December 28th, 2015

12/28/2015

Poverty is a shortcut to self-control. Socrates

Morning y'all,

It's a blustery, rainy morning up top. The high yesterday reached 51 degrees. The overnight low was 46 degrees. It was 49 degrees and raining lightly at 7am observation. The mountain received .11 inches of rain yesterday. It is sure to be another wet day up top... Get out and enjoy it!

I had something unusual happen to me on my hike up to the lodge on Saturday. I was hiking up with my college friends when I noticed a few familiar faces coming down the trail. I've always known of the folks associated with the GSMNP Off Trail Society, but I rarely get a chance to see them in person. I typically stick to the trails (I'm a bit scared to venture off trail solo) and they're always exploring the nooks and crannies of the mountain's drainages. I had heard rumours of them finding a couple of boxes of old lodge t-shirts in some far off place. I happened to notice that everyone hiking down with their party had a rather tattered lodge t-shirt on. I got to talking with Tommy and Ronnie and before you know it, Tommy was giving me the shirt off his back! There are still a few roots growing out of it, but it is supremely comfortable. Thanks so much guys! I hope to return the favor somehow soon!

10 Comments

norman

12/28/2015 10:21:22 am

JP, I'm sorry, but I do not understand any thing about the "boxes of old lodge t-shirts" story !!??? Would you share more light on that?

Rick

12/28/2015 11:30:22 am

Norman have you seen anything about a blog for the Many Glacier this winter ?

norman

12/28/2015 01:36:35 pm

Rick, no I have not. It looks like it is abandoned. As of 11-7-2015 there had been 49 comments, some asking if there was going to be a blog this winter, but no reply!

Rick

12/30/2015 06:34:18 pm

Thank you Norman

Emily

12/28/2015 11:38:13 am

Is Mt LeConte hikeable/campable right now? Planning a trip for later this week! Looks like you're getting around well!

I've stayed up at the lodges in the past, just never this time of year.

tomk in SC

12/28/2015 12:23:37 pm

LeConte Lodge is almost always hikeable, but one can only use the lodge with reservations within season. Still anyone can hike it anytime just don't expect any services. This time of year is usually snow covered and slippery. Now? Rain but certainly hikeable! As for camping, that's NEVER allowed. You'll have to call the Park Service for the rules about using the shelters and availability.

12/29/2015 09:42:47 am

emily! you can hike it and check reservations for the shelter but lodge is closed for the winter! check with NPS for shelter reservations!!

ric

12/29/2015 02:45:16 pm

for shelter reservations: https://smokiespermits.nps.gov/index.cfm?BCPermitTypeID=1 jan 9 has 9 openings, jan 16 is full

tgb link

12/28/2015 12:28:18 pm

J.P.would you make a pic of your t-shirt for us.Would love to see it.Emily the lodge isn't open in winter mos.will re-open in March!!!!!!

Marilyn

12/28/2015 02:16:27 pm

Emily, Lodge is CLOSED now until some time in March. There is a trail shelter there which could be used but you need to check with Park Service to make sure it is available. Usually people make reservations for it. Happy hiking.

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December 28th, 2015

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