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December 16, 2017

12/16/2017

13 Comments

 
P.S. - Update!!
I was so excited to go run that I forgot to talk about ice traction! We ended up completing the 16-mile loop in 3:35:00 – It was very icy on the upper section of trail. So, onto ice traction. There are numerous options available. I’ll keep it brief and mention two options that should be available locally.
 
  1. Katoola Micro Spikes: The price point is more of an investment compared to other options, but this is a great go to for bombproof traction and solid durability.
  2. Yaktrax Walker: A more affordable option that provides less traction and durability than the Micro Spikes, but are lighter and more affordable.
 
I’ve used both options extensively and they’ll work. Ultimately, in the world of ice traction, you get what you pay for.
 
Local Option:
 
NOC Gatlinburg
1138 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 277-8209

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​Good morning,
 
It’s currently 30 degrees and clear. Yesterday’s high was 27 degrees, with an overnight low of 12.
 
The trails are icy up top. I would highly recommend some form of ice traction. I will list a couple options in the P.S. section below.
 
--
 
I woke and walked in to the kitchen. The smell of fresh baked bread still lingered in the air. Loaves of garlic herb, oatmeal honey, and banana nut bread lay comfortably on the stove top. I think that baking should happen more often. Thinking, I wait for the water to come to a boil.
 
Speechless, I applauded the sunrise. Like yesterday’s sunset, the mountains radiated hues I thought could only be found in fairytales. My thoughts began to drift toward looming adventures.
 
Down Rainbow Falls, up Trillium Gap. The thought of running challenging trails, from my doorstep, fills me with joy and gratitude. The weather is warming, and I’m fidgeting with excitement. It’s time to move in the mountains!
 
Onward,
Seth

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The least movement is of importance to all nature. The entire ocean is affected by a pebble. – Blaise Pascal
13 Comments
Joyce Kent link
12/16/2017 09:48:19 am

Just beautiful! Breath taking! We enjoy your posts so much.

Reply
Yaya
12/16/2017 10:08:45 am

Fresh baked bread, exploring adventures, and this awesome scenery- enough to make ones soul song. "How great thou art". Enjoy

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Larry
12/16/2017 10:19:50 am

I’m interested in your comments on traction devices. Where is the PS section? Thanks

Reply
Sherleen
12/16/2017 12:10:30 pm

Awesome pictures. I could smell the bread......Ahhhh! Onward Seth.!!!Be safe

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Drew Brattain link
12/16/2017 01:35:19 pm

You have mentioned running multiple times, do you have a daily/weekly mileage goal from the top?

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Seth (Caretaker)
12/17/2017 10:41:33 am

No mileage goals. Anymore, I seem to focus more on hours per week. Right now, I aim for about an hour a day, with a couple longer foray's each week.

Cheers!

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Anthony(SC)
12/16/2017 02:25:09 pm

Can anybody recommend good traction devices that would work best for a winter hike to LeConte and the AT in the park? Thanks for any advice.

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Seth (Caretaker)
12/17/2017 10:42:11 am

Just updated this post with requested info!

Reply
ric
12/16/2017 09:16:03 pm

and it was a good day on the mountain. one of the few days you could stop moving and not hear a sound. was good talkin to you on your way back up trillium. i made the loop in 6:50 (2220 calories, cant imagine what you burned), a little slower but made it. am glad i had traction (katoolas) today, was surprised at how much ice there was on rainbow. any way, be safe, enjoy and continue on.

Reply
tomk in SC
12/16/2017 10:43:26 pm

I was up top via Rainbow Falls in January a few years back, and while there was snow a lot of the way, there was only traction risk snow and ice above the turn at West Point. How are the trails now? I mean where and above is traction at risk and where and below is it pretty clear?

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Anthony(SC)
12/17/2017 04:56:18 am

Check the area code for the local NOC in Gatlinburg. 864 is a South Carolina area code.

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Seth (Caretaker)
12/17/2017 10:39:37 am

Fixed!! It was 865.

Thanks!

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H Clark
12/17/2017 07:23:02 am

Hiked to LeConte using Rainbow Falls and returned via Trillium Gap to the Cherokee Orchard parking area. I wanted to get both waterfalls on the same hike. I’m sure it took me longer than 3:35 for the first section. Enjoy your photos, comments and positive attitude.

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