February 02nd, 2019

Good Morning,

It’s currently 32 degrees and Cloudy on Mount Le Conte.  The winds have died down giving the mountain a comfortable mean temperature.

With these warmer temperatures, I’d expect the remaining snow to soften and dwindle, creating slick icy conditions in the higher elevations. Please, plan ahead and prepare for your journey up.

24 hour temperature range | High: 32 Low: 23

NOAA 7-Day Forecast 
Mountain - Forecast Weather

US Hwy 441/Newfound Gap Rd from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC is open. Watch for snow/ice.

— Smokies Road Info (@SmokiesRoadsNPS) February 1, 2019

The smell of fresh ground coffee wafted lazily through the confines of my mountain top kitchen. Pouring the hot water over the grounds, I reveled in the dark cherry aroma as it filled my nose. Completing the experience, I took slowly took a sip. Taking advantage of the quiet, I settled into my nook, becoming another fixture on the wall unchanged through the years. Thoughts came and went, the coffee gradually disappeared. With my mug back in its home, I grabbed my gear and moved instinctively up the mountain. Civil twilight loomed on the horizon.

Moving through the forest, I pondered the uncertainty of sunrise. Last nights show had been canceled by a wall of swirling clouds. What would today bring? I had tickets and didn’t dare give up my front row seats. Approaching the overlook, the curtain lay ajar. Curious, I soon realized that this would be part of the show. In fact, the billows above had the potential to become the main event. Eager and caffeinated, my gaze held onto the horizon. The sun made it’s entrance, the show was beginning…

Speechless, I scrabbled for words - alas, there were none to be had.

Onward,
Seth

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"The wilderness holds answers to questions man has not yet learned to ask."

- Nancy Newhall