April 12th, 2015

4/12/2015

Spring is making its way up the mountain...slowly but surely.

Morning! It's a beautiful day on the mountain today! Yesterday's high was 52 and the low reached 30, but it felt warm during the day with the sun out all afternoon. Today is a little on the windy side, but it is clear and cool, around 40. The sunshine is really giving the mountain an extra push to turn green....it's looking more and more like spring everyday up here and I know everyone is enjoying it as much as I am!

Yesterday afternoon on the flats.

Paul B

4/12/2015 05:33:38 am

JP sighting?
I am following a couple thru hiking the AT named The Hiking Vikings. Catch them on Appalachian Trials Facebook for some funny and interesting videos and writings.
In today's post she noted meeting a man that had thru hiked about 5 years ago and is currently hiking to his summer job in The White Mountains. Could this be the infamous JP Krol? His trail name is "War Cry". Although that doesn't sound like JP, stories behind trail names often have intestine origins. This hiker was very friendly and shared his ice cream with the Vikings. That does sound like JP. Does anyone know JP's trail name? Could this be our favorite and most entertaining winter caretaker?

Whiteman

4/12/2015 09:41:13 am

Yes, that's our JP

Denise sarna

4/12/2015 03:56:21 pm

I too feel like I know JP thru reading this all winter. God speed and be well JP

CJBoone link

4/12/2015 08:10:49 am

Paul B.I don't have facebook to look at the hikers but I love the outdoors and loved J.P.although I never had the opportunity to meet him I feel like I know him.I haven't been to the Lodge but once and wish I could go again,but I'm a little too old.LOLMy day isn't complete until I read the d.p.Some of the most beautiful pic.I have ever seen and Ruthie is amazing.Sure wish I could meet her.If you know a web site that I could see these I would appreciate if you would be so kind to e-mail it to me.

2 more wks.till I am in the (Holy Land) that is what my daughter calls the Smokies.She has been going since she was 3yrs.and she is 54.She and a friend spent the night in 2010.

CJB

Paul B

4/12/2015 08:56:46 am

CJ, go to www.appalachiantrials.com and there are a lot of hikers posting. The woman that writes the blog for The Hiking Vikings is under "Sharon". Her now fiancé Nate, (they became engaged at McAfee's Knob this week), posts videos of their journey on their facebook site "To Katahdin" or go to you tube and search "To Katahdin". Another good source for following thru hikers is www.trailjournals.com. Unfortunately a lot of the ones that I have been following are dropping off.
I would encourage you to try facebook. It is great for staying in touch with not only friends and family, but also following hiking sites, magazines, national and state parks, etc. Instagram is another good way of getting beautiful pictures delivered right to your device.

cjboone link

4/12/2015 05:32:19 pm

Paul thank you so much for the info.I may never get anything done mon.but I will enjoy all the sightings,pic.etc.and I will have a good time watching all the events and wishing ever moment I was there.It will be hard being in the Smokies for a wk.and not going to the lodge but we will try one(1) more time to see Crissy,Alan and the Llamas.If you haven't hiked to Ramsey Cascade's you are missing something.Almost as beautiful as Mt.LeConte.It is a 8mi.hike at Greenbriar!!!

Tammy (Tx)

4/12/2015 05:36:34 pm

I'm not sure if anyone will read this since I usually look at the daily posts so late (or early the next day for that matter), but Ruthie or anyone, could ya'll please tell me which trail the flats are on. About how long that part of the trail is. Is it on Alum and is it the same part of the trail everyone refers to as the old growth fir forest? Just trying to gather info for later this year. Thanks a bunch!

ric

4/12/2015 10:59:24 pm

is on alum. probly the last 1/3 mile to the lodge. can be viewed as the last sprint to the finish or a chance to relax, catch your breath and take in all the smells of the woods.

norman

4/13/2015 02:47:58 am

That's what I thought!

elktonbrant

4/13/2015 05:06:57 am

"The Flats" are the THANK GOODNESS WE HAVE MADE IT point on Alum. After 4 plus miles of straight up hiking, you round the final corner and it's an easy walk to the lodge from there.

delores maness

4/13/2015 01:58:03 am

You are doing a wonderful job of onforming we who can't ge to the mt. thanks delores

Tammy (Tx)

4/13/2015 05:42:57 pm

Thanks everyone! As I've said before, I've set a goal to make it to the top later this year. Just going to read all the posts and weigh my options of which trail to take. I've made it to Alum Bluffs but that's as far as I've gone (twice). It was kinda tough this past year to make it that far. I'm thinking about Trillium because ya'll have said it's not as steep although it's longer and I assume they would take the llamas up the easiest trail. I've also been to Grotto Falls but no farther.

ric

4/16/2015 05:13:12 am

trillum is a good steady climb and yes, the lamas do use it. keep in mind "•Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is closed until May 1, 2015 to all public use including hiking and biking." so you will have to park at rainbow falls train head and take the 2 mile connector trail to trillum. alum is a good trial, kinda uphill after the bluffs though. if you are staying all night this shouldnt be an issue, just take your time. if its a day trip, start early and if youre not there by the time half the daylight is gone turn around...

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April 12th, 2015

LeConte Lodge

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