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but then night rolls around and it all starts makin' sense, there is no right way or wrong way, you just have to live. and so i do what i do and at least i exist, what could mean more than this? what would mean more, mean more?

1/7/2013

 
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Let my love fill your golden cup/ like sunbeams showering the earth./ Let it flow to every corner of your soul./ Let it tear up the gnarled roots of regret/ and nourish the tender seeds of hope. Rumi
_Morning y'all,

It's a stunning morning up top. There are some wonderful pinks and purples blanketing the clear sky. It's cold and clear, proper January weather. The high yesterday reached 31 degrees. The low was 16 degrees. It was 27 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation. There is still patchy snow up top. The trails are iced over. I needed Microspikes from the double staircase to the summit. Pack them or slip & fall a lot, your pick.

I had a wonderful hike up Alum yesterday afternoon. My knee feels like it's at 80%, so things are getting better. I started at 4:50, caught sunset just above the Cave Bluffs and had to turn on my headlamp at the double staircase. I usually get into a great rhythm while night hiking, senses all tingly like and have to remind myself to pause for a moment to appreciate the stillness and unusual tones of a world without sun. The awe just flows in, filling the gaps between all the predictable human frailties. I bounded into camp with a renewed sense of perspective, no longer missing what can't be mine but thankful for all that is.

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_Today is a big day for gratitude up here on LeConte. Thanks to all the helpful folks at the NOC Gatlinburg for helping me pick out a new pack for mountain life. Head over there for everything for all your gear needs, including my preferred method of traction, Kahtoola Microspikes.

A special thanks to the anonymous folks who brought me a Sunday NY Times, my friend whose name I've forgotten who left me blueberries  & mushrooms (comment if you're reading so I can relearn your name!) and Phillip & Unique, who gave me the coolest hitch I've had in TN. Thanks to Dick & Al for making some great meals and regaling me with tales of lodge life from the good ol' days.  Life is good, but kind people make it even better.
Pam
1/7/2013 01:49:15 am

You have your own trail angels!! Glad they are there for you. Great pics. Glad the knee is better!

norman [airborne all the way]
1/7/2013 02:37:10 am

AMEN

PrayerWalker link
1/7/2013 03:45:59 am

Thanks for the recommendation for the microspikes. I purchased them several months ago in preparation for a thru-hike of the AT beginning mid Feb. Since I have no experience with traction devices, I wasn't sure whether they would be sufficient. Your comments give me some measure of confidence that if I go down, it won't be due to lack of the right equipment ...just walker error.

Tony Ga
1/7/2013 05:25:05 am

PrayerWalker are you planning on keeping a trail journal online? Starting in Feb. you're sure to see snow on the trail.

Tony Ga
1/7/2013 05:32:58 am

I think I found your trail journal. You are in Ga right?

Tony Ga
1/7/2013 05:53:23 am

Duh...I finally clicked the arrow beside your name and it magically took me to your Trail Journal. I'm so bright sometimes. Good Luck!

Debi
1/7/2013 08:27:39 pm

Looking forward to your journal and maybe hiking it myself. Tony, remind me if I forget and you read it first. :) Stay safe

Tony Ga
1/7/2013 10:20:16 pm

Will do. Started reading her prep post. She's a really good writer. Looking forward reading her story.

Steve D
1/8/2013 01:05:53 am

PrayerWalker-I bought the Kahtoola Microspikes a few weeks ago on JP's recommendation, as what I had just wasn't good enough for the severe ice on the upper section of the Alum Cave Trail to Mt LeConte. I was so delighted with them, and the confidence they gave me was worth every penny and more that I paid for them. I think you will be very happy with them. I pray for many blessings to be granted to you on your trip on the AT this year.

PrayerWalker link
1/8/2013 03:05:31 am

Steve D -- appreciate the confirmation about the Kahtoola Microspikes. In a way, I hope I don't have to use them but if I'm blessed with snow and ice I guess I'm ready ....

Barbara
1/8/2013 02:22:47 pm

Prayerwalker; will be checking your blog for your progress on the trail and praying for your success! I hope to do the thru hike someday. Thanks for the 'Doyle' reference.

Brian
1/7/2013 05:19:06 am

Great blog, enjoy reading it everyday and look forward to it as well. I miss the Smokies!

Cola
1/7/2013 05:33:56 am

Love your blog. It's become my go-to site for getting a feel for the true weather/ice conditions on the high ridges but along the way I've really come to enjoy your photos and comments.

Have you read anything by Robert MacFarlane? MacFarlane also recommends a small book by Nan Shepherd, 'the living mountain' which I've just begun. Maybe you'd enjoy their writing. I know I have!

Karl Thatcher
1/7/2013 06:31:01 am

Would that be that Dick K and Al B Per chance??
If so Hello from Karl T!!

Debi
1/7/2013 08:24:51 pm

Yes, aprreciate all we have, and we do have so much!


Comments are closed.
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