I can smell it in the air. You know what that smell is? SNOW!!! The sky outside is filled with what I like to call snow clouds and the temperature at the moment is 38. We just might get a flurry or two on this last day of September.

Yesterday was a perfect fall day. Blue sky and crisp, cool air. Something about that kind of weather gives me so much energy. I guess that is a good thing since the colder weather makes me want to curl up under a blanket and read a good book. The high was 59 with a low of 43. The nights are getting colder. Today we are looking at thick cloud coverage. It will probably move out by noon. We are supposed to have some amazing weather ahead of us. If you don't have plans to get out in the park this weekend, you should make some. It is perfect hiking weather.

I can not take credit for this beautiful photo of a Gulf Fritillary butterfly. Chris captured this shot while walking around camp yesterday morning. We had another fall like day on the mountain. The high was 61 with a low of 43. Today is starting out to be a repeat of yesterday. This is my favorite time of the year on top of Mt. LeConte.

The rains came through during the night leaving us with a cold and invigorating sunrise. Seeing blue sky above will work wonders for the psyche. I guess those of us that live on the mountain lose site of the beauty found in every type of weather. When you have been "blanketed" in clouds for a few days, or weeks, it can change your perspective. Thank you for reminding me to continue to find the beauty no matter what the weather condition. Some times I just need to stop and take a deep breath and remember that even on the cold, rainy, "gloomy" days, there is beauty.

Hello sunshine! Oh wait, that would be my "Happy Light". It is a bit on the gloomy side this morning. I nailed it yesterday. The clouds blew away and we had a gorgeous day. The high was 64 with a low of 54. I can only hope that will happen today, although it is not looking very promising at the moment.

It's a "hold on to your hat" kind of day. The wind is howling and there is a chill in the air. The clouds are rolling through. I can see sunshine below in the valley. There is still hope for a beautiful day up top. Yesterday was a jam packed day on the top. A lot of day hikers out and about. The high was 60 with a low of 45. The mountain ash trees are giving the mountain a little color. I will try and capture a better picture today. Between the orange leaves and bright red berries, it is gorgeous display of color.

My climb up the mountain was rather peaceful. After a week and half in the low lands, I am rested and ready to put this season in the books. I had a wonderful vacation to Folly Beach with my girlfriends. I even took a picture of sunset to share with you all. I hiked up in the clouds yesterday.  I sipped my morning coffee to a beautiful sunrise this morning. I am hoping I brought some sunshine home with me from the beach. The low last night was 47 with a high of 53. It is cool on the mountain. I noticed some leaves changing on my hike up. There is color in the higher elevations. Fall is in the air.

There are so many possibilities for today; however, taking in some sun rays will not be one of them.  We are "socked" in again this morning.  We did have one bright ray of hope yesterday evening when the clouds parted and showed us a beautiful rainbow, but right after that the clouds surrounded us yet again. 

They are predicting chances of storms and rain today.  We ended up with .3" of rain yesterday and a high of only 58.  The overnight low was 51.  I would anticipate similar temperatures for today. 

We had a very special guest with us last night.  Ms Ula Rae Mynatt walked up the mountain to celebrate her 80th birthday with us.  And it was a grande celebration!  I know she inspired the crew by having the fortitude to make it to the top and I hope she inspires each of you!

It is another rainy day here on the mountain.  Yet, we are very thankful in that our spring has been dribbling water instead of gushing forth.  The area seems to have been overall drier than usual and we could use the rain.  I believe the weather man is calling for thunderstorms today.  It is currently only in the lower 50s.  Be sure to bring layers and rain gear for your outings today. 

The high yesterday was 60 with it dropping down to 49.  Today, it may feel cooler due to the lack of sun.  Be prepared!  Look forward to seeing everyone up top!

Suprisingly, the city lights down below can be a comforting sight, occasionally.  It's nice to know that civilization or people are not that far away after you've been up here for weeks.  It can start to feel like a dome or bubble you've been living under when it's cloudy for so long.  Plus, when you can see the city lights it generally means there will also be a sunrise or sunset in the future!

September 20... 65 days till the end of the season.

It feels many times like I'm back in elementary school waiting for the approaching summer break.  When the season ends, we will all be leaving here to join families for the holidays and some much needed rest and relaxation.   Personally, after being here for three years, the mountain really feels like home to me.  Just like the summers between schooling, I will miss the friends I made and look forward to returning after the break. 

Even though many of the plants are dying off this time of year, the rest of nature has not given up.  I was lucky enough to be able to share with some girls visiting the mountain some of our wildlife.  As I was walking around camp after dinner, I ran across a group of deer.  The girls were so excited to see the twin deer.  After seeing a bear hiking up I think they will continue to enjoy the outdoors for years to come! 

The temperatures are hovering between the lower 60s and upper 40s fairly consistently right now.  The high again yesterday was 62 and low 49.  Be prepared with your raincoat if you get out and about today!