December 26th, 2016

12/26/2016

Amazingly, we take for granted that instinct for survival, fear of death, must seperate us from the happiness of pure and uninterpreted experience, in which body, mind, and nature are the same. And this debasement of our vision, the retreat from wonder, the backing away like lobsters from free-swimming life into safe crannies, the desperate instinct that our life passes unlived, is reflected in proliferation without joy, corrosive money rot, the gross befouling of the earth and the air and water from which we came. Peter Matthiesen

Morning y'all,

It's a beautiful, foggy morning up top. The high yesterday reached 54 (!!!) degrees - which seems like it must be a Christmas record. The overnight low was 41 degrees. It was 42 degrees and foggy at 7am observation. The mountain received a little rain last night, totalling .02 inches. The trails are absurdly clear with all this warm weather. Get out and enjoy the day!

Top photo & above: Light on the Boulevard.

I went out for a lovely trail run yesterday. I am grateful for the fact that I can spin so much living out of two healthy legs, a wandering mind and a curious will. Running up here appeals to me because it optimizes how much (and how intensely) I am able to see and feel in a few select hours. I don't regret any time spent where I get my legs and heart rate going. It's a feeling of freedom intermingled with pure joy. I went out the Boulevard at around 10, just as things were clearing up top. It was the perfect day to be out on the ridge. I came to a sudden stop like a cartoon character as I rounded some corners and saw the fusion of moisture and light. Only in the Smokies! It was a muggy day and as always, it was quiet out there. I only saw 10 folks in 3 hours. It is always worth getting out there.

LeConte from the Bunion.

13 Comments

Jimmy

12/26/2016 03:17:30 pm

Thank you J.P its great to see time doesn't stay still after we leave. Thanks again for keeping our mtn safe

Chad

12/26/2016 03:21:06 pm

Is the office building open any during the winter?

elktonbrant

12/26/2016 06:26:10 pm

The office/dining hall are NOT open all winter, but the reservation office located off the mountain is open year-round. We have been up to LeConte several times off-season and the only open building is the outhouse. In other words, if you go up, have EVERYTHING you're going to need including enough water.

12/27/2016 07:20:17 am

Chad,

The only thing I would add is that there is water available at the Spring if you don't want to haul it all up the hill...

Kent

12/26/2016 08:47:11 pm

12/27/2016 07:19:27 am

Chad,

On the off chance you come up the mountain when someone is in the kitchen, they might be able to help you. I'd say I spend 45% of my time out, 45% in my cabin and 10% in the kitchen.... It's not too common but it is worth a shot.

Best,
JP

Tammy (Tx)

12/26/2016 04:51:42 pm

I love the top photo. I love the way the sun beams are shining down on the trail in front of you as if they are saying "welcome JP".

Christy

12/27/2016 11:19:26 am

thanks for beautiful pictures.....we walked down the Boulevard Trail last time we visited....it's one of my favorite in the park

Karon McCravy

12/27/2016 01:07:53 pm

Love the God beams!!!

Henry Mitchell link

12/27/2016 01:42:49 pm

Looking at your photos today, I could smell the mountain and feel the edgy air. The quote from Peter Matthiessen sealed what I've been reading from his stuff over the last few days. If I can wrap up my current little medical adventure, maybe I can see you on the mountain before we run out of winter.

Tammy (Tx)

12/27/2016 03:39:45 pm

Henry, I too have been on a medical "adventure" for the past year and a half. But, my "adventure" will not end. I will be on that path for the remainder of my days. So, I would like to say to you keep free-swimming in the seas of life, don't retreat if your body will allow you to keep "livin'". I refuse to stop livin', sometimes against a doctor's advice. I'm at peace with it all and have no fear of death. Only a passion to live life to the fullest. My docs, some family and friends fretted over my desire the past two Octobers to hike up to the lodge. But, I did it anyway and made it. And, I will make it again next October as well. Peace be with you and have beautiful days ahead!

henry mitchell link

12/27/2016 06:41:34 pm

Tammy, my current adventure's a wee one, comes at an inconvenient time, but I'm likely to outlast it. I applaud your courage and lust for the swim. I've never feared reaching the other side, only that I would get there leaving something of mine un-lived behind.

Tammy (Tx)

12/27/2016 11:16:47 pm

Wow, JP, you have not had the "usual" season thus far up top. First, you have to evacuate due to a forest fire, and now it seems a private plane crashed not too far from the lodge. Prayers for the families.

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December 26th, 2016

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