April 10, 2013

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.

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.