February 01st, 2013

2/1/2013

Light.

Morning y'all,

It's a snowy day up top. The mountain is in a post-snow cloud at the moment. There is a sickly pallor hanging over camp... the clouds seem to want the mountain to curl back up and come back to bed, while the fresh, bright, new snow is insisting on day. It'll be a fun tug of war to monitor all day. The high yesterday reached 20 degrees. The low was a degree! Yup, just one. Thank you February. It's about time winter got started. It's currently a degree and cloudy. The mountain received 4 new inches of snow after I went to caretaker dream land (more snow, visions of steaming coffee mugs, bobkitten stalking, old books and older friends) last night. There's about 6 inches of total snow on the ground and it feels a bit deeper up top with drifts, heavy winds and cold temperatures. This is dying weather, so be sure to be prepared if you plan on summiting.

I was able to get out for a little sunset hike yesterday. I've been limited with my knee injury and have spent a lot of time working on my indoor projects, like writing letters, reading books and drinking every kind of tea available in the United States. It goes without saying, but there are few feelings quite as dramatic as climbing the main staircase and only see animal tracks for over an hour. Not a single human on the mountain other than myself. Every step forward a new step, crunchcrunchcrunching to glory, truth, the solution to whatever fantasy the thin air creates. Air so cold you choke, creating a light headed yet pleasant, ultimately ecstatic feeling (I bet Chris, Allyson & Lindi could tell y'all about that after their recent summit successes!)...

Guyot's colours on display.

I heard reports of a red fox last weekend and his/her tracks were out, as well as all kinds of birds, squirrels and rabbits. The wind was vicious at Cliff Tops and I could only hang for about 20 minutes. I had to do pushups to keep the feeling in my hands. Quite a contrast to this time ten days ago, when I was taking my evening walks in an airy green checkered flannel, board shorts and flip flops! It's good to be back.

Oh, and check the Park Service's twitter feed to see if the roads are back open...

Clingman's, wind swept trees....

Pam

2/1/2013 12:26:16 am

Welcome back JP!!!! Love the blog again!! The pics are great. Sorry the knee isn't healing quicker than it is!! Started my morning off great with reading the wonderful blog!! Thanks!! Enjoy the winter weather!!

norman <airborne> acworth, ga. link

2/1/2013 12:30:49 am

AMEN

Raz Theo

2/1/2013 05:09:42 am

Ah, the world is but a stage. For selfish reasons, I'm going to set aside my sense of being manipulated and join the grateful masses: Welcome back J.P. If this is a set-up to sell an impending book or website, it's a good one.

2/1/2013 07:35:38 am

Raz,
I wish I were that manipulative.

'What demon possessed me that I behaved so well?'

I just had to reacquaint myself with my muse(s).

Sarge link

2/1/2013 06:31:36 pm

Welcome back P.J. glad you're back ...sure missed all you post...keep up the good work...stay off the knee !!

2/2/2013 05:06:50 am

J.P., I stand corrected - I'm now grateful for your muses. I can already detect a spiritual reawakening. Not that it was ever apparent prior to the unmentionable uncomfortableness.
Keep it up. It's all wonderful.
What's the latest on US 441?

Deborah

2/1/2013 12:27:20 am

Love the mountain AND your posting! JP is back!!! :)

Devin R

2/1/2013 12:27:45 am

And a happy Friday morning to you JP!

Bill Yeadon

2/1/2013 12:28:08 am

Great to have the real you back. Take care of that knee.

norman <airborne> acworth, ga.

2/1/2013 12:28:55 am

glad to have you back JP!!!!

Tony Ga

2/1/2013 12:32:26 am

All is right in the world again.... or at least a little piece of it.

Josh Branson link

2/1/2013 12:38:17 am

Now this is what I like to see, a blog posting that tells of more than just the weather! Outstanding! P.S. Shoot me your email I have some photos from our hike up there a few weeks back that I took of you and the lodge. I was the travel agent dude with the red tuque.

2/1/2013 12:45:44 am

Josh,
Sent ya an email thru your site. Hope to hear from ya! It was a pleasure talking to y'all!

