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December 14th, 2018

12/14/2018

8 Comments

 
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Good morning,

It’s currently 34 degrees and cloudy with high winds. Mt. LeConte is in a mood. We still have 5” inches of snow on the ground, but that is changing rapidly.

24 hour temperature range: High 41 Low 30

--

The wind screamed like a banshee. Staring out my single pane loft window, I watched the forest ebb and flow like an upset ocean. What ice remained on the trees flung like bullets against the cedar board & batten. I was under attack. Checking my watch, I couldn’t delay any longer - I geared up and joined the fray.

The snow was melting fast. The compacted footpaths had become a thick sheet of ice. Skating toward the kitchen, the wind flanked me on the left - pushing me down the hill. Bracing for impact, my hand found the wood railing. I pressed on. Stomping into the kitchen, I dropped my backpack and lit the kerosene lanterns. My eyes drifted toward a jar filled with fresh ground coffee - ammunition.

Huddled over my mug, I made a loop around camp. The wind continued to push and pull in every direction. I took cover under the deck of the main office. Each sip of coffee left me better calibrated.  With weather like this, reinforcements were unlikely. I laughed inside - the coffee was loading up my imagination. I looked down at the ceramic mug - one shot left…

Outnumbered, I called in the retreat.

Onward,
Seth

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"When the wind is blowing and the sleet or rain is driving against the dark windows, I love to sit by the fire, thinking of what I have read in books of voyage and travel."

Charles Dickens
8 Comments
james nations link
12/14/2018 01:13:52 pm

Dam it self, ifin a bear kaint travel a man aughta hole up until the elements cease trying to kill him. Stay inside, thank God for your blessings and travel a better day.

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Mark Ralston
12/14/2018 02:26:17 pm

A wise retreat allows for engagement another day. It sounds like you were wise to let Winter pitch a fit today.

Reply
Sue W
12/14/2018 03:02:28 pm

Weve had off and on rain all day in Florida. They say we could see high winds and possible tornado activity later this afternoon and into the evening. Rain is not as pretty as snow, but at least we don't have to shovel it!

Reply
Alice W.
12/14/2018 04:43:45 pm

I received my NOVEMBER SKIES print today. Just lovely and a great piece to remember LeConte Lodge by. Also it inspires me to visit during the winter.

I can throw a vote out for Micro Spikes. I did tote them up LeConte once but didn't use them. However while the need to work on an ice rink only comes up on occasion here for me I have a set. We need them even here in Florida. LOL

Reply
Seth link
12/15/2018 10:29:27 am

Alice,

Thats great to hear! I'm glad you, now, have a piece of Mt. LeConte with you always. Have a great weekend.

Onward,
Seth

Reply
Merian
12/14/2018 09:14:59 pm

Hey Seth! Will you be staying on top of the mountain all winter? Just to keep an eye on things? I enjoy the post! Thanks! Stay warm and safe! Merian

Reply
Seth Orme link
12/15/2018 10:30:25 am

Merian,

I will be up here until early March!

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Yaya
12/15/2018 12:45:19 am

Not just a photograph- Art, as Gentleman Doug commented a few days ago. The story and the pictures- so fitting as nature struggles against the pending winter season. Mesmerized by the sapphire hues of the mountains. Blessed for sure- Thank you

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