Come On Spring Flowers

4/6/2013

If you look closely, you will see Beau and Courtney standing out at the point. Photo by Chris Virden

The day shaped up nicely. The sun came out and warmed us all. The snow is quickly retreating from the mountain side. Chris and some of the crew took off on a hike to Myrtle Point. They returned to camp reporting that it was absolutely gorgeous out there. I am sure there are still patches of ice on all of the trails, so I am still advising to be very careful on your way up the mountain. The temperatures are supposed to get even warmer over the next couple of days. I can't imagine this snow will stick around much longer. The high yesterday was 44 with a low of 27. I see dandelions in our near future, which makes me smile.

Another great photo by Chris.

doug y

4/6/2013 12:32:05 am

The spring flowers surely will be out soon. Frogs are singing down at my pond; birds building their nests; mowed my yard for the first time; yes, it shouldn't be long. Going to hike Boulevard tomorrow. Have a great weekend !

Ginny Cliett

4/6/2013 12:34:35 am

I enjoy your daily blog and photos so much!!! Thank you, thank you and have a beautiful day. I can see you from my backyard and dream of the day I will hike up the mountain and enjoy a night in the lodge.

Leslie

4/6/2013 12:45:55 am

So exited for our first trip up on Monday! We're planning on taking Alum up and down. We have microspikes (might be overkill, but we had our REI dividend to use) so I'm thinking we'll be okay in the slick spots I've read about. Am I correct in assuming it'll take 4-5 hours to get to the lodge with current conditions?

PHIL

4/6/2013 01:30:16 am

If you are a seasoned hiker it should only take about 2 hours to go up Alum. Many of my hiking buddies and I have been up dozens of times and even on a bad day 2.5 hours. You are probably not going to encounter Ice but on a very few spots on the shaded side of the Mountain. I think all of that will go away today.

Leslie

4/6/2013 01:39:23 am

Thank you Phil! Much shorter than I was thinking... I wouldn't call us seasoned, but we do alright!

Gina

4/6/2013 01:41:26 am

It takes me more like 3 or 4 to get up Alum and I hike a lot, I live here. BUT, I do stop a lot and take it all in.

Leslie I am hiking up with a friend on Monday also, maybe I will see you up top. Were doing Rainbow because she has never done it. I prefer Alum though. but don't mind doing it for my friend.

Leslie

4/6/2013 04:05:26 pm

Hopefully we see you up there! Are you guys staying at the lodge?

Gina

4/6/2013 11:35:37 pm

Leslie, no its a day hike for us. We are getting on the trail around 7:30 (Rainbow). We are having the hot lunch in the dining hall when we get there. I will have on purple hiking boots and probably a pink hat. See u there maybe!

John

4/6/2013 02:13:12 am

I've hiked it a number of times and typically in reasonable conditions can do it in 3.5 to 4.5 hours but I take a lot of pictures and enjoy the views. My advice would be to take your time and not make a race out of getting to the top. Enjoy the journey!

EricB link

4/6/2013 04:58:20 am

I've hiked it nearly 20 times. It typically takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours with a 20-25 pound pack. I can make it much faster with a minimal pack and fewer stops. The hike is relatively short, but the grade is tough. The average grade is over 10%. Add elevation, wet conditions, rocks, ice, etc and it is much tougher than lower elevations or level ground.
If it's your first trip, plan on 4+ hours to the top and 3.5 hours back down. Lighten your pack - whatever you packed is too much. :) And allow extra time just in case of problems.

Leslie

4/6/2013 04:02:57 pm

Thanks for the advice EricB! We are planning for 5 hours just in case (based on the more recent comments)...I take a lot of pictures, so that'll probably be a more accurate guesstimation. :)

Debi

4/6/2013 12:51:27 am

Had to almost put my glasses on to see them. Lol. Almost! Light dusting of snow again in Michigan and yesterday was so nice. This is the time of the year when mother nature loves to tease us. Tulips and daffodils about 3/4 of a inch out of the ground with snow patches around. Beautiful pictures today. Thanks Chris.

Kevin L

4/6/2013 01:34:16 am

Great pictures! I can't wait to get there on Sunday!

Allison block

4/6/2013 01:50:36 am

Alum cave trail is open 2day or not the road past Townsend is closed

Brian N bama

4/6/2013 02:37:56 am

1st off, well done Chris. 2nd I can't wait until May 11th when my sons and I get to bring my dad and uncle up for the first time. Not sure who is more excited. Hoping for beautiful clear skies.

Workman

4/6/2013 03:31:09 am

Those are great pics Chris. Yall do a great job up there. Hope to do a day hike up in June

LEE YOUNG

4/6/2013 04:31:56 am

KEEP PICS COMING. tHEY KEEP ME GOING HERE IN MEMPHIS PURGATORY. HAVE A GOOD SPRING.

Doug L

4/6/2013 05:45:34 am

Thanks for the amazing pics and daily blog. Great way to visit LeConte from Florida's gulf coast on my birthday. Also, nice to enjoy the views on top with a good hot cup of Earl Grey. Good weekend all!

Dan the Bear

4/6/2013 11:36:34 am

I love your website. Our first trip was the first Thursday of the new season--lots of snow and ice but absolutely gorgeous. Keep the pictures coming. We are going to be back. I would love to bring my boy scout troop for an overnight.

awsom

4/7/2013 04:02:24 pm

Great Dan.

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Come On Spring Flowers

LeConte Lodge

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