April 3, 2017

Cliff Tops, host to one of the Smokies' most famous views, with Mt. LeConte's fourth highest peak, West Point, standing center.

Good Afternoon,
     After one of the best weekend's of weather we've seen this year, we've swung to the opposite end of the spectrum.  The winds and pouring rain have intensified since last night's guests snarfed down the last of their biscuits.  We'll know how much liquid precipitation fell after observation tomorrow.  Currently we're sitting at 45 degrees.  Yesterday's high was the warmest we've experienced yet this season, tapping a toasty 66 for LeConte.  We fully expect those numbers in the summer, not necessarily the first days of April.  Our low turned in at 43.

The view from the slopes of West Point, affording a dramatic perspective of Cliff Tops and the spine of the mountain.

     The last few days have been well spent enjoying the magnificence of the outdoors.  Crew and guest have been basking in the sun from every porch and overlook to be found around the mountain.  The sunrises and sunsets have satisfied the senses as well.   With the strong presence of rain, we don't anticipate much extracurricular outdoor activity on behalf of the crew today.  These are good times to get caught up on either laundry or naps...or both if you're me!

     It's been another week, and so it's time to feature another one of our fine load-lugging Llamas!  Today's star is none other than...DENNY! (fka Buckeye).  Denny - father of another LeConte Llama, Chuck - has been one of our strongest and most reliable packers since joining the operation in 2013.  As one of our more vocal alpha males, he isn't shy about asserting himself as top dog in the herd.  Back at the farm, Denny enjoys distinguishing himself by doing a circular head roll, as if to say, "I'm the man!"  One wonders how he feels about being the "caboose" of his team; hence the orange bags, when they ascend the mountain.  When it's time to clock-in, though, this dude is all business, and we're grateful for his service to the lodge.  Whereas most of our llamas have a coarser wool, Denny has been blessed with a softer, almost velvet like wool in places.  When feeding him treats, one can feel the softness around his nose.  And depending on the lighting, he can look either dark brown or black.  Some of his closest buds would include veterans Buck and Ellis, who work on the same team.

The open blackberry patch atop West Point allows for grand view of Clingmans Dome to the south while overlooking Balsam Point to the west.

     Sounds like the wildflowers are really putting on a show now in places.  Get out and enjoy it if you can!  Have a great start to the week and stay dry.