February 03rd, 2018

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Good Morning,                                                   10:30AM

It’s currently 26 degrees and clear up top. Yesterdays high was 18 degrees, with an overnight low of 1 degree. We currently have 7” inches of snow on the ground.

US Hwy 441/ Newfound Gap Rd from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC has been re-opened.

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Yesterday…

I was in the middle of working on a journal entry from my afternoon survey of Mt. Le Conte when I looked out my small loft window - only to see that sunset was well on its way. Placing my computer down, I dressed at record pace. My decision to rush toward the final light gave me a thrilling sensation. Clad in heavy canvas overalls and rubber boots, I began up the steep direct route to Cliff Tops. My already extended tripod swung, somewhat, gracefully in my left hand. Breathing deep, I looked up to see where the light illuminated the peaks of the mature red spruce. Still running, I saw that I had time - I would make it.

Gliding back down the mountain, my thoughts drifted between the beautiful sunset and my second-dinner propositions. It didn’t take long for me to make it back to the lodge. Gravity was on my side, this time. I lit the stove and placed a well seasoned cast-iron over the flame. Waiting for the iron to warm, I briefly glanced out on the back porch to see the tail ends of sunset over Pigeon Forge. Looking down at the city below, I noticed the colors changing on the ferris wheel - some folks were waiting in traffic. The orange glow of the sun’s last light caused me to look up. The scene was surreal. The thought of dinner intruded - taking my full attention…

The skillet was ready.

Onward,
Seth

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“Never go too long without watching a sunset.” - Atticus

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