December 01st, 2022

December 2, 2022

Good Morning Y’all!!

​Get ready for another great day on the mountain—I’ve never have a bad one. Yesterday the skies were clear all day and the temperatures got up to 49 degrees—not too bad for December.

This morning’s temperature at 7:00 AM was a balmy 42 degrees. Yesterday’s low was 18 degrees so the trails may still have some icy spots so I would recommend that you at least carry traction devices just in case you encounter that occasional icy patch of trail.

In my spare time yesterday I conducted fairly extensive research for the best sunny spot to sit outside and read a book. FYI—the best location that I found for mid to late morning was the deck outside the office. The front porch of Cabin No. 6 was my first choice later in the afternoon after the office deck gets too shady.

Visitors often ask me about wildlife at the lodge. Yes, we have had bears, but I haven’t seen one yet. Yes, we have deer. No, I haven’t seen a mountain lion. We do have chipmunks. So—I saw my first wheasel yesterday—I think! (Please see picture below). He moved so quickly that I had a difficult time taking his picture with my cell phone. I suspect that he had been fed trail snacks sometime because he displayed very little fear of humans.

I think that we are supposed to experience some precipitation this weekend so pack your rain gear.

From High In The Smokies,
WILDCAT/Bert