Birthdays and rainbows!

9/22/2011

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.

I hate that cameras can never exactly capture the beauty of the images the human eye sees. This was a wonderful rainbow, though.

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!

Donnie R.

9/22/2011 01:29:01 am

My gang and I will be up in 3 wks...cant wait ! I want to send out a Happy Birthday also,to Ms. Mynatt :) I can only hope I am as blessed as you are, to hike up Leconte at 80 yrs. old...Kudos young lady !

Marilyn

9/22/2011 01:46:45 am

Happy Birthday to Ms. Mynatt. I'm hoping I will still be able to hike up when I'm 80...in 10 years. Seems harder each year. Lovely pics but I'm soooo glad I was there on 9/11 instead of now with all the rain. Weather then was just perfect for hiking!

Doug Y.

9/22/2011 02:19:56 am

Ms. Mynatt is certainly an inspiration; years ago on my first visit to the Lodge I became rather fatigued for some resaon; I sat down to rest and was despairing a bit, even considering returning to my car; I heard a group coming up the trail behind me and the last person in this group was a man who paused to ask me if I was ok; I told him I was about to quit and he said: "Son, you're only about a mile from the lodge, so hike on up along with me, I'm going up with my family to celebrate my 80th birthday !" By coincidence I ate with him and his family that evening and had a wonderful time; I think I can mention his name: Raplh Egli, a local real estate agent; I will forever remember his kindness and encouragement; Thank you Mr. Egli, wherever you are !

Doug Y.

9/22/2011 02:21:55 am

That should have been: "Ralph" sorry Mr. Egli.

Pam

9/22/2011 04:37:27 am

If we could only do as many of the "older" people do and that is go onward, the world would be a better place. Happy Birthday to Ms. Mynatt and what a wonderful way to spend the day!! May you climb the mountain again when you reach 85!!

Carol Beem

9/22/2011 09:46:53 am

Happy birthday to a very special being on the planet! What a gift you are to us all! Many, many blessings and happy surprises! Lots & lots of love!

TTon MT Martinom

9/22/2011 10:35:47 am

Way to go Grandmother Eula Rae! You're an inspiration.

G Todd Robinson

9/23/2011 02:41:31 am

Happy Birthday Ula Rae my dear Friend ,you have always inspired me . I hope one day you will allow me to walk with you to the top ,not only because I have never been ,but so that I may spend some time with you doing something that you so enjoy. Love you ,Todd

Liza Bach

9/23/2011 03:05:03 am

congratulations!!! I hope you thoroughly enjoyed your whole experience on Leconte.... I spoke with Betsy Ray this week and I am sure she wishes you the same!! I will forward this to her so she can see. Have a peaceful, productive, healthy year and many more!
Hugs...
Liza Bach

Perry Robinson link

9/23/2011 04:08:54 am

WooHoo, Ula Rae! Thanks you for inspiring so many people with your actions and attitude! Happy Birthday, Love and Blessings! Perry

John Hanson

9/23/2011 07:23:49 am

Hiking up Mt. Leconte at 80!! Wow !You have amazing vigor for your age...congrats and happy birthday Ula Rae.
John Hanson

Debi link

9/24/2011 09:11:29 am

How awsome, I met a71 year old lady who hiked up by herself Aug 16,2011. I wish I had got her name. She also hiked 800 miles of the AP Trail until she broke her foot. I thought that was wonderful. I hope I can still hike up there at 80. Congrats and Happy Birthday. Beautiful Pic again as always.

Cathy Clarke

2/1/2013 06:02:00 am

Reviewing this post on a cold Feb. day. Grandmother Ula Rae holds a piece of my heart forever and always. What an inspiration to us all!!!!! Those of us who know her and those who have crossed trails with her are blessed. I hope to be in company on her 90th!

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Birthdays and rainbows!

LeConte Lodge

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