2/1/2013 01:32:24 am

Right back at ya, kiddo! P.S. Something may not be working through the website..I should have gotten it already. Just send me an email when you get a chance.

Judy

2/1/2013 12:43:35 am

Oh I am so glad to see you again! Really really missed you. I will never be able to visit your mountain in person so visiting it this way is a delight!

Theresa / TN

2/1/2013 12:44:19 am

Thank you JP

Mary

2/1/2013 12:48:07 am

Welcome home JP, welcome home!!

Donna

2/1/2013 12:52:44 am

Thanks, JP!

Paul Owen

2/1/2013 12:53:25 am

Now that's more like it!!!
Thanks J.P. , good weather and trail information combined with a love of the mountain we all enjoy!
Keep it up.

Ryan on Green Bay

2/1/2013 12:55:11 am

Welcome back old friend.

Leslie

2/1/2013 12:56:21 am

Welcome back JP....your eloquent commentary has been missed!!

2/1/2013 12:58:11 am

Welcome back.! Hope the knee continues to improve.

Chuck

2/1/2013 01:02:48 am

Glad to see the wonderful posts again...hope that knee heals up soon....

Kathleen

2/1/2013 01:03:27 am

God bless you with healing and peace. It is a joy to have you writing for the mountain again.

Deb F

2/1/2013 02:47:44 pm

I will second this. Enjoy your artistry in photos and writing!

Nancy B

2/1/2013 01:07:36 am

JP, your beautiful photos and accounts of your life on the mountain are wonderful. You are a gifted writer. Thanks for the weather updates and trail reports that keep us alerted to hazards we may encounter. Hope bobkitten makes an appearance for you.

Richard C.

2/1/2013 01:08:38 am

Ah!!!!!!!!! All is right with the world again. Stunning photos and soothing words as always. Welcome back JP.

Donnie

2/1/2013 01:15:04 am

Yeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaa ! Your back ;)

Connie Houk

2/1/2013 01:15:17 am

Glad to see things are back to normal....I guess the belly aching paid off! Enjoy the blog and check it everyday regardless. Happy Hiking!

T-Wayne

2/1/2013 01:17:06 am

That's more like it!!! Welcome back JP.

Sandra Peterson-Fisher

2/1/2013 01:17:21 am

So good to "read" your back, JP! You have definitely been missed (even by those of us who have yet to make it up to Mt. Leconte Lodge!

Anthony W.

2/1/2013 01:25:00 am

Thank you, JP! You are an outstanding and extraordinary wordsmith.

Pat N.

2/1/2013 01:25:04 am

Beautiful pics, JP! Glad you have snow. Stay warm...

Paula B.

2/1/2013 01:28:01 am

JP, I am thrilled that your blog is back to it's usual glory! I've missed you terribly.

TNjeff

2/1/2013 01:28:50 am

Finally...I can daydream again. Welcome back JP. Hope the knee heals up real soon.

Susan B

2/1/2013 01:31:35 am

Welcome back JP!! You have been missed!

Take care of your knee and stay warm!!

Cindy In GA

2/1/2013 01:32:21 am

Love it!! Welcome back JP.

Lewis

2/1/2013 01:41:43 am

Great pix this morning and beautiful comments. Thanks!

Rebecca

2/1/2013 01:41:52 am

HUZZAH......now that's what we're talkin about!!! Little Dude is back in the house!

barrie b

2/1/2013 01:44:19 am

Makes me smile to see how happy you make the LeConte family. And we who love the mountain are family. Looks like my 32 years of hiking to the summit may be coming to end due to bad knees and advancing years but the blog keeps it close in my heart.

2/1/2013 01:51:59 am

Welcome Back JP!!!! Now I can get my daily fix again!!!
Thank you!!!

Brian N bama

2/1/2013 01:53:43 am

JP my man!!!!!!!!! welcome back, i can now fully invision the sights you describe to us as I reluctantly sit at my desk longing to be amid the winds and clouds that we have all grown to love high atop Mt Leconte.

2/1/2013 01:57:44 am

It really is amazing how the mood of this blog and its readers changes with just a bit of poetic description of what it's like to have that glorious mountain all to yourself. You read words such as this:

"It goes without saying, but there are few feelings quite as dramatic as climbing the main staircase and only see animal tracks for over an hour. Not a single human on the mountain other than myself. Every step forward a new step, crunchcrunchcrunching to glory, truth, the solution to whatever fantasy the thin air creates."

