High On LeConte
  • Home
  • Daily Posts
  • FAQ's
  • Trail Guide
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer

January 31st, 2016

1/31/2016

16 Comments

 
Picture
The strenuous life tastes best. William James

Morning y'all,

It is a beautiful, clear Sunday morning. The high yesterday reached 48 degrees. The overnight low was 32 degrees. It was 40 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation and there is only about 6 inches of snow remaining up top. There are deeper drifts, but yesterday's foot traffic has packed down much of the snow on trails. I'd expect Alum to be a breeze in these conditions. It looks as though it is shaping up to be a beautiful day, get out and enjoy it!

16 Comments

January 30th, 2016

1/30/2016

6 Comments

 
Picture
What running does is allow it to happen. Creativity must be spontaneous. It cannot be forced. Cannot be produced on demand. Running frees me from that urgency, that ambition, those goals. There I can escape time and passively await the revelation of the way things are. George Sheehan

Morning y'all,

It's a beautiful, clear morning up top. The high yesterday reached 36 degrees. The overnight low reached 14 degrees, but a warm front passed through overnight and it was 35 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation and there is still about 6 inches of snow remaining up top with deeper drifts. The trails are getting better - Alum is packed down, but there are a few tricky sections with drifts covering cables. There was very little ice, it was all covered by snowpack. I slid down early in the morning and was shocked by how little I was slipping. Get out and enjoy these great snow conditions! It doesn't look like they will last long...
6 Comments

January 29th, 2016

1/29/2016

6 Comments

 
Picture
But I must wait. Wait and listen. That inner stillness is the only way to reach these inner marvels, these inner miracles all of us possess. And when truth strikes, that brief, blinding illumination tells me what every writer comes to know. If you would write the truth you must first become the truth. George Sheehan

Morning y'all,

It's a cloudy, moody morning up top. The high yesterday reached 35 degrees. The overnight low was 19 degrees. It was 19 degrees and cloudy at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation and there is still about 8 inches of snow remaining up top, with deeper drifts. The trails are still rather tricky up top, with frozen crusts and deep drifts allowing the most zen hikers to lose patience. It is near impossible to develop a rhythm, so be prepared for some frustrating conditions if you intend to reach the summit. Nonetheless, it's far better than the couch - get out and enjoy the real world!

Picture
Top photo: Sunsets make you better. Above: Alpenglow in camp.

I had another day of mixed ambitions yesterday - I put the finishing touches on a few job applications (unfortunately, I need to come out of this early retirement!), went for some light meandering, but mostly I just read in my cabin. Ironically, I noticed on my trip to Aspen that I live a rather luxurious life. By luxury, I do not mean conventional luxury. I have a different kind of richness - the ability to choose how I fill my days with very little outside influence. It is a luxury in time and feelings, rather than material goods. It is the most distinct aspect of being a winter caretaker - absolute freedom.

I was pretty tired yesterday and it's such a joy to be able to indulge in that, to sit in that fatigue and truly feel it rather than push through it out of 'obligation'. I've learnt how my mind and body react to certain activities. Any time I want a particular sensation, I know just what I have to do to manifest that emotional state. I can read a book, I can go out for an adventure, I can write a postcard, I can bake some bread, I can phone a friend, I can meditate, I can do nothing. It is all amplified up here, nothing becomes something and the little somethings add up to a big everything.

6 Comments

January 28th, 2016

1/28/2016

9 Comments

 
Picture
This was how our parents taught us to love the mountains: They made us feel like part of them. Because, in essence, mountains are like people: To love them, you must first get to know them, and when you do, you can tell when they are angry and when they are happy, how you should handle them, play with them, care for them when people hurt them, when it is better not to annoy them. But unlike any person, the mountains, nature, and the earth are much, much bigger than you are. You must never forget that you are a speck, a speck in space, within the infinite, and they can decide at any moment whether they want to erase that speck or not. Kilian Jornet

Morning y'all,

It's a beautiful, clear morning up top. The high yesterday reached 34 degrees. The overnight low was 20 degrees. It was 27 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation and there is still around 8 inches of snow remaining, though there are still some deep drifts remaining. The mountain is in a beautiful inversion right now, I suppose it's the time of the season. The trails are rather rugged right now - the snow has frozen over again, so if you posthole in shorts (I might be speaking from experience) you'll cut up your shins and look really cool but be quite uncomfortable. I'd still recommend some sort of traction devices and snowshoes if you intend to reach the top with the least amount of frustration. Get out and enjoy winter's joys!

