decide what to be and go be it.

12/8/2011

People say that what we are all seeking is a meaning for life. I don't that's what we're really seeking. I think what we're seeking is an experience of being alive. Joseph Campbell

Morning!

There was a dramatic return to winter conditions yesterday. I started my hike down Alum with my two pals in 41 degree rain and ended up getting pelted with freezing rain and 17 degree snow up top! The low last night was 7. I awoke to 6 inch snow drifts up top.

I had a productive trip into Gatlinburg. The folks at the NOC were very helpful. They have a great selection of winter hiking gear. I couldn't recommend them highly enough. Also, thanks to Alicea and everyone at the Smoky Mountain Brewery. I had a great salad and tried their Appalachian Pale Ale and Tuckaleechee Porter. It's a great atmosphere for my weekly dose of civilization! A special thanks to Artie, who noticed me at the bar and gave me a ride back to the trailhead. I love the people here.

My hike back up was eventful! It started with heavy flakes at about 36 degrees and turned into heavy snow as I gained elevation. These 3 photos will illustrate how the scenery changed as I climbed. It was a great day to be out.

Safe hiking!

Rhododendrons in the early snow.

Rainbow Falls were spectacular in the snow.

Things got a little hazy towards the end!

Chris

12/8/2011 12:21:29 am

I live not far from the Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountain Brewery and also try to get there about once per week. Great atmosphere as you stated. Next time ask for one of their free samples of their white wheat beer. Comes with a slice or orange and is really good. Also if you're in the mood check out some of their thunder road season chicken wings. Not your common sauce and not hot, just great flavoring.

The wife and I picked up a couple small 'treats' at the grocery store this week that we were going to bring up to you on a hike this weekend as we didn't realize you were getting down to town each week for a much deserved break from isolation. We'll still bring them up but they probably won't mean as much as I once thought they would. Lol.

Stay warm and dry!
Chris

Carol G

12/8/2011 12:24:42 am

Goodmorning JP, These pictures are incredible. I am happy that you had a wonderful day and especially happy that you are safely back up there on the mountain. Yes, people here are wonderful. I am happy that you are experiencing that part of being in this wonderful place. I must say you are a brave soul to hike in these winter conditions. I was sure thinking about you as I was listening to the weather report yesterday. I must say I am highly disappointed to wake up this morning to no snow down here in the Pigeon Forge off Wears Valley road area. Oh well, hopefully next time. Meanwhile my husband and I will head up Newfound Gap Road if it is open and get to see some more great sights, take pictures, and have fun in that snow. Have a blessed day JP.

12/8/2011 12:25:21 am

Chris!
Trust me, it still means a lot. I don't have a car, so I don't get to the grocery store all that much. I'll be hiking down Bullhead until about 2pm on Saturday, but after that I'll be warming up in the kitchen. Drop by! Thanks again!

James

12/8/2011 12:41:49 am

Good morning JP thanks for the updates every morning!! we were there for Halloween night and we plan on doing a day hike in Jan, ill check to see if you need anything before we come up! Im trying to get res.again for 2012 but all weekends are booked already so ill have to settle for a couple of weeknights I guess! but its worth it!see ya soon!
James in Ga.

Devin R.

12/8/2011 12:53:10 am

Beautiful! I hope the snow lasts through Monday! We're counting down the hours. I think our plans have changed slightly to include a hike up LeConte on Monday and a hike out to Charlies Bunion on Wednesday.

12/8/2011 01:11:55 am

JP,
I understand! I'm thinking about maybe trying it tomorrow but will talk with my better half. We don't have great winter hiking gear and have tried to catch good weather when making the trips up during the winter months. Looks like lower 50's down here tomorrow so maybe some of the ice will melt up there at least in the sunny areas. Look forward to reading your daily update tomorrow to gauge trail conditions in the morning to help decide whether to make the trip. .
Take care
Chris

Dave B

12/8/2011 01:21:49 am

Nice Avett Brothers quote

Woody

12/8/2011 01:31:17 am

It's nice to see others hiking with an umbrella - especially while it's snowing. Using an umbrella is a GREAT way to stay dry (and warm) when there is cold rain or snow coming out of the sky. Nothing is worse than the cold, clammy build-up of body moisture inside a poncho or gortex "rain" gear. Does the NOC sell umbrellas?

Pearl

12/8/2011 01:33:33 am

Pearl link

12/8/2011 01:38:11 am

Good Morning. One of the first blogs I read in the morning.
Love the photo of Rainbow Falls in the snow.
Have a good day.