And you can't help but be envious. Enjoy it JP!

edwinnia

2/1/2013 02:01:38 am

Such a sweet joy to start a new month with JP back with us! Enjoy the rest of your stay, JP, atop one of the most beautiful places on earth...so thankful for your presence.

Sherri Webb

2/1/2013 02:04:54 am

I wish I was there it is so beautiful.

Deedee/Mich.

2/1/2013 02:05:14 am

I am carving a man of white marble seated on a mountainside, sun shining in the distance..
thanks for the inspirational help, JP

Jan

2/1/2013 02:15:24 am

Oh how thankful I am for your beautiful descriptions of our beloved Mt. LeConte!! YAY!!! So glad you and your words are back. I have missed you. Praying for your speedy knee healing and many, many more dreamy postings from YOU!! Your pictures are just beautiful too. I so miss LeConte until we are back hiking again. Since we are 6 hours away it does my heart good to know there are folks like you who love it as much as we do taking good care of it! Thanks for all you do!!

Fraley Family

2/1/2013 02:17:04 am

Welcome home...at least to your mountaintop home:)

Sandra

2/1/2013 02:18:05 am

Yea!! Now I can enjoy the mountain through your words again. : )

Grammie

2/1/2013 02:34:07 am

Thanks for sharing yourself with us, JP. Your posts are my winter joy. Speedy healing for that knee, though it hasn't seemed that way so far!

Kelly

2/1/2013 02:40:44 am

Hey! Thanks for the beautiful pictures. They are awesome! What kind of tea are you into? I am a tea drinker and love it especially when it is cold outside. A few of my personal favorites are Harney and Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice and Teavana Zingiber Ginger Coconut. The cinnamon one is a black tea that tastes like red hots and the ginger coconut is a red rooibos tea. Teavana has the most flavorful tea around and if you can't get to a store, they ship nationwide. Harney and sons can be found in Barnes and Noble Starbucks or by mail as well. Hope you can try them out and let me know what you think. Keep the Pics coming and stay warm and safe.

Jill N Richard OH

2/1/2013 02:51:37 am

We have missed you too! Welcome back JP! Wishing you complete healing for your knee :) :) :)

WB In LA (lower Alabama)

2/1/2013 03:02:58 am

I told myself yesterday that I was done with the boring blog! I'm extremely glad I decided to check it one more time! I enjoy your mountain top ramblings and prose. Let haters, hate. I look forward to reading your quotes again and hearing your caretaker adventures!

Guy

2/1/2013 03:03:39 am

Welcome back JP!

jay

2/1/2013 03:24:30 am

"That you don't know what you've got till it's gone." ( Joni Mitchell, Big Yellow Taxi, 1970)

Barbara C.

2/1/2013 03:29:45 am

So Good to Hear from you JP!!!!! Much Love and Warmth Coming Your Way. You Have Been Truly Missed. Take Care of the Knee, No More Accidents if you can Help It. I told ya' just wait and you would finally get the snow you were waiting for, didn't know you would be gone when the 8 inches got there or when the almost 8 inches of rain came and washed nearly everything away even the road. But so Glad to have you back. Stay healthy, maybe someone will be brave enough to hike up and bring you some goodies. Stay warm and peaceful. Your friend in GA.

Steve

2/1/2013 03:39:51 am

Sure is good to have the JP prose back! Missed it. You have a way of taking me to the summit on the too many days in between my actual trips!

Ben

2/1/2013 03:41:31 am

JP and anyone else who has experience hiking in the winter, I was thinking about hiking up Sunday but have never done the hike with snow on the ground. I have hiked up 5 or 6 times before and will have traction but was wondering how hard it is to see the trail when it is covered in snow.

2/1/2013 03:58:10 am

not hard to see the trail at all. The trails up LeConte are so well traveled and defined that it isn't an issue. And there doesn't seem to be that much snow on the ground anyway. Just stay towards the inside of the trail when your on ledges or have a dropoff on one side of the trail so you don't misjudge the width of the path.