I went out for a little sunset adventure last night. I'm supposed to be resting up, but I have a new pair of shoes and the air was calm... the trails were calling. I left just in time to dance through the snow and get to Cliff Tops to catch the show. It's always special when there is an inversion (we haven't had nearly as many as last season)... I haven't seen another hiker in days, which adds something to it as well. It's just my life and undisturbed nature and that show of colours.

9 Comments

January 27th, 2016

1/27/2016

3 Comments

 
Picture
I think it is fear of death that frightens us when we lose contact with what is man-made. Our family and friends accustom us to the safety of the rational world, where every element focuses on the protection of our own, and when we are cut off from that shelter, we feel vulnerable, as if the path our life is pursuing could be interrupted at any moment by unknown perils. It is irrational, but the love we feel for humanity takes us over, makes us feel we belong there, cradles us in its arms. That feeling accompanies us everywhere, keeping us safe, yet at the same time muting the instinct that allows us to explore beyond its frontiers. Kilian Jornet

Morning y'all,

It's a beautiful, clear morning up top. The high yesterday reached 36 degrees. The overnight low was 21 degrees. It was 21 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received 1 inch of new snow, though we experienced quite a bit of melt yesterday. There is about 10 inches of snow up top, with deeper drifts along the way. The mountain received .45 inches of liquid precipitation, which was a wintry mix through the early evening. The snow conditions are rather fickle. I'd still recommend snowshoes to minimize postholing, but Microspikes will get you up the mountain. The Park Service did some incredible work on the roads and both Cherokee Orchard and 441 are open. Get out and enjoy the majesty!

I've been enjoying some well earned rest and relaxation after a few long days on my feet. I'm settling back in my cabin, applying for jobs, reading, writing, napping and revelling in my solitary existence. I miss my friends, but there is something special about time alone, having no demands and letting the days pass as my will allows. There is nothing I have to do, only things that I wish to do. It is a rare breed of freedom, with the wind and stars as my companions.

3 Comments

January 26th, 2016

1/26/2016

8 Comments

 
Picture
Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. TS Eliot

Morning y'all,

It's a foggy, warm morning up top. The high yesterday reached 39 degrees. The overnight low was 10 degrees, recorded early yesterday morning. It is currently 35 degrees and raining lightly. The mountain received .02" of drizzle. The snow levels have dropped to about 18 inches, although the drifts are plenty deep in spots. I postholed on the way to the kitchen, so expect some frustrating conditions if you intend to reach the summit. It looks like it is shaping up to be an alluring Smoky Mountain day, get out and enjoy it!
Picture
Top photo: Snowshoeing down on Friday! Such perfect powpowpow. Above: Walking the closed Cherokee Orchard road when I got down...
Picture
Jumping the gate at mile 18, per tradition!
Picture
Some happy animals...

I've spent the past ten days all over the place. It has been a whirlwind in all the right ways. It has given me new eyes and allowed me to appreciate all the seemingly minute pleasures about getting to call the lodge home. I've been driven to exhaustion by travel and physical activity, but it is all worth it for those final, redemptive snowshoe steps down the main staircase. It is a wonderful sense of relief knowing that I can spend the week recovering from my efforts in my cabin with my forever fascinating book friends, some good dark coffee and a dead tired yet happy heart. I will keep my eyes sharp and my soul hearty with some little night hikes - this bright moon and new snow is just too much to pass up...

A big thank you to my incredible trail angels who made all this possible - the Jones', the Underwoods, TT, Dick & Al, Sherry and my Mom! I am so grateful.

Picture
The clouds welcomed me back to my favorite Porch.
8 Comments

January 22nd, 2016

1/22/2016

11 Comments

 
Picture
As I walked in the woods I felt what I often feel, that nothing can befal me in life, no calamity, no disgrace (leaving me my eyes) to which Nature will not offer a sweet consolation. Standing on the bare ground, with my head bathed in the blithe air, and uplifted into the infinite space, I become happy in my universal relations. The name of the nearest friend sounds then foreign and accidental. I am the heir of unaccustomed beauty and power. Emerson

Morning y'all,

It's another beautiful, blustery morning up top. The high yesterday reached 37 degrees. The overnight low dipped down to 19 degrees. It was 25 degrees and snowing heavily at 7am observation. The mountain received about 6 inches of new snow, bringing our total snowfall to 13 inches. The snow is difficult to measure due to the high winds - our snow stake is only showing 2 new inches but it is significantly more than that. The liquid equivalent was 1.20 inches of meltwater. The wind has been roaring all night, so there are quite a few knee high drifts near the lodge. If you intend to head out today, I'd recommend top of the line winter gear - traction, boots, wool socks, gaiters and comfortable layers are a must. It is real out there, enjoy it!

