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Happy Halloween and Throwback Thursday

10/31/2013

This is NOT a picture taken from today!

In the spirit of Throwback Thursday, I thought I would post a picture from this day last year. Quite a difference considering yesterdays high was 54º with a balmy low of 44º. This time last year I was snow shoeing around the mountain and this year, I am wearing my sandals. Just goes to show, you never know what you are going to get on Mt. LeConte.
It feels like Halloween at the moment. The wind is howling through camp and the building is creeking. Clouds have draped over us and I feel as though Jack Huff might pay us a visit at any moment. I wonder if we will get any trick or treaters today?

Pumpkins Are On Their Way

10/30/2013

There are still a few random bits of color holding on. Some of the crew did a day run yesterday and said Gatlinburg was in peak leaf season. Warmer weather has moved back in. 44º was the low last night with a high of 49º. I guess 44º seems warm when we were in the teens last week. The crew is super excited about Halloween. The pumpkins will be up today and the crew has their carving ideas ready to go. At least this year, we will not be looking at 36" of snow.

Oh, Those Hudson Bays

10/29/2013

With the cold night temperatures, I thought I would share a picture of our cozy guest rooms. The thick Hudson Bay blankets accompanied by two more wool blankets will keep you nice and toasty when the outside temperature reaches 20º. Luckily, last nights low was only 34º with a high of 41º.
Chris and I spend a lot of time in antique stores when we are on days off. I always get a warm fuzzy feeling when I come across a Hudson Bay blanket that someone is selling. I have been known to purchase one or two. The blankets are one of those iconic connections that most everyone, who has stayed at the Lodge, can identify with. From the best hot chocolate in the world, or the glass of Tang at breakfast, to the Hudson Bay blankets on the beds, there are Lodge traditions that will always be a part of your LeConte stories. That is what makes this place so special to so many people.

Morning Ambiance

10/28/2013

Breakfast by lamp light. It is a bit dark at the moment. The clouds have settled into to all of the nooks and crannies. The guests will drink their tang to the soft glow of the oil lamp. It is a bit chilly this morning, but a heat wave in comparison to the last few days. The low was only 32º with a high of 46º. It is currently misting and looks as though we will not be getting a visit from our friend, Mr. Sunshine.
I believe it was this day last season that started the blizzard of 2012. By the time the storm stopped we had over 35" of snow. I think I will stick with rain for now.

The Zany 2013 Crew

10/27/2013

We finally had all of the 2013 crew on the mountain to capture our crew photo. This crew decided they wanted the beautiful privies to be the backdrop. Each crew is so different. This years staff loves the zany side of life, which I will say, was refreshing during the rainy summer we experienced.

It was another beautiful day on the mountain. We saw a lot of day hikers milling around. The high reached 42º and the low was 24º. I believe the temperatures are supposed to be warming up over the next few days. We should be back in fall like temperatures soon.

Great Day for a Hike

10/26/2013

It was a cold day yesterday. The high was around 22º. It did warm up over night. The recorded low was 14º, but that was from our 24 hours records. It actually warmed up to the mid 20s over night. Our electronic thermometer reads the temperatures for a 24 hour period. There may be icy spots on the trails, but I think you will be fine hiking without any type of traction device. The icy sections will be around the springs. Once again, please remember to bring the proper layers with you. You will need hats, gloves, and plenty of layers to keep warm.

Snow On the Mountain

10/25/2013

I don't think the rocking chairs are going to get much use today. It is currently 14º and holding tight. The high yesterday was 28º. We have about 1/4" of powder on the ground. I don't think trails will be too bad today, but I will let you know if anyone reports differently. I do know it is freezing up here. Make sure you bring plenty of layers to keep warm. Remember to drink plenty of water. You still need to rehydrate even when it is this cold out.

Wool Blankets and Hot Chocolate

10/24/2013

Brrrrrrr....... The temperature never left the 20s. We started at 28º and dropped until the low hit 17º. The winds have been howling all day and night. Winter has reached Mt. LeConte. My dreams of sand and warm Hawaiian days have intensified. With only 37 days left in the season, I will be playing in the sand before I know it. I hope these visions will keep me warm over the next few days. It sounds like we are in for some snow and cold weather.
If you are hiking up this weekend, please remember to bring plenty of warm layers. You will want your hat and gloves and warm clothes to change into when you reach the top. If you are day hiking, make sure you leave plenty of time to make it off the mountain before the sun goes down. The nights are not forgiving.

Only a Few Flakes, But It Counts

10/23/2013

It is just a flake or two, but it is enough to count as the first snow for the fall. The high yesterday was 53º with a low of 30º and the temperature is dropping. There are snow clouds on the horizon and I am sure we are in for a little more of the white stuff before the day is over. Fall is behind us and old man winter has crossed the threshold. Time to get out the snow boots.

Are You Ready?

10/22/2013

Rain in the forecast and a cold front moving in. That means SNOW is a possibility. I guess we will see what the next 48 hours brings. It has certainly been cold enough. The high yesterday was 55º with a low of 32º. The weekdays are not as busy as they have been. The leaf peepers are staying in the lower elevations and checking out the colors down there. I believe we are just around the corner from old man winter.

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