Once you do it, you'll love it. We prefer snow covered trails than dry trails anymore.

Steve D

2/1/2013 04:47:53 am

Ben-I have hiked this winter and have a couple of things to add to Devin's comments. I had the wrong traction devices when I started but JP advised me to use Kahtoola microspikes and that made all the difference in the world. Worth every penny of the $60 and more. I hike mostly Alum and Rainbow, and there is serious ice on the upper section of Alum and the last mile of Rainbow. That is the most important piece of equipment I think in the winter. Obviously dressing with enough layers for the temperatures(very cold and windy at the top) of the day, and giving your self enough time to complete the hike before dark. It is slower hiking in the winter with the snow and ice, but it is very beautiful hiking in the winter. Enjoy!

2/1/2013 05:10:06 am

I was simply just thinking of the trail and not anything else that might be important about hiking in the winter! :)

Layering is very important. Make sure you wear enough layers to be able to remove some. You'll be cold starting out, but you'd be amazed at how warm you get just a few miles in. Even at 30 something degrees we end up stripping down to shorts and whatever thermal layer and t-shirt we had on. We very quickly end up shedding our coats, fleeces, etc, but when you stop, you definitely feel that temperature change again. Gloves and hats are a must of course. My hands always seem to be cold when hiking in the winter...

Jackson

2/1/2013 10:32:36 am

Devin R, you are an asshole. Just stating the fact.

2/1/2013 10:55:31 am

@ Jackson, seriously? What's your problem?

Corey L Simmins link

2/1/2013 03:57:54 am

Great update. Wonderful writing. I hope to summit tomorrow.

Tina

2/1/2013 04:04:40 am

I leave there in the mountains but have been away on a trip for little over a month. I miss the mountains when I have to be gone and keep up with it on this site. Thank you so much for bringing me home. Welcome back! Gods Blessings and a speedy recovery.

Joe

2/1/2013 04:04:43 am

I'm sure this has been asked several times but I didn't see it. Can you get to Alum cave trailhead from the TN side or is the road blocked? Also if the road is blocked is Rainbow Falls trail the best bet?

2/1/2013 04:27:14 am

From Gatlinburg you should be able to get to the Alum trailhead unless the road is closed from snow and ice. The landslide was on the NC side of the mountain. Hope that helps! Love reading everyone's great comments since JP is back on the mountain!!

Bill

2/1/2013 04:13:47 am

All is right with the world now that J.P. is back!! We all missed you!!

Shari

2/1/2013 04:13:51 am

So glad to have you back, JP! As you can tell, you have been sorely missed! Stay warm!

2/1/2013 04:30:57 am

JP,
So glad you are back! The posting and pics were beautiful. This is my connection to the mountains from rural Ohio. Take care of the knee!

Ryan

2/1/2013 04:35:12 am

Joe, I haved hiked rainbow in the summer and winter and found it easier in the winter. The snow covers alot of the rocks. Be safe.

Sherleen Cardwell

2/1/2013 04:37:27 am

WOO-HOO! <<Picture saying in Daffy Ducks style. SO happy JP is now able to do this blog HIS way, and now we fans can get our morning fix.Thank you JP and hope that knee heals soon. Take care !

Cathy in GA

2/1/2013 04:57:43 am

Now this is why I come here every morning! JP it is so good to see you back! If I can't be in the mountains, your words and pictures bring it to me, I love it. Take care of your knee and hope it's completely healed soon!

Carol Moore link

2/1/2013 05:00:10 am

I have never written before, but have read the blog every morning for a couple of years. I have a love affair with those mountains like everyone else who visits the site does. I have not made it to the top of your world yet, JP, but it is a goal of mine. I have tramped all over the Smokies on the trails, streams, and little hideaways for over 20 years now.......twice a year. And in between trips I get homesick for that place that I feel God has created just for me. So I visit the blog and read JP.s descriptions of his beloved mountain and it sustains me till I can get back there again. Your writings sure were missed! Welcome back!

Kent link

2/1/2013 05:09:59 am

Amazing images today. JP. And it's nice to see the muse has returned, also.

P.S. Check out the website above if you get a chance. It's related to certain writings I mentioned a few weeks back.

