02:30:07 pm

~6390' at the Dining Room
6593' at High Top

High on LeConte
4/11/2013 07:21:47 am

Nonnie,

TomK ably answered your question. It's come up before that our sign in front of the dining room lists 6,593 as the elevation. That, of course, refers to High Top, the highest peak on LeConte. As TomK mentioned, the lodge area is a little lower, but not too much. We keep the 6,593 elevation listing as an homage to our mountain and our past, as Jack Huff, the founder of LeConte Lodge, liked to use the 6,593 number. We're not trying to mislead anyone, just a nod to our past. Thanks for your interest. Have a fine day.

Nathan

Pat Morgan
4/10/2013 01:32:46 pm

Prom season - a moment to smile! Perhaps the boys have been watching "Dancing With The Stars" to pick up some pointers?

Josh
4/10/2013 03:25:45 pm

Any word on Boulevard Trail?

Craig link
4/10/2013 03:26:51 pm

I came down Bull Head today, and the trail is in good shape. Had to go around two downed trees, which weren't bad to navigate. Many more were cut and moved; the Park Service did a great job

doug y
4/11/2013 12:58:10 am

The elevation at the door to the dining room is 6,360. Of course, it all depends on where in the lodge area one is standing. I haven't heard about Boulevard being cleared, but I'm sure it's on their list. John Muir's quote was quite prophetic. WIlderness IS necessary. G'day.

Sara E
4/12/2013 04:45:21 am

Hi, Doug! I am (one of) a volunteer trekker, just wanted you to know I am making plans to dayhike to the top via the Boulevard Trail on Sunday....should be less muddy. Happy to hear it is passable, since I check the posts and comments every day.
If it is not cleared, then I have had to postpone for a mere week, as I am battling an eye issue....I am nearing the end of doctors orders, but I feel fine!!! I will definitely make a go at it soon, I have the itch :)

awesome
4/12/2013 10:50:19 pm

OK

awesome
4/12/2013 11:09:46 pm

I like for master in geology soil and rock dynamic.

Kimberly B
4/11/2013 01:33:01 am

Our group passed trail crew on Alum yesterday as we were headed down. They were cutting blow downs and replacing cable. We had a wonderful time on the mountain, first time up for all 9 of us. Already planning our next trip! Can't say enough about the staff, ya'll are just awesome!

Pat N.
4/11/2013 03:02:33 am

Hi, Nathan...welcome back to another season at LeConte. Hope it is a delightful one. I appreciate all the extras you do while the Virdens are down the mountain.

Rita Waid
4/11/2013 03:40:44 am

What time do the llamas generally depart from lodge? Hiking up Alum next month and hoping to see them up top before they leave for their trip back down.

High on LeConte
4/11/2013 07:25:33 am

Rita,

The llama schedule can change depending on the weather, trail conditions and other factors. However, in general, the llamas hike on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They usually arrive at the lodge about noon (give or take half an hour) and leave around 1:30 p.m. (give or take half an hour) after plenty of food, water and rest. Thanks for your interest. Have a fine day.

Nathan

Jeanie & Pat
4/11/2013 03:58:19 am

Hey Nathan!!! It's good to "hear" from you and as always, we enjoy your blogging! We will be coming up on the 23rd and can't wait to see you and the crew and having some Mountain time!
Take care!


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