TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7th, 2023Good Morning, Everyone!
The wildlife on the mountain were out and about yesterday enjoying the sunshine! The temperature at 7:00 AM today was 39 degrees—the warmest that we’ve had so far this month. The skies last night were clear and the moon was shining bright. This morning it’s a little over cast but the sun is still trying to shine. Some snow is forecast for Friday, so plan accordingly. The trails on the top of the mountain are packed snow and ice, so traction devices are still highly recommended. Maybe I’ll walk out to Myrtle Point and check out the views. I hope that you have a great day! From High on LeConte, WILDCAT/Bert
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6th, 2023Good Morning, Y’all!
Today got off to a foggy start, but about 8:00 AM the skies cleared, and now it’s another beautiful day on Mt LeConte! It just goes to show how up here on the mountain you need to be prepared for any kind of weather. And the weather can change very quickly! This morning is a little cooler than yesterday, but other than that appears to be much the same. The trails at the top of the mountain are compacted snow and ice so be sure to bring traction devices. You will be glad that you did! As usual I’m starting off the morning with hot coffee and classic Bluegrass music. It seems like the perfect way to begin a chilly February morning! I hope that y’all have a great Monday. Stay warm! WILDCAT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5th, 2023Good Morning, Everyone!
The picture above is one that you don’t often see—it’s the full moon setting in the western sky this morning. I’m glad that the sky was clear enough to afford me this unique opportunity! So—the skies this morning were clear, the temperature at 7:00 AM was 30 degrees, with three inches of snow remaining on the ground. The roads were opened yesterday morning and remain open. Yesterday’s high temperature was 37 degrees. This combination of good weather conditions, open roads, and a weekend set the stage for a busy day on Mt. LeConte. P-NUT, who was last year’s winter caretaker came up for a visit. Four members of the lodge’s previous year’s crews also paid a visit yesterday afternoon, It was great to see everyone again! With all of the hiker traffic yesterday the snow on the trails is now hard packed and slick—be sure to bring your traction devices! I hope that you are able to get outside and enjoy this good weather today. HAPPY TRAILS!! WILDCAT/Bert Saturday, February 4, 2023Howdy folks,
Its a splendid morning on Mt.LeConte! The sun has returned to East Tennessee and temperatures are warming as the morning progresses. Yesterday’s high was 23 degrees with an overnight low of 9 degrees. It was 21 degrees at 7am observation with clear skies. All roads are open! Trails coming up are very icy. Micro-Spikes will be needed to make it safely to the top. SEE YOU AT THE TOP PNUT To Our Valued Guests,
In April 2022, the National Park Service announced a proposal for new parking fees inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After a civic engagement period and analysis of public input, the NPS officially announced in August 2022 its adoption of the “Park It Forward” program. This program will go into effect Smokies-wide on March 1, 2023. In the time since the program’s adoption, LeConte Lodge has been collaborating with GSMNP management, park partners, and other local businesses to devise a plan that will satisfy the National Park’s new standards and best serve our faithful overnight guests and dedicated day visitors. This plan also took into consideration the valuable feedback that LeConte Lodge gathered in a November 2022 survey, whose results were also provided to GSMNP. Once LeConte Lodge reopens on March 20, 2023 for its 99th season, overnight guests and day hikers hoping to visit LeConte Lodge can expect several changes before and after their time on the mountain. Here is a brief summary: PARKING AT TRAILHEADS
SHUTTLES
OVERNIGHT PARKING IN GATLINBURG
LeConte Lodge will not be issuing refunds to guests who cannot find parking at trailheads or miss a shuttle ride. All guests with reservations should review our updated Cancellation Policy at www.lecontelodge.com/reservations. Please visit the Lodge reservations and NPS websites to review all available parking, shuttle, and tag information before contacting our reservations office with any questions. This coming season, LeConte Lodge remains committed to providing a safe and enjoyable backcountry experience as comparable as possible to the past ninety-eight, in light of the new GSMNP parking requirements. We at LeConte Lodge thank all visitors for their continued support and future flexibility as we navigate these new paths together. During the program’s rollout, it’s possible that the Lodge could alter certain visitor services or hours of availability to best meet the needs of our overnight guests, day hikers, and operation. Thank you and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for season #99 on the mountain! FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 2023Good Morning, Everyone!!
Clear and cold! That’s today’s weather report! Three inches of white stuff covering the ground, ten degrees, clear blue skies. It seems like a long time since we saw clear skies—our solar panels should love this! Highway 441 to Newfound Gap is still closed. My good friend, P-NUT, who was the winter caretaker last year, is hiking up to see me today. He certainly picked a fine day to make the trip. I’m looking forward to seeing him again! While I was sweeping the new snow off the porch and the steps, I was reminded to advise you to dress warmly today. The temperature has been dropping since sunrise and the wind has been increasing. As always, mittens are warmer than gloves. Cover your head and especially your ears. Remember to carry water and stay hydrated to stay warm. Warning: The bite-valve and hose on hydration systems may freeze up in this weather so plan accordingly. I hope that you can enjoy the beautiful bright sunshine today—I certainly plan to do so! HAPPY TRAILS!! WILDCAT/Bert THURSDAY, FEB. 2nd, 2023Good Morning, Folks!
SNOW!! Only about one inch so far, but it’s a lot more exciting than fog and clouds. But the good news that y’all want to hear is that the roads are still open. The morning temperature on Mt. LeConte was 30 degrees—so we’re right on that line between snow and rain—better bring your raincoat, just to be safe! I began the day with my usual session of Classic Bluegrass music and fresh hot coffee, watching the snow fall gently. A good friend of mine told me an old Native American proverb: “Little Flakes—Big Snow; Big Flakes—Little Snow !” I guess that we’ll just have to wait and see how this turns out! I took a break from my writing to take some new snow pictures and have some French toast for breakfast. Now we have 32 degrees and rain. Shucks—I was enjoying the snow. I hope that you stay warm and dry and have a Thrilling Thursday! WILDCAT/Bert WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1st, 2023Good Morning, Y’all
Welcome to February on Mt. LeConte! The good news is that the roads are open! The weather looks pretty much like yesterday—cloudy and misty, about the same temperature (40 degrees). 0.90 inches of precipitation has aided in converting the remaining snow to slush. My advice on “proper attire is the same as yesterday—prepare for anything and everything! I saw only one day hiker yesterday. He asked me what a “winter caretaker “ did. When I told him, he informed me that the date on the sign above the dining room door was incorrect—he was certain that yesterday was February 1st. I disagreed with him. After he consulted with his cell phone he reluctantly admitted that the sign was correct! That was the first time that anyone had ever told me that the date was wrong. I hope that you have a wonderful Wednesday! WILDCAT |
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April 2024
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