Enjoying Every Minute Of It

11/16/2012

" I believe there is a certain sense of awe and renewal for anyone who spends much time exposed to nature." - Bill Irwin.

I posted yesterday about the experiences I am looking forward to once the season is over. I wanted to add that I would not trade my experiences on the mountain for any of life's pleasures off the mountain. I consider myself blessed everyday that I wake up to the beauty this mountain has to offer. I may be ready for some rest and relaxation for a little while, but by the time spring rolls around, I am hungering for the mountain top.

It is starting out to be another amazing day up top. The high yesterday was 48 and the low was 25. I met a guest last night who was telling me he was somewhat addicted to logging on and finding out what the temperature was on the mountain. I told him I would look for a support group for him, but in the mean time, I will keep feeding his addiction by supplying the highs and lows.

Trail reports-

I received an email from a couple of people who braved Bullhead. The hikers stated that there were numerous trees down along the trail. A lot of them were difficult to pass. One hiker stated they would describe the trail as impassible. I thought you would want to know this information when planning for future hikes.

Alum, Rainbow, and Trillium are all passable. The llamas made their first ascent in two and half weeks. They had no issues on Trillium. The snow has melted for the most part. There are not a lot of icy spots left that you can not navigate around.

Debi

11/15/2012 11:40:29 pm

Your one lucky woman, treasure every minute of it. You better find a support group for all of us, I too am addicted to this page. lol

Brian N bama

11/16/2012 03:25:11 am

Debi, I am glad that I'm not addicted to it. I have been looking at it for the last 2 years and am still not addicted!! LOL

doug

11/15/2012 11:54:40 pm

Your management of the lodge, and the services provided by all the crew, are very much appreciated. You're departing next week for a break much deserved and between now and the re-opening in March the essence of the lodge will continue I'm sure. It'll be interesting to exchange quotes and comments with JP and all the others throughout the winter. Enjoy your vacation and I hope you'll be able to bring back a few photos from atop Kilimanjaro. G'day.

Darla

11/15/2012 11:55:16 pm

Hiking up on Monday with family. Cannot wait! Today's picture is beautiful! My first trip to the mountain.

Shane S

11/16/2012 03:47:20 am

Darla, You too will be addicted after Monday. One trip is all it takes. I promise.....
There are many regulars on this site that comment daily. However, I would guess hundreds of regulars check/read daily but rarely or never post.

Linda M

11/16/2012 06:10:09 am

Shane, you are so right. It only took one trip for me to be hooked. Next June will be my third trip (can only make one a year) and will be bringing my children & grandchildren with us. I check this site first thing every morning!

Gabby Johnson

11/16/2012 11:41:14 am

Linda M is right about Shane S being right!

Tony Ga

11/16/2012 12:03:34 am

What I'll miss the most while you're off the mountain is seeing the mountain thru your eyes by the pictures you post for us. Thank you.

Sherleen Cardwell

11/16/2012 01:30:32 am

So long and have a wonderful R&R time and we'll pray for your safety while you are on your adventure. I am also addicted to this website. Then I get the priviledge to share with my husband, what is going on each day. 'on the mountain top,' I hope the entire crew has a restful, enjoyable winter. Looking foward to J.P's words from the mtn.

edwinnia

11/16/2012 02:20:00 am

Well...while we're confessing....I, too, am addicted to this site. Even before I get out of bed to make coffee, I am checking out the mountain top. (I work 2nd shift). Thanks so much for the inspiring pictures, great information, and for allowing me to be there vicariously through you, Allyson. I wish you and the entire crew a great, safe time off the mountain. Happy Trails!

Richard C.

11/16/2012 02:27:07 am

Well add me to the list of closet addicts. I check in every day for a moment of zen and really appreciate your daily updates. I hope the winter guy or girl will be up to the task of keeping us in touch with the mountain.
Thank you!

Kathy F

11/16/2012 03:22:31 am

Well, I too am addicted to checking the site for daily updates and beautiful pictures. Thank you for everything you do! Enjoy your time off this winter! I look forward to reading what JP has to say over the winter and hopefully he will have lots of snow pictures to share with us. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Jon

11/16/2012 05:17:55 am

I found the site when the snowstorm hit a few weeks ago. I've come back every day since then. Thanks for the updates, we will miss you during the break.

Susan B

11/16/2012 06:28:09 am

Ok - since we're all confessing. Yes, I check it first thing every morning and love the pics and blog. It's my fix for the day and I'm ready to go once I've checked in. I'm only able to come once a year. :( I wish I could be closer - maybe one day.
Blessings to all!

Pam

11/16/2012 06:58:50 am

Ok I'll admit it too I LOVE THIS SITE because I LOVE THE SMOKIES! Seriously to Allyson and Chris I hope you have a safe and wonderful adventure. Will there be a site with photos to see it through your eyes? Would love that! When is JP making an appearance? It's been an interesting end of the year for all but that makes life exciting. Enjoy your time off!! I'll still be checking in every morning and sharing those wonderful photos with my students!

Eileen

11/16/2012 07:35:52 am

Okay...my name is Eileen and I am addicted to the GSMNP and this fabulous site! Thanks for sharing your mountain top perspective with all of us! I wish I could make to the mountain more than I do (which is about 3-4x's a year). I have never made up to the lodge but is definitely on my "to do list"! Enjoy your rest and relaxation. See you next year!!!

BetsyPA

11/16/2012 09:29:26 am

My name is Betsy and I too am a mt le conte addict.... I share in every ones well wishes and experiences of the mountain and this blog. It has truly helped me endure the recovery of the broken leg.

Rick S

11/16/2012 09:55:45 am

Hiked up Trillium yesterday and down Alum Cave this am. I am 49 and did this when I was 13...in 1976. I loved every minute of it. Weather was gorgeous and the staff was great. The food was fabulous! Hauled my 35mm up with me and glad that I did. The pics were worth the extra weight. I have already booked a night in July and October for 2013. Can't wait!

11/16/2012 09:55:03 pm

Yep, I say all of us addicted blogers need a addiction meeting up on top of Leconte. :)

Pat Morgan

11/17/2012 11:27:04 am

I have been following life on LeConte since the winter of 2009-2010. I guess that makes me totally addicted! If only I could get my knee in shape to make an actual visit!

Danielle

11/17/2012 12:28:00 pm

I am totally addicted also! Love the Smokies, have not had the pleasure of making it up LeConte yet, but hope to soon. Its great to have a way to see the beauty ofthe Smokies when I can't be there. Thanks for sharing!

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Enjoying Every Minute Of It

LeConte Lodge

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