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December 25, 2017

12/25/2017

23 Comments

 
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Merry Christmas,
 
It’s currently 5 degrees out and clear. We received 1” of snow last night, securing a white Christmas up top. Yesterday’s high was 36 degrees with an overnight low of 5 degrees.
 
Hwy 441 from Cherokee to Gatlinburg is closed. Please visit the Smoky Mountain Roads – Twitter page for updates on road closures. ---> ​https://goo.gl/HikrMr

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​Yesterday’s sunset looked promising. I’d gone the entire week without getting a proper sunset or sunrise. With only a few minutes to go before the show, my excitement built. The curtain suddenly dropped, clouds covered the view. Maybe that’s how Santa does it? He rides in on a cloud? So it goes…
 
I woke to a white world. Excited, I packed on the layers and launched outside. The biting air inspired me to add more layers to today’s wardrobe. I looked up at the stars. STARS! More excited than before, I finished my morning routine and broke trail to Apollo Overlook. The internal debate to make a break for Myrtle Point was decided by a large cloud traveling from the northeast. Moving fast, the cloud engulfed the point. I wasn’t going to risk it. I set my camera up, hid both camera batteries in my chest pocket and watched as the colors began to explode in the sky. My face burned from the cold. I covered up and attempted to capture the beauty.
 
Walking back to the lodge, I could feel the temperature dropping. My fingers ached. My cheeks were sore, partially from smiling. I couldn’t contain myself. I had to take a walk around the lodge…

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​Back inside, the thermometer read 1.8 degrees. It had gotten colder. I re-lit the stove. One burner for tea; the other for the final touches on yesterday’s Christmas Eve project. Instead of throwing away the peel from the grapefruit I was gifted, I opted to make candied citrus peels. I had wanted to bake bread, but accidently baked five loaves the day prior. One loaf of banana blueberry nut bread, two loaves of Anadama bread, and two loaves of oatmeal bread. Three of the five loaves lay comfortably in the freezer - saving counter space for Christmas Day baked goods. I huddled next to the heater. I was thankful for heat, snow, and sunrises.
 
Onward,
Seth
 
P.S. – Since it is Christmas, I’ve added a few extra photos to today’s blog post. My gift to you!

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"Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling." – Edna Ferber
23 Comments
Joseph A.
12/25/2017 11:02:23 am

How is the ice? I was thinking of going up Alum Cave Trail tomorrow but am concerned about the ice. Thanks, and awesome pictures!

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Leah
12/25/2017 11:12:40 am

Beautiful pictures! Merry Christmas!

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Lynn Robertson,SC
12/25/2017 11:14:36 am

Seth,
Thank you so much for braving the cold to take those beautiful shots. Merry Christmas to you! I could not wait this morning to see what Leconte looked like on Christmas morning. I hope to get a package to you to the NOC in a couple of weeks. Can you tell me some things you would like to have? I know you have to haul it back up the mountain, so didn't want to make it too heavy. :-)

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James Morpeth
12/25/2017 11:22:52 am

Thanks so much for your photos and writing - Merry Christmas 🎄

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P.D. McMichen
12/25/2017 11:31:41 am

What a beautiful Christmas setting the pictures are great and the words are inspiring. Been following posts every day since we left lodge at thanksgiving. Have enjoyed them tremendously keep up the great posts and stay safe

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Sandy R
12/25/2017 11:32:37 am

Your pictures are breathtaking! Merry Christmas!

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Peppermint Pattie
12/25/2017 11:46:10 am

Merry Christmas Everyone ! Seth, Your photos continue to bring so much beauty to all of us. So beautiful. Just when I think it can’t get any better, it does ! Thank you so much for great photos and writings. I enjoy them. Have a blessed warm peaceful joyful Christmas everyone.

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Wanda G.
12/25/2017 12:11:43 pm

Thank you so much for the pics you share, Merry Christmas!

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Jeff Arnold
12/25/2017 12:28:18 pm

Merry Christmas. Thank you for the extra photos they are wonderful.

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Bill B.
12/25/2017 02:27:21 pm

Seth. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
You are an amazing. Photographer. Sure enjoy your work. And also the updates. Keep warm! Bill in Maryville.

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Judith Duvall
12/25/2017 02:32:12 pm

Thank you for this lovely, lovely Christmas gift. It has been a number of years since i hiked to LeConte, and never in winter. These photos and your narrative are a treat.

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Jon Grunow
12/25/2017 02:47:51 pm

Merry Christmas!! Thank you for the beautiful pictures and the inspired word. Are you there alone today, or do you expect hikers?

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Jackie
12/25/2017 03:56:29 pm

Beautiful, thank you.

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Paula Bridges
12/25/2017 05:55:47 pm

I love all the snow pictures. Keep 'em coming!! Merry Christmas!!
Paula B.

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David Safford link
12/25/2017 06:09:21 pm

Merry Christmas, Seth! Thank you for the gift of amazing photos from above the clouds!

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Lisa Bingham link
12/25/2017 08:24:49 pm

Merry Christmas. I would love to use your Christmas photos in our magazines. Beautiful! Please do not post.

Lisa Bingham

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Brenda/Yaya
12/25/2017 08:33:39 pm

Merry Christmas Seth, from Uncle Sam, Katie, Brody, Lauren,Bart and myself!!! Wonderful pictures and blog! Christmas snow how blessed! Much luv and prayers.

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Tammy Henderson
12/25/2017 09:28:28 pm

So Very Beautiful!💖 Thank you so much for sharing these Great pics of our Favorite Mountain!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!🎁

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Stephanie
12/25/2017 09:49:14 pm

Merry Christmas and thank you for the gift of a snapshot of the beautiful mountain we all love!

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Don
12/25/2017 10:13:49 pm

Merry Christmas! Thank You for your very descriptive writing. You make us feel like we are there with you each day. We love Myrtle Point just like you do. Thank You and keep up the great work.

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Jeff Tiede
12/25/2017 10:47:49 pm

Merry Christmas!

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Hamp Kirkland
12/25/2017 11:02:50 pm

Merry Christmas 🎄to and thanks for the photos, it keeps my spirit in the mountains

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Steve D
12/26/2017 07:13:47 am

BEAUTIFUL! MERRY CHRISTMAS SETH!

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