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Good Morning, It’s currently clear with almost not wind. Mountain LeConte is experiencing is in a spring mood today with a balmy temperature of 36 degrees. It should be another gorgeous day, but I would still recommend warm layers if you plan on making it up to the higher elevations. 24 hour temperature range | High: 36 Low: 14 NOAA 7-Day Forecast Mountain - Forecast Weather -- The rich aroma of fresh brewed coffee powered me toward the rising sun. What would the day bring? I let the thought come in one here and out the other - right now, the moment - was all that mattered. The unlit shadows of the forest gazed at me with interest. I returned the gaze and continued toward the point. Arriving at my destination, the mountains shared a one of kind surprise. My eyes feasted on the boiling bowl of clouds as they poured over Charlies Bunion. I closed my eyes, the flavors were too rich. How could a man ever look at the world the same again? It couldn't be done. Onward, Seth “It is a great obstacle to happiness to expect too much.”
Bernard de Fontenelle (1657-1757)
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 Good Morning, It’s currently clear with a beautiful inversion. Mountain LeConte is experiencing high winds and a temperature of 17 degrees. It should be another gorgeous day, but I would recommend warm layers if you plan on making it up to the higher elevations. 24 hour temperature range | High: 20 Low: 9 NOAA 7-Day Forecast Mountain - Forecast Weather -- Cliff Top Surfers The crowd congregates at the Cliff Tops. High winds hold them is place as each brandishes their obsidian feathered wings. Drifting into another’s lane, a territorial dispute unfolds. Heavy gawking and sharp nipping at tail feathers, pride was being tested. Death defying acrobatics soon filled the stage. What is the reward for victory, I wondered. Dozens more take advantage of the good surf, each content with in their own enterprise. The duel subsides like a receding wave. Territorial terms were either delayed or merely forgotten with the coming of fresh currents. A large crow emerges overhead. Flanking the port side, honor is being tested yet again. ...another wave breaks. Onward, Seth  "If you wish to have leisure for your mind, either be a poor man, or resemble a poor man. Study cannot be helpful unless you take pains to live simply; and living simply is voluntary poverty." - Seneca
 Good Morning, It’s crisp, clear and moderately windy up top this morning. The temperature dropped steeply overnight with our current temperature hovering right at 13 degrees. It should be a gorgeous day, but I would recommend warm layers if you plan on making it up to the higher elevations. 24 hour temperature range | High: 39 Low: 13 NOAA 7-Day Forecast Mountain - Forecast Weather -- The familiar trail quickly disappeared under my feet. My legs were feeling strong and well rested - time off the mountain had served me well. A feature packed trail, all the sights and scenes of Alum Cave Trail pale in site of a familiar footstep, in view of a well known bend in the trail. It’s funny how sometimes the things that once brought us to a place no longer serve as the reason for our return. It’s those moments along the journey that shape our interpretation of the trail, those little experiences along the way that motivate us to lace-up the boots, again and again. I looked out at the billows blanketing the horizon. Golden rays of light burst through wind worn holes in the cloud cover. Knowing that I could make it home to Mount LeConte before dark, I slowed my pace - savoring the experience - making new moments. It was good to be back home. Onward, Seth  That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much. Robert Louis Stevenson  Good Morning, The mountain, wrapped in the arms of a dense cloud adding to an already glorious and windless silence, is exuding a special kind of peace this morning. A welcome reprieve from some of yesterday’s blustery-ness. We managed another sunny and seasonably mild day yesterday, with one more spring-like spin of the earth left in the mix. It appears a swift return to a winter reality lies ahead, beginning late this afternoon with a brief rain shower. It was 36 degrees at observation, remaining snow is patchy at best. Between today’s eventual high temp and tomorrow night’s low, we could witness as much as a 40 degree difference. 24 hour temperature range | High: 42 Low: 33  This time of year presents numerous opportunities to admire the rare beauty of these mountains and it’s easy to become distracted. The mind tends to wander when peering out over an endless horizon of tightly woven technicolor, or in the blindingly white blanket of snow underfoot. Appreciate the moment, but beware not to let that moment become perilous. Conditions can change in a hurry up here, sometimes for worse. Remember to take all the necessary steps in ensuring your personal safety, especially if out traveling alone. Resarch the weather forecast, find out trail conditions from a local source, determine when the sun sets, stay hydrated and well nourished, notify someone else of your plans, and know when to turn around. These are but a few important tips that can make or break your Smokies experience. If you have questions about your gear, there are several outfitters in the area ready and willing to provide great advice. Have a great week!  