Good morning, It’s currently 37 degrees and socked-in up top. There are trace amounts of snow remaining on the ground. The trails are still quite icy; and with a slick coat of rain on top, the higher elevations will be particularly slick. 24 hour temperature range: High 44 Low 37 -- The world is quiet; the battle for Mt. LeConte is at its end. Winter’s control over the ridge has succumbed to warm rains and the steady advance of gulf winds. With a strong cup of black coffee, I move quietly up the trail. The mountain has a haunted feeling - in a good way. It feels as if, at any moment, something supernatural might occur. I could just as well bump into a unicorn as I could the headless horseman. Finishing the morning loop, I come back to the lodge - grabbing the black lantern and going out again. With the master key in hand, I begin taking a tour of the cabins. This adds to the eeriness of the day; I want the full experience. Making my way into the office, the once bustling building remains quiet, hollow. The warm glow of the lantern adds a comfort to the place. How many people have passed through these doors? How many more will feel the joy of the LeConte Lodge? I wonder at the former and smile at the latter. What a special place - this mountain, this lodge. How fortunate I am to witness so many days, so many of Mt. LeConte's moods. I grab the lantern and leave - locking the door behind me. Onward, Seth “I felt a wish never to leave that room - a wish that dawn might never come, that my present state of mind might never change.”
Leo Tolstoy
9 Comments
Leah
12/15/2018 10:32:41 am
A unicorn!!
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James Workman
12/15/2018 11:16:08 am
never knew, a,little light shined so bright and .reflected so much!
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Myra Teal
12/15/2018 11:52:43 am
I have most wonderful memories of the lodge during a University of Evansville botany class in the late 80s, re-living the hike and staying in a cabin with my brother nearly 30 years later! Can’t wait to do it again. Each day I look forward to reading your words, as they bring back the past adventures I have had on Mt. LeConte! Keep posting!
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Karin Brawley
12/15/2018 04:18:09 pm
I enjoy your posts. I look forward to the pictures. I would to see it one day for myself.
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Boyd
12/15/2018 05:53:23 pm
Beautiful placement of the lantern in a room we all know well. Makes it warm, even when socked in.
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Yaya
12/16/2018 01:04:13 am
The office feels hollow-longing for the love it usually feels. For what is a beautiful place if there is no one to see it, what is love if no one to share it. You honor it,and us by sharing. Thanks
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Rob
12/16/2018 08:18:36 am
Thank you Seth for sharing your experiences so eloquently.
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Pat walker
12/16/2018 02:18:26 pm
I remember thawing out in the office in front of the wonderful heater on my first trip up LeConte to stay at the lodge. It is a very cozy, inviting place to relax.
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Karen Milani
12/16/2018 03:41:25 pm
Loved the latern placement in the lodge to illuminate Margaret's picture & her bronzed hiking boots. Margaret Stevenson, an inspiration to so many hikers & such an influence in learning to be a good steward of GSMNP resources. I "speak" to her boots every time I visit as I was lucky enough to meet her on the trails a long time ago. Thank you, Seth, for taking good care of such a special place; her legacy lives on....
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LeConte LodgeWelcome to the official blog of LeConte Lodge. We hope you find the information provided here both helpful and enjoyable. Thank you for visiting the site, and we hope to see you on the mountain! Archives
June 2024
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