beneath my full moon heart.

12/2/2011

Beautiful day to watch one of nature's more visceral displays.

Morning. It was a low of 26 last night and a high of 46 yesterday afternoon. It was 35 and clear at observation. It sounds like it will be another beautiful day up here.

I walked down to Alum Cave yesterday so that I could watch some of the 'widowmakers' crash down. They are the massive ice formations that have froze overnight, warm up during the day and attempt to ruin an unaware hikers' day/life. Use caution down there! I sat there for half an hour and saw 6 that gained enough momentum that they sounded like jets.

I will be hiking long today down Bullhead, Old Sugarland and up Alum. Looking forward to introducing myself to all the folks at the NPS!

Good luck to all my friends running the Tecumseh Trail Marathon tomorrow! I am so jealous!

I love the shelters in the Smokies! Mt. LeConte shelter at sunset.

Cathy Morrison link

12/2/2011 12:50:38 am

Beautiful photo and I'd love to hike up there to Alum Cave today. Pristine! Also want to look into getting reservations for a cabin on LeConte in June or in the Fall of next year. Can you help me! Thanks so much and have a wonderful day today!

Brad

12/2/2011 01:10:10 am

Is the shelter getting much use up there these days?

Marilyn

12/2/2011 01:14:37 am

Cathy, check out www.lecontelodge.com for reservations. Most likely they are already booked as they do the reservations beginning Nov 1 and of course everyone is trying to get in. I did notice when I was on the site a month ago that it said there were a few spots open and they were for weeknights. It did not say when and since I already have reservations I didn't check. Was thinking it mentioned March and November 2012 as two months that had a couple nights open. Or you can call them direct at 865 429-5704. I think they can put you on a waiting list too. Good luck and I hope you make it up! It is AWESOME!

James

12/2/2011 01:21:11 am

thanks agasin JP for the qutes and pictures! and good luck to those folks wanting reservations!! we started oct last yr for 2011 and all weekends were taken! but ended up getting Haloween night this yr and it was incredible we did a day hike in july for our 35th anniversary! My wifes first trip up!! we had to go back and stay!! Hope to see you soon!

Devin R.

12/2/2011 01:36:27 am

You just made me make a mental note to not just blow by the bluffs when we're hiking to the summit in a couple weeks. Usually we take a 10 minute breather at the bluffs but if we spot any widowmakers when we get there I'm going to make it a point to hang out a bit longer than normal. What time were you there? If we get to the bluffs around 10-11am do you think they'll be breaking loose yet?

Tony Ga

12/2/2011 02:48:44 am

There is a video on You-tube where a "widow-maker" feel and just missed a kid running down the trail. It was a really big one. Would have been bad if it had hit him. It looked like playing Russian Roulette getting pass them.

Chris

12/2/2011 02:53:31 am

Reservations for the 2012 Season were started being made on Oct. 3 of 2011. If there aren't any dates available make sure and get your name on waiting list for cancellation. Just remember reservations for the 2013 season will begin the first business day in Oct of 2012.

Dar

12/2/2011 03:00:36 am

Dar

12/2/2011 03:03:42 am

As of yesterday there was 1 cabin for 9-11-12, and 3 nights in Nov.

looks like a beautiful day on the top.

Bill B

12/2/2011 03:29:46 am

Brad, the shelter is ALWAYS full. Usually you can not get a reservation. Then there are the backpackers who just show up. If you want a reservation at the shelter, begin calling the backcountry office at 8:00 AM 30 days ahead of your trip. And good luck. Everything at LeConte seems to always be in full use.

Devin R

12/2/2011 03:41:17 am

@Bill B.

You bring up an interesting point. LeConte is always full during the normal seasons, be it the Lodge or the Shelter. I know that Alum is one of the most traveled trails in the park because of ease of access and and rewarding views after only 2.5 miles. My fiance loves this...the LOVES that there are going to be other people on the trail incase anything happens. I for one like the less traveled trails which is why I loved hiking down Bull Head one year (fiance hated it...but then again we were rushing down hill to try to beat a thunderstorm that kept threatening us and we were trying to get off the ridge for some cover and the first half of the decent is ALL ridge...go figure).

