What a treat we had this morning. After a day of clouds and rain, the sunrise was a splendid surprise. English Mountain was showing off down in the valley and the clouds were painted in pinks and oranges. Who needs coffee when you get a vision like that? Ok, I realize I just went to far. That is just silly to think I could go without my coffee. Anyway, the thought of hiking down for days off will energize me as well. I am heading off the mountain for a week. Nathan will be here the entire time to spin some tales for you. I will be heading to the office on Monday to help with the annual reservation show down.Before you get to excited, don't send me your requests, I am simply stuffing envelopes. You will have to call are send a reservation request form which is on our LeConte Lodge site. I wish you all luck and I hope everyone gets the reservation they desire.
Now, for the weather. The high yesterday was 52 with a cold, cold low of 33. The clear skies brought the temperatures down. I guess it is time to make some hot chocolate to help our guests warm up this morning. Don't forget to get a good nights sleep. You will need your energy for getting your 2013 reservation starting at 8 am in the morning.  Our future Leconte crew member, Baby Jane, has come back to visit us. She is still not as interested in drying dishes as she is about going out side and looking at rocks. We have hope that will change. We love seeing the LeConte family bring their next generation back to the mountain we all hold so dearly in our heart. She is going to have to wait on the rock hunting. It is time to wash the syrup off of her. She discovered she likes syrup on everything, and I mean everything.
John had a busy day off yesterday. He decided 5 times up and down Alum Cave in one day was not enough. He set out yesterday morning and completed 65 miles on the popular trail. He made 6 1/2 trips up and down. He said he slept extremely well last night. It made me tired just thinking about it. I think it is time to teach John to knit. The high yesterday was 59 with a low of 49. It is currently raining on the mountain. 
It is a cold, misty morning at the lodge. The dining room is filled with the lights of the oil lamps. It is a cozy setting for visiting with friends and family. I am guessing the games are going to be a popular attraction in the office. Today is a perfect day for a game of Risk by oil lamp light. The crew members, that are off this afternoon, are discussing the length of their up and coming naps. It is a great day to wrap up in a fuzzy blanket and catch up on some reading. Chris left this morning, with Walt in tow, heading to Mammoth Cave National Park. They are going to participate in the wild cave tour. Six hours of caving?? Not my idea of a fun day off, but Chris was super excited. I just hope he doesn't get stuck. At least Walt will be there to help get him out.
Current weather is cool and cloudy. The high yesterday was 62 with a low of 47. The leaves are peaking on the mountain. It is a beautiful display of fur trees and gold leaves. 
“We need the tonic of wildness...At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.”-Henry David Thoreau, Walden: Or, Life in the Woods
This view from the trail leading to Myrtle Point is looking out over some of the most remote areas in the National Park. The section between TriCorner Knob shelter and Pecks Corner shelter is some of the most remote wilderness you can find in the south east. It is impressive just how far you can see on these clear days. The ridge lines are so detailed. The views are worth the wait. The weather men are calling for rain this evening. I guess we had better get out for one last stroll to enjoy this weather while we have it. The high yesterday was 66 with a low of 44. 
I thought I would bring your eyes a little lower today. I decided to take a break from the glorious vistas and share some views of the ground that we walk on. I found this form of peat moss to be very interesting. I love how intricate it is even at a very small scale. One activity I love is finding a patch of moss and testing it for sponginess. Some moss is so thick, you just sink right into it. I call it nature's memory foam mattress. I am always on the look out for a great patch to take a nap on. Yesterday was another great day for watching the clouds roll by. The high was 65 with a low of 48.
The fall colors are vibrant in the higher elevations. Chris and I took a stroll out to Myrtle Point yesterday. I think the 29 degree weather helped bring out some of the bright reds. We were fortunate enough to spot a bird a we have only seen one other time in our ten years on the mountain. A bald eagle soared around Myrtle Point on its way home. There have been nests discovered around Douglas Lake. It was a jaw dropper as we finally figured out what we were looking at. A truely majestic bird.
Judging by the colors we have seen, I think my predictions are spot on. I am still saying that peak fall leaves will be between the 1st and 2nd weekend in October. It will be great time to visit Mt. LeConte and have lunch with us. If you do hike up, bring some warm layers. It was 59 yesterday with a low of 30. The areas in the shade are pretty chilly. 
Not a cloud in the sky and not a worry in my head. Yesterday was THE perfect day on the mountain. The high was 53 but it was the perfect temperature in the sun. Chris and I sat out at Myrtle Point for the afternoon. My internal battery is completely recharged. These are the days that represent September on the mountain. We watched the peregrine soar below us. With a few flaps of his wings, he was over Newfound Gap in no time. It is a bit cooler this morning. The low last night was 29. Time to pull out the down jacket. 
"Its the idea that people living close to nature tend to be noble. Its seeing all those sunsets that does it. You cant watch a sunset and then go off and set fire to your neighbors tepee. Living close to nature is wonderful for your mental health. " - Daniel Quinn After a day full of clouds, the sunset put on a spectacular show. The high yesterday was 54 with a low of 37. We are currently looking at blue skies and a chilly morning with the temperatures still in the high 30s. 
Another spectacular day for checking out the views. Yesterday proved to be a great day for hiking around the mountain. There were a lot of day hikers on the mountain soaking up that Mt. LeConte beauty. The high was 64 with a the low around 42. The crew is starting to get the itch for some snow. That seems to be the favorite topic of conversation. They are ready to put on their hat and gloves and shovel some walk ways. I am just happy enjoying these incredible fall days.
“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.”- Nathaniel Hawthorne
I know exactly how Mr. Hawthorne felt. Autumn in the Smokies is time to get out and play in the woods. The weather is too perfect to waste sitting indoors. The mountain is starting to look like fall. The flowers are dying off and some of the trees are starting to display their fall colors. The witch hobble is turning bright red. It is a beautiful sight. The high yesterday was 60 with a low of 41. |
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
November 2023
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