Crew Thanksgiving!

11/21/2011

Nearing sunset on Cliff Tops. Take notice of the strong wind blowing in the tree tops.

Morning!

We had a high of 51 yesterday. It felt a bit muggy all day. The overnight low was 42 and it was 47 degrees and overcast this morning at weather observation. We're expecting a 60% chance of afternoon showers, so be prepared for rain!

We had crew thanksgiving dinner yesterday. Allyson prepared an amazing(!) meal. It's going to be tough going back to lentils and veggie soup.

I went for an evening hike to Cliff Tops. The wind was blowing hard from the valley. It was overcast, but you could see some nice orange hues in the clouds. I hiked back in the dark and finished my first book of the season (Wanderlust by Rebecca Solnit).

I'm hiking down to Gatlinburg today. I'll be picking up some staples and repackaging them for the llamas. Looking forward to getting all my gear, books, etc. up the mountain on Wednesday and really settling in.

Galen

11/21/2011 12:20:49 am

Morning JP. What kind of camera and lens are you using? The wide angle shots are super. Have a good hike.

JP (Winter Caretaker) link

11/21/2011 12:37:49 am

Galen,

I am using a Pentax W80 Optio. It's a small digital camera with 12 mp. It stitches together the wide angle shots on it's own. It's a great, tough little camera.

Chris D

11/21/2011 01:16:05 am

They filmed a movie by that title not to long ago in my area ( Clarkesville, Ga). Which is about 90 miles south of you on 441.

Diane D

11/21/2011 01:41:08 am

How was the book? I've had a copy in my possession for several years now and have not got around to reading it. Should I move it to the top of the book pile?

Bill Klein

11/21/2011 01:51:04 am

Hope you don't get blown off the mountain. If you get a chance hike out to the Jumpoff off of the Boulevard Trail

Devin R.

11/21/2011 02:42:40 am

I cannot believe a high of 51 yesterday? Isn't that unseasonably warm? I saw that Gatlinburg had a high in the 70s today which also seems very high for this time of year. I thought Winter was finally starting to move in but I guess it's not quite ready. We broke a record in Tampa yesterday with 86! We're just under 3 weeks away from our Gatlinburg trip so I hope that winter finds its legs and starts moving in by then. Us Floridians are looking forward to using our Microspikes and Wintergear for a change!

Robbie R

11/21/2011 07:09:35 am

nice pictures like the panorama ones

sandee link

11/21/2011 07:43:58 am

I can see we are going to enjoy some different pictures from you this season. I look forward to more panaramic views of the mountain. Batten down the hatch! :)

Alan in Kingsport

11/21/2011 08:00:59 am

Enjoying your panoramic mountain photos JP. Looking forward to reading about your winter adventures ahead.

Carol

11/21/2011 10:11:06 am

Wow a hike down to Gatlenburg you make it sound like you are going to the corner for a cup of coffie.

Teresa

11/21/2011 12:07:59 pm

Walking the Alum Bluff Cave Trail; how long would you say it takes to hike it to the Lodge? We are trying to get our timing right; so we won't be walking back in the dark.

Teresa

11/21/2011 12:10:37 pm

Walking the Alum Cave Bluff Trail; how long would you say it takes to walk it; on average? We are trying to get our timing down, so we won't be walking back in the dark.

Teresa

11/21/2011 12:12:24 pm

Sorry, did not mean to post two of the same posts; my Computer got hung up or something.lol

Randy from Mississippi

11/21/2011 12:50:27 pm

My wife and I stayed the night of the 20th and we had a wonderful time. The crew was great and meeting everyone was awesome. Becky from Florida,it was nice meeting you and your husband. We had a super trip

Galen

11/21/2011 11:55:59 pm

Teresa,
I'm sure you will get numerous times for hiking Alum trail. From my own experience and talking with others, 3 to 3 1/2 hours up and 2 1/2 down is about average. I have gone up in 2 1/2 and down in 2 but have also gone up in 5 hrs. It all depends on your condition and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery and talk with other hikers.
Just be prepared for weather changes and have plenty of water. But most of all enjoy yourself and be safe.

Devin R.

11/22/2011 12:29:50 am

Hi Teresa,

I argree with Galen's statements. We usually average 5 hour roundtrip (not including our stopoff at the top) but it varies depending on your condition. I've had some trips where I shouldn't have pushed myself as hard as I had and end up limping back down rather slowly because of a bad knee. Just be prepared with rain gear as the weather can change pretty quickly, and bring some headlamps with you just incase you do end up doing your last mile in the dark. You can pick them up for about $10 each at Walmart and they work wonderfully.

11/26/2011 02:04:33 am

Diane,
It was on my bookshelf forever, too. I really enjoyed it. It's a pretty quick and interesting read.

Bill,
I'll be sure to make it out there. Your enthusiasm and knowledge of the park helped me fall in love with this place!

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