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December 04th, 2015

12/4/2015

11 Comments

 
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When I was young I made a vow to myself, that I would never take a job. The essential principle of occupation in the world is this: figure out some way in which you get paid for playing. Alan Watts

Morning y'all,

It's another beautiful, clear day up top. The high yesterday reached 28 degrees. The low was 14 degrees, recorded yesterday morning. It was 27 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation and there is a light dusting of snow on some trails. The trails are in pretty good shape, with a bit of slick ice in a few spots. I would not consider traction devices necessary just yet. Get out and enjoy this beautiful Friday!

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Top photo: Cabin pictures in winter just make me happy. Above: Lunch at Icewater with some pals.
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Heading South on the AT after the Bunion.

My friend Katie and I went out for one of my favorite hikes yesterday. We took off at 9:30 and headed out the Boulevard trail, enjoying big views in all directions (so, so good after days of rain & clouds!) of our beloved undulating Smokies. We stirred little flocks of birds from the trees overhead, watched rime ice crumble as it warmed in the sun, and enjoyed the undisturbed single track of the Boulevard. Once we reached the AT, we headed towards Charlie's Bunion to take in the requisite view of my winter home. From there, we headed south on the AT towards Newfound Gap, passing friendly day hikers (everyone says hi in the South!) and hitched down to her car at Alum Cave. From there, we drove to Chimney Tops to get in some scrambling, marvel at last years' Trails Forever work, and take in another view of LeConte. We hiked down Chimney's, then drove back up to Alum and enjoyed the golden glow of another perfect evening on Alum. We topped out just as the sun was setting. The beauty is in the brevity. There is no sorrow that can catch up to you on a 20 mile day in your happy place.

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Yes.
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Scrambling down the oceanic mud on Chimneys.
11 Comments
TracyG
12/4/2015 09:32:44 am

Stunning! Thank you!

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Carol
12/4/2015 12:41:01 pm

Stunning indeed!! Loved the quote as it seems to relate to your awesome job! You are so very lucky to be able to experience the magic that those mountains bring......and you experience it on a daily basis!! But I know that I don't have to remind you of that. You can hear the gratitude, awe, appreciation and peaceful joy in everything you write. Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos and your sentiments with those of us who love that sacred place also.

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Tom C
12/4/2015 09:40:30 am

Thanks JP! Good share!

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Richard
12/4/2015 11:29:08 am

JP, it is so good to have you back again and follow your winter blog! Inspiring quotes, gorgeous photographs, and a reminder of that special place that is so dear to my heart!

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Linda
12/4/2015 12:50:23 pm

Welcome back JP! Absolutely loved the blog today...the last sentence got me! Thank you! :)

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SamG
12/4/2015 01:45:35 pm

Hats off to Katie! Great 20-mile 'scramble' that you selected & completed....Love it, man!! Thanks

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norman
12/4/2015 02:06:23 pm

JP, sorry to hear about your cold. I, and I think Raz, would like your 'general idea' of your miles run! Oh what a quote, (Alan Watts). Get well!

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bonnie smith
12/4/2015 02:15:45 pm

I love the color in your pictures do you care to tell what camera you use

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JP
12/4/2015 02:31:13 pm

Bonnie,

I use my iPhone 5s! They are surprisingly good cameras... my only trouble is keeping it from shutting down when it gets below 20 degrees...

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tgb link
12/4/2015 05:19:46 pm

J.P.you have out done yourself today.Beautiful pics like I have never seen before,I wish I knew how to capture the beautiful trails,mts.etc.like you but all I do is just make a lot of pics,but they are just pics, nothing that I could make to even come close to yours.I have worked in the yds cooked lunch etc.and was exausted and come to see what you had for today and soooooooglad I did,it has made my day as usual and I'm not nearly as tired now.LOL It amazes how you hike ever day and it is nice to have someone to share the beauty with I am sure.I wish I could meet you before you leave in March but doubtful because we live 565mi.from Smokies and we go in Apr.Sept.and Nov.and you will be gone,so I will keep up with you on the blog and hopefully can find your blog when you get to NH which we love also.HABD

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Ken Schrader
12/5/2015 11:28:36 am

Just wondering where 565 miles from there is? We are about the same distance in Illinois.

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