Eileen

2/1/2013 05:15:35 am

What a pleasant surprise I received today while checking this blog! The words written painted a picture that no camera could capture! I could almost feel the cold!! JP so happy that you have the snow you've been waiting for but sorry to hear that your knee is still troubling you! Thank you a million times over for this most lovely post!

Ronnie TN

2/1/2013 05:38:45 am

JP as you can see you are a special person to a lot of folks. You have been missed more than you will ever know. It is amazing how the blog has changed in 24 hours-just like the weather. Love this blog and take care of the knee. Pics today and words are wonderful. Glad to have you back JP.

Lori

2/1/2013 05:54:14 am

Welcome back JP

Lisa - KY

2/1/2013 06:08:14 am

Ahhh, welcome back JP!! I am a silent reader for 99% of the time, but sure am glad to see your post and pictures. Along with all the others - You have been MISSED!

Brenda K

2/1/2013 06:22:23 am

Welcome back JP--sure have missed you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, pics and insights on the blog which I thoroughly enjoy. Be safe man of the mountains.

Sharon

2/1/2013 06:22:25 am

Oh, JP, how I've missed you! SO glad to hear your voice again, and I hope your knee shapes up now. The pix are gorgeous, but more than that your words simply sing.

Wanda

2/1/2013 06:32:31 am

Welcome back J P !!!
Missed your signature prose.

Melanie

2/1/2013 06:45:11 am

Welcome back JP! As everyone has stated you were missed immensely. Your writings encourage me to fulfill my goal of hiking to the Lodge.

Renate

2/1/2013 06:47:58 am

Oh was I surprised with today's blog! Welcome back JP, I have missed you and your beautiful words! Your pictures are beautiful as well. I pray your knee will be better soon! Enjoy the snow my friend! Take care and stay warm!

Denmeister

2/1/2013 07:03:36 am

What a surprise when I saw this mornings blog. I was about to give up hope. Thank you JP. Made my day !!!

Ron Adams

2/1/2013 08:00:14 am

I nearly have tears in my eyes from reading all these comments about JP. In fact, I think I do! It is nice to see how much the mountain means to us, but even nicer to see how one individual can touch so many souls. JP, you are one lucky guy, and as you can tell, you and your mind and your writings mean alot to alot of people.

H Clark

2/1/2013 08:11:58 am

This web site offers information and advice for hikers during winter like conditions and I find it relevant.

Last night (midnight) a hiker fell in the Red River Gorge in Eastern Kentucky. He was alone, but was lucky to have cell phone service. The temperature was 10 degrees, but the wind chilll reduced the temp to 0. He was rescued sometime Friday morning.

2/1/2013 08:51:55 am

Not sure of the point you're trying to make...

Debi

2/1/2013 08:28:20 am

Theres my JP!! Welcome back Kiddo!!

TammyFL

2/1/2013 08:44:47 am

Welcome back JP. It is so wonderful to read your posts again, and thank you for allowing us to feel as if we are on the mountain enjoying the sights and sounds. You have been blessed with a wonderful gift that many enjoy!

Bob Q

2/1/2013 08:49:52 am

Thank you, JP, for sharing your inspiring words and images again. May the record reflect that after many days you resumed your wonderful posts, and there was much rejoicing!

2/1/2013 08:56:35 am

TammyFL, thank you for your kind words from your 1/30 post. They did make me feel better. Hope your day is good.

marie link

2/1/2013 08:58:11 am

Welcome back JP. I was so happy to click on and see your posting. You have no idea how much sunshine you infuse in peoples lives. I can feel the smile stretching across my face as I read your postings. Looking forward to tomorrows. Stay safe.

Ron Hayes

2/1/2013 09:06:24 am

Hey J.P, to reiterate what everyone else has said, it's nice to have you back. Driving from Columbus, Ga today and planned on hitting the trail today, but left too late and due to the roads being bad, I've decided to hike starting tomorrow. Just letting you know I've picked up the most recent issue of the NY times for your enjoyment. Will be up there tomorrow or Sunday morning. Looking forward to meeting you finally, as I missed you twice last winter, and again right before last Christmas and the Saturday before this years BCS title game. See ya soon man.

