Good morning folks,

Its a breezy morning to say the least this morning. High winds race through camp with gale forces. The high yesterday was 33 degrees with an overnight low of 19 degrees. It’s currently 30 degrees with cloudy skies. We received 0.61” of precipitation and our snow depth is around 4”. Traction is a must to reach the summit. US Hwy. 441 is closed for winds and snow/ice. The High Wind Warning lifts at noon today with clearing skies all before the next system moves in Sunday evening into Tuesday morning. This system may pack a punch and drop 5-10” of snow on LeConte. Stay tuned! Have a great day folks!


2pm yesterday I set off for Myrtle Point. Snow began to fall hard with huge flakes and heavy winds that pushed it all in my beard. Winds roared throughout the night making it a very restful nights sleep. Very relaxing day ahead. See you at the top!

​PNUT

Good morning folks,

The mountain is very still this morning. No winds stirring through camp as of now. A “High Wind Warning” goes in effect tonight at 10pm until Sunday at noon. Upwards of 70mph winds could race across LeConte. Hold on the your hats folks. The high yesterday reached 31 degrees. The overnight low was a chilly 15 degrees. It’s currently 25 degrees and cloudy skies. Our snow depth stands at 4”. We have chances of snow tonight but, no major accumulation is expected. Clouds will take over the skies today with winds increasing throughout the day. Be safe out there folks. Have a great day!

Yesterday’s run down Bullhead was incredibly nice. The fresh layer of snow allowed me to not need my traction but, I always bring them with me. The trail opened up near the burned section and I had the trail to myself with sweeping views into the Tennessee Valley. This section of trail near the pulpit is a great spot for a day hike and enjoy the views. A great day was had on trail. Also, the moon the past two nights has been spectacular. Lots of campers at the shelter for the spotlight show. Looks to be a relaxing Saturday on LeConte. Tubing the steps is high the list today! See you at the top!

RISE AND SHINE

Views from Bullhead

Good morning folks,

It’s another fine morning up top. Crystal clear skies with every star in the universe out saying good morning. Yesterday, it was a bitter cold day with the high only reaching 19 degrees. The overnight low dipped down to 6 degrees. It’s currently 15 degrees with light winds. The snow depth stands around 5”. Traction is definitely needed to reach the summit. Today is forecasted to be sunny with a bit warmer than what we felt yesterday. Pack your best puffy and extra layers. Have a great day!

Moonlight covers the evening sky. Reflecting from the bright white snow the lodge illuminated like a spotlight at a Broadway show. Fir trees creek from heavy rime ice coating their branches as I open my cabin door. The mountain is silent other than me stirring around. Kettle hot, I pour the first mornings cup and sit and listen to the wind. Very peaceful! Sun is rising so I’m off to catch a glimpse of the predawn show. See you at the top!

​PNUT

Mountains! Think of them; speak of them; look upon them!... Here they are in all their majesty and abundance! -ISAIAH KEPHART-

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LeConte Backcountry Shelter

Good morning folks,

We have Snow! It’s a glorious, bitter cold morning on the mountain. Snow coats camp with some of the prettiest scenery I’ve ever laid eyes on. A very warm day yesterday with our high reaching 48 degrees. The overnight low dropped down to 8 degrees. It’s currently 9 degrees. We received 0.93” of precipitation. We received 5.75” of fresh powder overnight. Traction is needed to safely reach the top. US Hwy. 441 (Newfound Gap Road) is closed for snow/ice. Cherokee Orchard remains accessible at this time. It’s going to be a great day on the mountain. Have a great day folks!

It was spring weather yesterday on the mountain. Sunshine dominated the skies with above average temps. Camp chores were finished in preparation of the incoming snow. Whole wheat bread was made. Mmmmm!! Grilled cheese and soup is one of my favorites on the mountain supper menu. Sunset faded as the clouds rolled in. Temperatures dropped quickly as the winter storm ramped up. Within minutes, huge snowflakes fell which took no time to cover camp. The fir trees are heavy again. They are happy. Today looks to be a beautiful day to be on the mountain with clearing skies. Who will be first to break trail to LeConte? See you at the top!

​PNUT

I owe my life to these mountains, and I want them preserved that others might benefit by them as I have. -HORACE KEPHART-

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Good morning folks,

Its a fine morning on the mountain. No winds, no rain. It’s a very quiet start to the day
​compared to yesterday’s storms. The high yesterday reached 43 degrees. The overnight low only dropped down to 31 degrees. It’s currently 32 degrees with partly cloudy skies. The trails have trace amounts of ice so, traction will not be needed today. A “Winter Weather Warning” goes in effect at 6pm until 12pm on Thursday. Heavy snowfall is forecasted and we could receive 5-10” of fresh snow. All roads are open at this time. With the treat of snow US Hwy. 441 (Newfound Gap Road) will likely close so, plan accordingly. Another warmer day ahead with falling temperatures later today. High winds will be paired with this system so, the exposed areas of trails will likely slammed with snow pack. Stay tuned for pictures. Have a good day.

