February 19th, 2018

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Good morning,                                                   10:55AM

It’s currently 44 degrees and socked in up top. Yesterday’s high was 51 degrees, with a low of 25. We received trace amounts of precipitation.

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The bright sun warmed my face. Stepping onto the brght ledge, I gazed at the perennial beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Leaving inspiration point, I continued toward bluffs. Four days off the mountain had me feeling particularly excited to be back in these woods. I continued my ascent toward Mt. Le Conte.

Back up top - I made for sunset. The world was still shining, but its warmth was beginning to sneak away. Arriving at the Cliff Tops, a lukewarm wind shoved me backward. Smiling - I found a protected seat just below the myrtle to watch the show. Clouds built in the distance. It would be interesting to see how the weather might change in the coming hours. Still lost in thought, I captured photos as the sky continued to scale through the palette of colors.

​...I was happy to back up top.

Cheers,
Seth

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“The hues of the opal, the light of the diamond, are not to be seen if the eye is too near.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

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