December 10th, 2015

We wander, still as death, unwearied, on heights that we do not see as heights but as plains, as our safety. Nietzsche

Morning y'all,

It's another beautiful, clear day up top. The high yesterday reached 42 degrees. The overnight low was 32 degrees. It was 34 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The trails are almost entirely clear, just look out for a few select spots of black ice near the top. I wouldn't consider traction devices necessary quite yet. Get out and enjoy the day!

There's a long list of things I love about the Smokies, but amongst my most favorite is how quickly this land can heal whatever ails your mind. I've had plenty of grim moods up here, but whenever I walk out to Cliff Tops it all ends up feeling laughable. There are enough kinds of beauty in that sky to match and trump whatever darkness your mind has settled on for that particular evening. If you look at those clouds and take ten deep breaths, your heart beats easier. It's a truth I take for granted too often.