Good Morning, Hard to believe we’re already a week into the New Year! This string of days without any precipitation has been a nice change. Today should continue that theme for us up top, although clouds are expected to thicken as the afternoon progresses. We tallied 38 degrees at observation time, with high wispy clouds lingering overhead and breezy conditions. Remaining snow on the ground is thin and patchy. 24 hour temperature range | High: 45 Low: 30  One couldn’t conjur up a more pleasant winter Sunday to visit the high country. The sun was broadcasting its radiance in relentless abundance. Basking in its warmth on a wide rock slab made for a great opportunity to recharge all the cells. Few spectacles in the Smokies rival what the nearby Charlie’s Bunion can afford beneath clear skies. Mounts LeConte and Kephart, proudly towering above the western landscape as ravens casually drift over surrounding ridges, remind one to savor the moment as inevitable uphill tasks await. With plenty of daylight hours remaining, there was no hurry to get heading back.  One last escape through Ben’s words. This piece speaks more to autumn scenes on the mountain, but is nonetheless a mesmerizing read any time of year. Enjoy.
——————————————————- Stained Glass Windows By Benjamin J Spicer Stained glass windows for my feet Much like Heaven's golden streets Fallen leaves of red and gold Orange and yellow, vibrant, bold On they wind through wood and vales In endless colored glorious trails As I stroll this forest bed Confetti leaves swirl round my head Adding to this wondrous scene Like a swirling endless dream Mountain sides of painted hue Cathedral walls of azure blue Here I lift my grateful praise As I behold it's vast array This sanctuary rich and old Fills my very heart and soul Stained glass windows for my feet Ceaseless beauty onward lead Good Morning, Shaping up to be another gorgeous day on the mountain. Sunshine goes a long way in energizing the spirit this time of year, and it certainly makes the solar panels happy. We’re still looking at about 1” of snow on the ground, and our early morning temp is nearing the freezing mark. 24 hour temperature range | High: 30 Low: 20  As promised, more inspiring words from the poetic and talented Ben Spicer. This particular piece certainly speaks to challenges some face while tackling this giant of a mountain. May it serve as motivation for your next adventure. ——————————————————-- Mountain By Benjamin J Spicer Mountain you have yet to see The day that you have bested me I am still a worthy foe Though breathe comes quick and progress slow Mountain you may think you've won Watching this exhausted one But I will stand upon your head And you will suffer loss Instead Mountain you can laugh away I will conquer you today And when I rise and suffer through Tis I who'll smile and laugh at you Mountain go ahead and vow That someday you will take me down This my friend shall never be You will never vanquish me Mountain go ahead and glare I have water yet to spare For you my Sweet are just a hill And I am stronger better still  Good Morning, Skies were cloudy pre-dawn but quickly broke as both sun and caretaker prepared to greet the day. It was 22 degrees at observation and coffee prep. The winds were up and down throughout the evening, and the rain squalls teased the lodge with intermittent flurries. The liquid precip mostly prevailed, leaving us with 0.71” of rainfall but not without a light layer of powder and frost. 24 hour temperature range | High: 43 Low: 22  The forecast these next several days looks quite favorable for getting outside and enjoying nature. Between a steady mix of sun and seasonably mild temps, what snow remains along higher elevations should eventually disappear. A cool down does appear to be on the horizon sometime Wednesday. If you are planning a trip to the Smokies now or later, it’s important to make note of which facilities and amenities found in the park are currently inaccessible during the shutdown. LeConte Lodge already being closed during the winter months, our situation and what’s expected of day hikers doesn’t change, but it’s still a responsible idea to find out what is happening elsewhere in the park as you visit. Here is a helpful link with tips for following Leave No Trace practices if visiting during the government shutdown. https://lnt.org/blog/5-tips-visiting-parks-shutdown?fbclid=IwAR38ysNhQ6vqc_fDkRsTut1UOMxp8nb_dQPY5tEeVR0GSrFM8HK38IiAJWY  These next couple posts we’ll take the opportunity to feature some poetry from lodge friend Ben Spicer. Like many of us, Ben finds unequaled inspiration when ascending the mountain. Enjoy his observations put into words!
