February 04th, 2018

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Good Morning,                                                     9:30AM

It’s currently 30 degrees - cloudy, windy and raining. Yesterday’s high was 30 degrees, with and overnight low of 12 degrees. We received 1” of new snow.

US Hwy 441/ Newfound Gap Rd from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC is temporarily closed due to snow and ice.

Closure Updates: https://goo.gl/HikrMr

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I stumbled through camp. A combination of snow and sleet stung my face - the winds were relentless. Going to the bathroom had turned into, what felt like, an Everest expedition. I cinched my parka closer around my face. The landscape had intensified. Meandering back toward the kitchen, the return expedition would finish with a warm kitchen smothered in the aroma of fresh coffee...

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Yesterday,

I double checked my gear. I had my small camera, food, water, and a  radio tightly stashed in my running vest. With the snow, I was unsure how long it may take to make it. Charlie’s Bunion was the goal. I put on my vest and disappeared down the trail…

My legs felt strong in the snow. I paced myself from the start, knowing the final ascent home would be the real challenge of the afternoon. Letting gravity take hold, I quickly descended the north-east face of Le Conte. Moving fast down the Boulevard, I stayed focused. Looking ahead, the trail suddenly disappeared. Waist high snow drift covered the trail, I was moving too fast. I trusted my knowledge of the trail and plowed straight through the drift. I was less fortunate on the second set. The trail shifted below me, right as I entered the heap. I tumbled though the pile. Laughing like a school child, I continued toward the Appalachian Trail.

My legs hummed beneath me. Glimpses of the Charlie’s Bunion came into view - I was close. Greeted with wild eyed stares, I ran by couples working their way back from the view. I looked naked in comparison, but my engine was burning hot. I dashed along the ridgeline. 

Staring down at the rugged depths of Greenbrier wilderness, I noticed that I had the Bunion to myself. Looking up, Mount Kephart’s north face glared menacingly. Ice and snow showed the ruggedness of these Smoky Mountain peaks. I looked toward the north-west - Mount Le Conte called to me in the distance…

I began running - hearing the call.
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Back in my loft, I stared out at the grey world. I’d already decided to dedicate this Sunday to rest and recovery. I had books to read, things to learn and unapologetic afternoon naps to pursue. I looked out side...

sleet and snow continued to fall.
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​Onward,
Seth

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“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.” - Ansel Adams