Franklin

2/1/2013 09:13:56 am

Just when I was leaving, you pull me right back in.
Welcome back pilgrim !!

Joey from H2O Loo

2/1/2013 09:18:49 am

nice.

Brian

2/1/2013 10:08:37 am

JP it is great to see the blog back to the way it was. You make it so personal and special for those of us that love it so much there. Nice to hear from you again and I hope the knee gets well soon. Thanks for what you do and enjoy the wonderful snow, it sounds like you may get more. Take care.

2/1/2013 11:59:03 am

Jay if you want help putting together that ransom payment, let us all know :-)

Glenn

2/1/2013 12:06:15 pm

See what a couple of dozen hot doughnuts will do ! The ransom must have been accepted . So glad to see that you've been set free ! Nice to have you back . LeConte is such a special place .God's wonderful handy work !!

Dd//Mich.

2/1/2013 12:16:35 pm

*ahem* Yes that actually was ME holding Winter caretakeR hostage.. As you may observe I have freed him. Please send me the -3- dozen krispy kremes, bag green mtn. coffee, qt. moonshine, bag beef jerky, voucher for dinner @ j. arthur's n 2 cigarz (some nice citrus?) to my address in detroit area. No questions, please---Thx. Dd :-)

2/1/2013 12:27:23 pm

Well played DD!

2/1/2013 12:28:42 pm

LOL! It's in the mail.

2/1/2013 12:44:23 pm

Been waiting patiently to hear from 250 Apple Valley Road.........for preferred delivery time.

2/1/2013 02:46:29 pm

Pretty slick Dd....lol

Randy Carnell

2/1/2013 12:31:29 pm

Wow! It's so nice to enjoy this site again! Good to have you back JP.

Karen

2/1/2013 12:57:18 pm

SMILING!

Tammy

2/1/2013 01:04:52 pm

JP, your LeConte family celebrates your return.

DannyH

2/1/2013 01:19:51 pm

Great pic of wind swept trees with Clingmans Dome in background. Thanks J.P. for your posts!

Sven

2/1/2013 01:38:56 pm

Many thanks to you JP for sending down a small part of the mountains to those of us not as fortunate as you to live in such a beautiful place, and many thanks to your many friends who also help make this website what it is.

Weezie

2/1/2013 02:30:37 pm

JP, and all of you who add your comments, I' m long past the age of ever making it up this beautiful mountain, but I love my daily armchair hikes I take by reading JP's wonderful descriptions of life on his peak of our world. Your descriptions of trails and sunsets along with your photos bring me there with you, I can almost imagine myself sitting in one of those rockers enjoying my cocoa and meeting folks from around the country. Thanks everyone, it's been fun to read this blog again tonite, and all for the good of our little LeConte community, nice!

DrewBe

2/1/2013 11:38:01 pm

See this face? No you can't, but if you could it is expressing JOY! Great to see the sultry verbiage of JP again.

By the way Weezie, thanks for your post it really brings prospective to blog sharing. Love the LeConte Community!

Becky Moore

2/1/2013 04:13:50 pm

Welcome back JP! Take care of that knee. Many thanks for awesome pictures and posts.

2/1/2013 04:34:14 pm

What's the record for # of posts in one day ??

Jmac/SC

2/1/2013 11:35:31 pm

JP welcome back! My husband has had a love affair with your postings for quite some time now. He has read them aloud to our family this winter, so when they became just weather postings he became very concerned for you! We are so glad you are back and hope the knee continues to get better! We love your postings..thank you!!

doug y

2/1/2013 11:41:39 pm

I wasn't able to get on here Feb 1; was in the Park hiking; JP: your commentary is truly the cement that binds the lodge winter experience together. I hope your knees improve.

Glenn oh

2/2/2013 01:04:29 am

It's nice sharing mt. Leconte and the smokies and not throwing jabs come on may 31

Josh A.

2/5/2013 07:35:25 am

Hey Dad...I hope I can go with you!!! Still to this day, the most at peace I have ever felt, was on top of Mt. Leconte. It is a magical place that people just dont understand, unless they have been there :)

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February 01st, 2013

LeConte Lodge

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