Crew Fun

8/21/2011

It is that time of the year when the temperatures are unpredictable. As I reported the other day, we went from 71 to the low 40's. Yesterday we went from 65 to 54. You have to plan for unpredictable when you hike in the Smokies. You never know what you are going to get. We had some rain showers yesterday. They moved out in time to enjoy a beautiful sunset. I snapped these pics for you to enjoy.

Last night was also the annual "Crew Progressive Dinner". We try and do some fun activities for the staff so the season goes by a little quicker. Each crew member picked a course and planned a dish. They made the dishes and then we walked from room to room and enjoyed what they created. It was a great evening. I wanted to show a picture I took of John's course. He, of course, signed up for dessert. John loves ice cream. He decided to make us home made vanilla ice cream with an assortment of toppings. We were so full by the time the time the dessert course came around, we all had little bowls. Not John! He saved room.

I hate to think what kind of crazy dreams he had last night. Going to sleep on a stomach full of ice cream and candy makes for some interesting sleep.

Scott

8/21/2011 02:31:53 am

I sure hope John is there whenever we finally make it up there. Seems like such a cool guy. Looking forward to meeting you as well Allyson

Barbara

8/21/2011 03:21:59 am

how did John make ice cream? Where did he get the ice? Really enjoy your pics!

Pat N.

8/21/2011 03:44:01 am

Oh my "sweet" John...now you're even sweeter. His course choice and bowl size did not surprise me. In light of all that happened while he was home, there's nothing like chocolate and a terrific mountain home and crew to make life even better. Glad you all had a fun time. God Bless All of You!
Momma Northrup

Jeanette Meyer

8/21/2011 04:04:10 am

Yum! Yum! Great pictures and Blog! Love Johnny's icecream, love Nephew John, love Niece-to-be Bonnie, and love the Smokies! Soooooo looking forward to our visit to LeConte in September! Our best always to the entire crew.

God Bless!
Aunt Nettie

Jacque J

8/21/2011 05:14:40 am

Beautiful pictures Allyson! Thank you. We are hiking up in a few days and are so excited! We have been looking forward to this since our hike up last year

Doug Y.

8/21/2011 08:35:22 am

That's my kind of dessert ! And it's how I maintain my physique ! Sure. Love your photos looking down into the valley below; it's the view I always thoroughly enjoy when I stay in cabin 9, or anywhere at the lodge for that matter; I often just leave my cabin door open and lay there and take in the view, but, of couirse, one must be wary of critters dropping in for a visit ! G'day.

Galen

8/21/2011 02:38:15 pm

Does anyone know if Ed Wright's family is doing another memorial hike on the Sunday of Labor Day week-end? Last years was very moving and enjoyable. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks
Great pics again Allyson

Connie Houk

8/22/2011 03:40:10 am

Galen- The Ed Wright Memorial Hike will be on Sunday September 4th. The group will meet at 7:00 am at Alum Cave Trailhead. If I hear anything different I will post it here. Ed Wright made a huge impact on my life and I plan on being there agian this year and hope to see you there!!

Tony Ga

8/22/2011 04:21:08 am

Hiking up to the lodge, Trillium Gap Trail vs Rainbow Trail. Coming down Alum Cave trail. Which would you do going up?

Guy GA

8/22/2011 05:32:15 am

@Tony GA,
I went up Rainbow and came down Bull Head about a month and a half ago. It took me 4 hours to get up to the lodge, and 3 1/2 coming down Bull Head. The only thing on Bull head, is the least traveled trail. In 3 1/2 hours I only saw 1 lady about 45 minutes below the lodge. I have not hiked Trillium Gap, but it is the trail that the Llamas go to the Lodge 3 times a week, so I am thinking is "easier hiking"!!!!! Any input from some one else????

Tony Ga

8/22/2011 05:45:55 am

Just wonder which trail is the more "scenic" trail. Considering Trillium and taking a detour to Brushy Mountain before going up to the lodge, but would like to see Rainbow Falls too.
Thanks

Doug Y.

8/22/2011 12:54:19 pm

Tony: I have my favorite trails but I don't think there's really one that is any easier than the rest; it's all relative to each individual; Alum is great, and so is Trillium; Rainbow offers a lot also; try them all then categorize them according to what your mind and heart tell you; for me, where I begin and where I end are the least important variables; more important is the mental and physical solitude I gain on the trail; in the woods and on the trail you can find whatever it is you seek; It's the Journey that's the destination.

Tony Ga

8/22/2011 02:02:41 pm

Doug, when I try to decide on which trail to hike "easiest" doesn't factor into my decision. I tend to obsess over planning anything. There are so many trails and so little time. If I could I would hike them all, but making a living gets in the way. I think I have decided to go up on Trillium and down Alum, with the help of A Walk In The Woods shuttle service. Thanks for the advice.

Doug Y.

8/22/2011 02:34:45 pm

Tony, you're a lot like me as regards planning; I sometimes overdo it, getting into the smallest details, etc. Bullhead is the trail I've taken the fewest times to the lodge, and I've hiked every mile of every trail within the Park, some many times; Yes, so many good trails, so little time;

8/23/2011 04:25:22 am

Regarding trails...would those of you with experience recommend taking the Boulevard trail on our descent? We are planing on taking Alum up.

Doug Y.

8/23/2011 01:28:51 pm

JB: Boulevard is longer, but I like it; You'll have to decide how to get from Newfound Gap back down to the Alum trailhead parking lot; just before reaching the A.T. on Boulevard you might enjoy a short detour to the "Jumpoff"; should be marked;

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