Scott

12/8/2011 01:41:41 am

JP,

Your daily updates are a blessing to me. I love getting my GSMNP fix each day. Please keep them coming.

Sincerely,
A college student neck-deep in exams

Marilyn

12/8/2011 02:56:39 am

What a diverse hiking adventure! Love the Rainbow pics...its been a few years since I've been up to LeConte on that trail so it was a good refresher as to what it looks like even with the snow. Love your words of wisdom and pics that get a body thinking and contemplating the journey of life wherever we all may be. Look forward to it every day and all the comments from your faithful followers. I'm sure you realize you make our days insightful and fun!

12/8/2011 03:28:10 am

Woody,
Yes! I bought this one at the NOC yesterday. My hike up was so much better with it!

Jacque J

12/8/2011 04:38:42 am

Love these pictures! You are doing a great job with the blog! Thanks and have a great day !

Monica

12/8/2011 04:58:13 am

JP,

Amazing how in just a few days the trails change. We hiked up Rainbow last Friday and didn't encounter much ice until the last .6 miles...looked around for you - but looks like you were hiking on another trail. Keep the pictures coming..I love the Smokeys.

sandee link

12/8/2011 05:53:18 am

wow, awesome pictures, especially rainbow falls, it's now on my desktop! You are doing a fantastic job on the blog! Stay warm!

Dar

12/8/2011 07:19:21 am

Thanks for you work on the blog and your insparation on the trail, i also visit every morning when i sit down at my desk to get my daily dose of the mountains, it it kinda distracting is i long to be on the mountain.

i can't believe as many times as i have been to GSMNP i have never been to NOC, but guess where my first stop will be next time.

be safe and warm.

lauren

12/8/2011 08:17:26 am

hey JP!

brett and i loved meeting you yesterday on the trail. the couple hours we had on it, especially when the snow began, were invigorating and blessed us. we wish you the best over the next few months on leconte!!! hopefully we can make it up to visit.

hopefully you can make it to new zealand someday too!

lauren
(one of the few hikers coming down yesterday)

Debi link

12/8/2011 08:50:43 am

Great pic JP. What a wonderful bunch of people offering food, good company,rides etc.. Like I said it may isolated up there, but the people sure do come to you. How wonderful!! Wish I lived closer love to come up and bring some food up to you. That snow up there is getting pretty wild looking. we haven't received any snow in Michigan yet, and am glad for it. I much rather look at your snowy pics instead of mine. Enjoy!!

12/8/2011 09:43:39 am

Lauren,
It was really nice meeting you two as well! Any time you're thinking about coming up, let me know. It'd be great to see you guys again.

As I'd predicted, you were the only two I saw out - I love meeting others who see the beauty in the 'crappy' days as well! I'd love to make it out to NZ. It's on the 'life list'.

Best,
JP

Sheldon

12/8/2011 09:59:40 am

JP:

I'm planning a hike Saturday January 13th and was wondering, given the chnage in conditions you just showed us, what is the best source for a two-three day forecast for what can be expected bottom to top. I've looked at mountain-forecast.com and seems to be very different from your actuals. Thanks for your help.

12/8/2011 10:15:40 am

Sheldon,
NOAA weather radio is usually as good as it gets. Be sure to get the forecast for the 'Great Smoky Mountains' and not the valley forecast. They run on a loop and it's easy to forget to listen to the Mountain forecast.

Although it does seem dramatic, they called for 4-5 inches and were just about dead on. I'd keep an eye on that and be thankful that the Park Service does such a great job keeping the Gap road open in all but the most impassable of conditions.

Good luck!

SERGIO link

12/8/2011 12:51:19 pm

man-o-man I like the 1st photo JP, the mountain tops in the distance are stunning ...your new intro photo is a winner ,the umbrella is a nice touch

Renee Ryan

12/8/2011 12:58:52 pm

JP,the pictures from today are simply incredible! I look forward to seeing them and reading your daily blog as well.Sure wish I could be up there on one of those snowny days.It must be like living in paradise.Keep up the great work and be safe up top.I really admire you and the job your doing in this off season.

12/8/2011 02:35:09 pm

JP, i'm getting a feeling that The Milford Track is on your bucket list, would this ba correct.

I know it on mine, the company i work for just opened a shop in New Zealand so i have a glimmer of hope i could make it.
hope you do to

Henry Mitchell link

12/8/2011 11:25:28 pm

JP,would you allow me to include a link to your splendid blog on my website?

12/9/2011 12:14:18 am

Henry,
I'm glad you like it! Go ahead!

Comments are closed.

decide what to be and go be it.

LeConte Lodge

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