Anyway. We try to hike LeConte during every visit when we're up there, but I know there are some marvelous places we're missing out on because of that! Though it's nice to become familiar with trails and know where you are, and know that you'll get an amazing view when you reach the top!

We're going to try to do both LeConte and Gregory Bald the week of the 11th. Haven't hiked one of the park's Balds yet and it's something we've been wanting to do.

sandee link

12/2/2011 04:23:43 am

widow makers? interesting thought...wonder if my ex-husband likes to hike? oh...did I just write that? my bad ;)

Chris

12/2/2011 05:19:02 am

For those whom enjoy the less traveled paths to LeConte they should look into trying Huggins Hell , Roaring Fork, Bear Trap. Be advised these are unmarked, unofficial, and very technical routes. It probably not be a good idea to do them in the winter months either.

Galen

12/2/2011 05:52:39 am

You are doing a great job JP. Your list of followers seems to grow every day.
Enjoy seeing your pics and reading your comments along with everyone else's.
@ Sandee, Thanks for the laugh. Yes you did write that. lol

Devin R.

12/2/2011 06:02:30 am

@Chris,

Thanks for the info and for distracting me at work for the past hour. Do you (or anyone) have any good books or websites for "unoffical" trail hiking in the Park? Or lesser known sites to see along the official trails?

Carol G

12/2/2011 06:41:38 am

I look forward to your pictures and blog every morning JP. My husband and I live here and wanted to offer to you that if there is a day that you are hiking down off the mountain and need something, we would be happy to meet you at the bottom and bring you whatever supplies you would be longing to have. We know in the winter we can't get into the Roaring Fork area so probably the best bet for us to be able to get to you would be the Alum Cave trailhead. We are very familiar with that parking lot that normally is packed with cars. I will make sure I check this every morning and see if there is a message from you if you would like us to do this for you. Also, if you get to come off the mountain and want a ride into town for supplies, we would also be happy to do that for you....just let me know. :)

12/2/2011 07:52:02 am

Carol G,
That is so sweet of you two! I'll definitely put you in my file of 'overly kind Southerners looking to help'!

Debi link

12/2/2011 09:20:44 am

Hmm, I have a spot Aug. 5th Maybe I should auction it off. Just kidding!! Nice pics JP

Cricket

12/2/2011 10:40:01 am

LOVE the pictures! Makes me miss the lodge! Thanks...

Linda M

12/2/2011 10:52:27 am

JP,what time of day do you do "observation"? Love the pictures. We started calling Oct 3rd, took a day & a half to get thru but we have our reservations for 2 nights in June. I don't like the cold, but love the pictures! We went up May 17th 2011 and it snowed around 5pm. Had a great time and can't wait to get back. Keep up the good work!!

Louise Bales link

12/2/2011 11:10:49 am

Thanks JP for the posts. They are better than coffee in the morning. My favorite place in the world. See everyone in May, with folks that have not been before. Louise Bales, Cliff Dwellers Gallery!

Marilyn

12/2/2011 12:07:26 pm

Louise, I remember you. I and several of my lady friends were in your place in late May...I mentioned we were staying at Bill's and asked if you were related and you said you were. It is nice to know that the locals also take advantage of the great beauty in the Smokies. Bill says he's never been to the top of LeConte. I keep telling him he should..it is awesome. We'll be down again late May...we'll stop in and see how your trek up the mountain was. Happy Hiking!

Carol G

12/2/2011 04:52:09 pm

LOL JP...that is so funny. We do try to be overly friendly most of the time. My personal gift is hospitality and folks do love to come and visit us at our cabin here in these wonderful Smokey's. I am also known for my cooking abilities. Well, our offer was serious so let me know if you need us. :)

Doug Y.

12/2/2011 05:52:04 pm

How's it going JP ? Looks like you're well into the routine of the caretaker; I wanted to hike up sometime during Christmas but that looks doubtful now, but if I do I'll bring you a supply of "Russian Tea"; it's a great beverage during the winter seasons;

12/2/2011 11:42:14 pm

Linda,
We do observatino at 7am. We call it into Park Service so that they can broadcast it over the NOAA weather radio.
Carol G,
Thanks again!
Doug Y,
That sounds great. Let me know when you plan on coming up! Are you the fella that worked up here a few seasons ago?

Comments are closed.

beneath my full moon heart.

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