——————————————-- I Will Not Stop By Benjamin J Spicer I will not stop I will not sleep Until I top this mountain's peak Where friend with friend can laugh away Telling stories of the day I will not slow I will not rest Until I reach the mighty crest Where cabins wait with restful sleep And purest air restores me deep I will not let my foot be turned Away from where my heart has yearned I know well what lies at stead Here upon this mountain's head I will not stop I will not sleep This is my vow and thus I'll keep For there my soul shall be refreshed With every step thus double blessed  Good Morning, It’s wet and foggy up top this morning - currently 42 degrees. We received .35 inches of precipitation overnight. Conditions at 7:30AM are moderate winds and intermittent rain. 24 hour temperature range | High: 44 Low: 35 NOAA 7-Day Forecast Mountain - Forecast Weather -- Each piece of gear slid on slower than usual; a departure was at hand. Though I’d only be off the mountain for a few days - the beautiful routine of Mount LeConte living was already calling me back. Knotting the laces on my boots, I stood up, slung my backpack over my shoulder and walked out into the rain. After coffee and the blog, I’d be on my way down the mountain. I’ll meet my replacement at the trailhead to swap out keys, etc. - It won’t be known that I left a small collection of chocolate truffles on their pillow or a cast-iron overflowing with cornbread in the kitchen. These small thank you’s should quench hunger for a couple days. The last sip of coffee disappeared just as I finished the blog. There was nothing left to do. I put-on my backpack and hit the trail. Onward, Seth P.S. - These two photos are from the snow we received before Christmas - I thought I’d share!  “May you live all the days of your life.” Jonathan Swift Good Morning, It’s wet and foggy up top this morning - currently 43 degrees. We received .95 inches of precipitation last night. It’s still drizzling on the mountain. Plan ahead and prepare for wet conditions if you’re making the trek up. 24 hour temperature range | High: 44 Low: 35 NOAA 7-Day Forecast Mountain - Forecast Weather -- The clouds gurgled beneath West Point as the sun faded into a cloud smothered horizon. When would it start? The mountains were dark and moody, ready for what appeared to be on its way - rain. The colors began to fade. The world took on a deep blue hue - the clouds kept bubbling in the distance. I woke to gusts of rain and wind pelting the flat walls of the cabin. My alarm rang but I was already awake. I threw on my gear and shortened the distance between me and the coffee beans. Hovering over the ceramic mug, I couldn’t help but to marvel at the rainy day. Mount LeConte always took on a magical character when clouds and rain cloaked the mountain. The smell of damp grounds brought my attention to the brewed beverage. Today, I’d enjoy coffee in Middle Earth. Onward, Seth "Life is a paradise for those who love many things with a passion."
Leo Buscaglia  Good Morning, It’s currently 43 degrees and cloudy up top. The mountain is experiencing moderate winds and the trails are free of ice; though, I would expect some down tree debris from recent gale force winds. 24 hour temperature range | High: 44 Low: 35 NOAA 7-Day Forecast Mountain - Forecast Weather -- Hesitating on my way up the trail, I double checked my watch. A nearby spruce waved gently in the morning breeze. Jumbling the morning math I wasn’t sure if I’d make it to Myrtle Point on time for the sun’s daily appointment. I though about the option that made me the most uncomfortable and went with that direction. Plus, it had been a few days since I’d visited the point. Myrtle Point came into view. The speckled sky was burning with excitement. Mesmerized by the scene my eyes followed upward until the ground seemed to disappear underneath me. I steadied myself and then anchored my tripod just in time for the rising sun. Onward, Seth  "Happiness does not consist of having what you want, but wanting what you have."
Confuscius |
LeConte LodgeWelcome 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! Archives
January 2023
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