With the warm temps I took advantage of the day and took off for a run down Alum. Trails were extremely wet with every water source flowing strong out of the mountain. Making my way down I warmed up quickly.not far down the mountain I had to shed a layer and pressed on towards Inspiration Point. Taking some breaths and a drink of water I turned and headed back to camp. Lots of hikers out on the trail yesterday. The warm rocks felt great with the spring like weather. Moving up the mountain I forgot what the trail was like with no snow/ice. I moved much faster! The sun set fast and I drifted off earlier than normal. Today, I prepare for the snow apocalypse. Fill water, fill oil lamps, drink coffee, make bread, and drink more coffee. See you at the top!

​PNUT

MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE DAY! OIL LAMP.

Good morning folks,

Rain has moved out and heavy fog has set in below. Colors are beginning to form to the East as the early morning burns off the moisture. The high yesterday reached a very warm 47 degrees. The overnight low only dropped down to 37 degrees. Its currently 42 degrees with calm winds. We received 2.13” of precipitation which melted all the snow on the mountain. So our snow depth is 0”. Sad face! The Wind Advisory has ended for the mountains. Winds pushed through camp last night with heavy downpours at times. Clearing clouds today with spring like temperatures below with abundant sunshine. Trails are sure to be very wet from recent snow melt and rain. Prepare for wet feet if you venture up the mountain. Colder temperatures return Wednesday with snow chances into Thursday. Looks to be a great day to be outside. Have a great day folks!

It’s a River running through camp from snow melt and heavy rains overnight. Very wet conditions up top. Opening my cabin door I hear Roaring Fork doing what is does best “Roar”. Water is escaping the higher elevations and swelling the tributaries down below. Be cautious when crossing any creeks today. Winds slammed from the south and hammered right into camp all night. I slept like a baby! It is now calm and clouds are breaking up and revealing a new day to enjoy on the mountain. I love every moment! Blessed! See you at the top!

​PNUT

Good morning folks,

Rain, Rain, Rain. Its a dreary, windy morning on the mountain. The high yesterday reached 41 degrees. The overnight low only dropped down to a warm 30 degrees. It’s currently 38 and warming as I type. We received 0.46” of precipitation dropping our snow depth down the 3”. Today will be a wet day on trail and traction will still be needed to reach the summit. Rain is forecasted for the majority of the area today. Pack your rain gear it’s going to be a soggy day out there! A “Wind Advisory” goes in effect at 1pm today until 7am Tuesday. Have a great day!

Pitter patter against the roof of my cabin as I awake. Heavy rains take over the mountain this morning. Fog sets and and the fir trees have disappeared. Snow still lays but is melting quickly. Coffee necessary, I admire the change of landscape. Today I’m going to bake some zucchini bread as well as some whole wheat bread. Stay tuned! See you at the top!

​PNUT

Good morning folks,

Winds are pushing through camp this morning. The high yesterday reached 36 degrees. The overnight low dropped down to 16 degrees. It’s currently 30 with clear skies. Our snow depth stands at 6”. Traction is needed as well as headlamps. Today looks to be warmer with increasing clouds with rain moving in late tonight. Chances of snow are likely Wednesday night into Thursday. All roads are open! Have a great day.

The morning light begins. I stand on the back steps and take in all the beauty of the morning. Colors are starting to form over High Top. My morning was set! I sip more coffee. See you at the top!

​PNUT
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Bacon wrapped tenderloin

Good morning folks,

Its a crystal clear morning up top. Light winds are pushing through camp as the pre dawn show begins on LeConte. The high yesterday was 33 degrees. The overnight low dipped down to 16 degrees. It’s currently 16 degrees. Our snow depth stands at 6” with solid ice pack around camp. Today is going to be a fantastic day to get out and enjoy the high elevations of LeConte. US Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road) opened yesterday so Alum is now accessible. Should be warmer than yesterday so sitting in the sun will feel magnificent at Myrtle Point or Cliff Tops. Traction will be needed being it’s super icy on the trails leading to the summit. Rain chances return Sunday night into Monday morning with heavy showers forecasted. Get out and enjoy the warmer temps and sunshine today. Have a great day!

Hot coffee in hand I enjoy the sunrise from the back of the kitchen. Sipping very carefully the scalding hot beverage steams from the mug. Low level blue with soft pink and orange skies rise to the East. Light winds dance through the tops of the firs. Valley lights disappeared with the morning sunrise. The morning birds are out chirping as they fly through camp. They welcome the new day. See you at the top!

Good morning folks,

Its a fine morning on the mountain. No winds, nor rain. The high yesterday reached a warm 33 degrees. The overnight low dipped down to 18 degrees. It’s currently 23 degrees. We received 0.31” of precipitation which dropped our snow depth down to around 6”. Traction will most definitely be needed to reach the summit. Today looks to be a great start to the upcoming weekend with much needed sunshine and warmer temps.

What a day it was yesterday. Hard winds pressed against LeConte with misty rain making it a very wet run down Rainbow Falls. Only following one other set of tracks, I knew I wasn’t alone. The trail conditions going down were terrible. Sinking deep with each step into cold, wet mush, my shoes were instantly soaked. Heavy fog coated the burned section of Rainbow. Charcoaled tree trunks tell a story of past time. Moving down the mashed potato covered trail I reached Rainbow Falls. With no one else around, I sat and enjoyed the water crashing onto the ice floor below. Presently, I enjoy kneading dough into biscuits while observing the pink mixture of colors in the sky outside the kitchen window.

See you at the top!

PNUT