I am headed off to Huntsville, AL for a trail race. The blog will return Monday morning. Have a great weekend!
11 Comments

January 21st, 2016

1/21/2016

3 Comments

 
Picture
We are not going in circles, we are going upwards. The path is a spiral. Herman Hesse

Morning y'all,

It's a beautiful, clear morning up top. The high yesterday reached 28 degrees. The overnight low was 16 degrees. It was 19 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received 4 inches of new snow, bringing our total to 7 inches. The meltwater equivalent of that new snow was .48 inches. It looks as though it will be a phenomenal day, get out and enjoy it!

Picture
Top photo: Wolf Father and Wolf Son. Above: Snow angel at High Top!
Picture
Steph and Billy sailing at Cliff Tops.

I had a great time exploring the mountain with my pals yesterday afternoon. I always relish these long, winter days when the roads are closed. We saw more bobcat tracks and voles than fellow hikers. The flurries were flying and the wind was drifting snow all around us. Ice was forming around our jackets and beards, lending an arctic quality to our micro adventure. The wind was most intense at Cliff Tops, while the snow was ideal consistency for snow angels at High Top. If the weather projections are correct, I'll be skiing tomorrow morning before I hike down for Mountain Mist. Snow days are the best days.


Picture
Ice Beard Champion of the Mountain.
3 Comments

January 20th, 2016

1/20/2016

17 Comments

 
Picture
A Russian writer named Prishvin said, 'Home is where you have found your happiness.' I think I know where that may be, at least for myself. I'll reveal this much: it has something to do with those mountains, those forests, those wild, free, lost, full-of-wonder places that rise yet (may they always!) above the squalor of the towns. Edward Abbey

Morning y'all,

It's a beautiful, snowy morning up top! The high yesterday reached 25 degrees. The overnight low was recorded yesterday morning and it was 3 degrees. It was 24 degrees and snowing lightly at 7am observation. The mountain received an inch of new snow, bringing our accumulated total to 4 inches. The trails are very -slick, Alum took me at least 50% longer than usual due to the ice dancing - and that was with Microspikes. The new snow should add some traction, but I would absolutely recommend traction if you intend to get very far. As of this posting, US 441 is closed. Get out and enjoy this beautiful day!
​
I had a wonderful hike up yesterday afternoon. It was so refreshing to be back in the rhododendron tunnels, indulging in the distinct smells of the Smokies after my time skiing out West. There is a sparseness and unspeakable beauty, a delicacy beyond words in the Western landscape. There is not a thing but the aspens, pines and deep (40 inches of base!) snow... but the forest here has so much going on. I missed the mosses, the understory and ice formations of my home mountain. I got up to the double stair just as the sun was setting and the reds on the horizon seemed to hold on forever, revealing the sun's secrets to my friends and I. 
17 Comments

January 13th, 2016

1/13/2016

11 Comments

 
Picture
I believe you are latent with unseen existences, you are so dear to me. Whitman

Morning y'all,

It's a beautiful, cold morning up top. The high yesterday reached 20 degrees. The overnight low was 3 degrees. It was 8 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received the liquid equivalent of .04 inches of snow. There is still a trace of snow on the ground and the trails are sure to be a bit slick. I would definitely recommend Microspikes if you intend to reach the summit. Get out and enjoy this beautiful day!

The blog will be on a little hiatus. I am rambling off to snowier mountains and the blog will return on Wednesday the 20th. See the following links for weather information...

http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-LeConte/forecasts/2010

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/productview.php?pil=MRXRTPMRX&version=0&max=61

https://twitter.com/SmokiesRoadsNPS
11 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture

    LeConte Lodge

    Welcome to the official blog of LeConte Lodge. We hope you find the information provided here both helpful and enjoyable.  Thank you for visiting the site, and we hope to see you on the mountain!

    For information regarding GSMNP's paid parking tag requirements, please visit their website.

    For information regarding shuttle services, as well as overnight parking options in Gatlinburg, please visit our reservations website.

    Lodge Gift Shop Hours:
    9:00 - 10:00 AM
    ​12:00 - 4:30 PM

    Online Store

    Archives

    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010

    RSS Feed

For current GSMNP road and trail information, visit the Park's Twitter page, official website, or call 865-436-1200 and follow the prompts.
  • Home
  • Daily Posts
  • FAQ's
  • Trail Guide
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer

Picture

Picture

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture