December 08th, 2018

Good morning,

It’s currently 26 degrees and socked-in (cloudy) up top. We received trace amounts of precipitation. What started as sleet has now become a steady snow.

24 hour temperature range: High 30 Low 23

*US Hwy 441/Newfound Gap Rd from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC is  closed due to snow/ice.

Stay up to date on road conditions here: https://goo.gl/HikrMr

--

Mt. Le Conte sits stoically in the morning twilight, remaining indifferent to the local forecast. A steady rhythm of sleet taps the shoulder of my down parka as I saunter up the trail. A concerned field mouse scurries through the underbrush, making preparations for what is to come. I nod, endorsing his decision.

My mind drifts toward the coming storm - am I prepared? An image of fresh baked oatmeal raisin cookies fills my vision. I dwell on the scene until a loaf of flavorful sourdough gains traction. I quietly revel the notion of bakes goods.

From Apollo Overlook, I wait patiently for any sign of sunrise. An exercise in discipline, I appreciate the benefits that come from the daily trek to sunrise. On days like today, it is less about the sun rising and more about my willingness to show up, regardless of the outcomes. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and listen to what the mountain has to say. The gentle tap of sleet has stopped. The world is silent…

Fresh snow begins to fill the creases in my parka.

Onward.​

---

“Don’t expect to be motivated every day to get out there and make things happen. You won’t be. Don’t count on motivation. Count on Discipline.”
Jocko Willink