August 9, 2019

Grass of Parnassus update: counted 18 in bloom coming up Alum Cave. Many more to come!

Good Morning,

Yesterday’s high temp came in at 68 degrees, accompanied by a low of 48. No new precipitation despite some late evening clouds threatening to spoil sunset. All bark and no bite in those ominous puffs. Current conditions are clear.

Summer isn’t going away anytime soon. Fair conditions to start the day, gradually giving way to afternoon clouds and a slight chance of a passing shower. Fortunately, the rain chances keep getting pushed back each day, but the flip side of that coin are the dog days of summer. Calling for 90’s down below as we teeter on 70’s up at elevation. If we have the opportunity to host you in the coming days, come ready for a hot and humid ascent, and pack those electrolytes!

Huey embraces the rock star look.

We’ve had some changing of the guard among our fuzzified ranks of late. We’ve been introducing several new faces in the llama train since the spring in anticipation of sending some of our veterans into retirement. Two of our long-standing packers have finally hung up their saddle bags and called it an incredible career serving LeConte Lodge. A joyous and heartfelt congratulations to Huey and Pete!

You really have to step back and appreciate all that these creatures do for us, especially when their terms last as long as some do. Longevity and distance are often two topics of conversation around Mt. LeConte. How many lifetime summits? How many nights stayed? How many years worked?

Naturally, names that end in Huff, Brown, Line, Ponder, Neel, and Householder come to mind, representing mightily the human contributions to the lodge. Often forgotten are our favorite trail-taming load-luggers who sport a wool coat and heart warming smirk. In terms of years serving this operation right behind those names mentioned above are numerous llamas. Huey and Pete have now graduated as legends and will enjoy their new home of leisure.

Sweet, reliable, consistent, and often favorites among the wranglers. You work with these animals enough, any pet or livestock owner will tell you, they become like family. So hats off to Huey and Pete for all they’ve done for the lodge. Good chance those linens you slept in or fresh eggs you downed for breakfast came up on their backs at one point.

Always stoic and good with the guests, our sweet Pete.