_Morning y'all, It's another stunning day up top. The high yesterday reached 31 degrees. The low dropped to 26 degrees. It was 29 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain had no significant melt, but the snow is now a harder pack than it was earlier in the week. The total is still around 6 inches and there are some significant drifts on Alum Cave trail. I came up Alum yesterday morning and the trail is slow going due to deepish snow and poor traction. Be sure to consider this into your plans if you intend to reach the summit. I would definitely still recommend gaiters, Microspikes and the whole gamut of winter gear. Check out the link above for a great, concise write up of how to make your winter hike more enjoyable. _The colours up top are spectacular at the moment. I was greeted by a purplepinkblue fade on the horizon which was constantly changing as the sun approached it's daily perch. I notice a funny thing about gorgeous mornings like this, I stand and watch and can hardly notice the ever changing atmospheric canvas as the light intensifies, but as I brew my coffee and call in the weather, I go outside and it's a whole new day. It's startling just how limited our powers of perception are. And yet, there's still so much to see, feel & do. Life is constantly overwhelming, in all the right ways.
Tony Ga
2/21/2013 01:13:55 am
JP, thanks for the links. AMAZING pictures Sean has taken.
K$
2/21/2013 01:18:49 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JP!
JP
2/21/2013 02:51:31 am
Thanks K$!!! See you SOON!
Elisabeth
2/21/2013 01:19:10 am
Thanks for the advice on the trails. I've decided to hike the Alum Cave Trail..guessing that will be the best route for me. Planning to leave early in the morning. What is the estimate hrs to hike trail? Would like to know.
Tom
2/21/2013 02:12:04 am
Elisabeth, I did Alum 2 weeks ago in the snow and it took about 4 hours up, about 3-1/2 down. That included having to go around the nasty blowdowns which I think have been cleared up now. Time needed also depends on what hiking shape you are in, how light (or heavy) your day pack is, and how often you stop to rest, snack, or stop to enjoy the views and take pictures. Do NOT go without microspikes or similar gear. And check the Leconte weather forecast before heading up.
Kim R
2/21/2013 01:40:40 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, mountain man!! May your day be filled with friends, beauty, and all sorts of goodness!
JP
2/21/2013 02:52:10 am
Thanks Kim! I hope to see you somewhere wild & free in the near future!
Elisabeth
2/21/2013 02:40:43 am
Thanks Tom for the advice. I will pack accordingly to what I can carry. I'm in pretty good shape and I hike often. I will check weather before I leave out.
tnbs
2/21/2013 02:44:50 am
Everything is so bright and clear. Going to be a good day.....
rh
2/21/2013 09:04:20 am
ditto that b, its something ive never seen before. Many great days like this are to come...
Debi
2/21/2013 03:07:29 am
Oh, I would just love to buzz down there and go for a hike right now. JP, I'd even bring you a cake!! Not sure how good of shape it'd be in there when I got there. Happy Birthday, have a great day!
doug y
2/21/2013 03:13:42 am
Yes, JP, Happy Birthday ! Personally, I don't have them anymore ! From snow to blue skies and sunshine, your photo above was striking to see ! Nice. I wish I was on the trail up this very moment, and I will be in the Park next week for more of my day hikes. I'm going all the way around (thanks to that landslide) and come to Fontana from the west and do some short hikes around the lake which I've not been on in a while. Elisabeth: good luck on your hike; the advice you got here should do you well; Those who give it here are a valuable asset. I'm sure you'll give a report later on. G'day.
doug y
2/21/2013 03:14:38 am
Tony Ga: I posted a comment for you, but on yesterday's date.
Tony Ga
2/21/2013 03:19:08 am
Got it. I think I feel a cough or sore throat coming on....
Kent
2/21/2013 03:29:58 am
Best wishes to you, JP! Have a very Happy Birthday!
Becky Moore
2/21/2013 03:38:35 am
Happy birthday JP!
Elisabeth
2/21/2013 04:10:10 am
I'm hiking up Saturday morning..I will give a report on Monday to tell how everything goes. My goal is to one day complete the AT..which my hike this weekend will not be on the AT since I'm hiking the Alum Trail..its taking me a long time due to I'm a school teacher and I have only certain times of year..plus I'm busy all the time..lol
Charlotte
2/21/2013 04:43:39 am
Happy B-Day! Have fun in the snow, the pics from the past few days have been wonderful...
doug y
2/21/2013 06:19:17 am
Well, Tony Ga, I do have a possible cure for your sore throat, but don't know how to get it to you. However, should some day I know ahead of time that you and I might possibly be at the lodge at the same time, I shall be very glad to bring along a "sample" for you ! Yoo might have to sign several disclaimer forms releiving me of any responsibility of you becoming addicted to the "remedy", but I promise you we'll certainly raise a toast to the mountain and the lodge ! In April of 2010 I had stopped for a rest above Alum Cave Bluff on my way to the lodge for a couple of nights; I was sitting on a log which is at a spot on a small hill where not much farther the trail begins climbing again; you might know where I'm refering to; it's a frequent resting place for me along this trail. Three or four young people came walking by on their way off the mountain and stopped to chat with me briefly. One guy offered me the remainder of some bourbon he hadn't finished up on top; it was about a 1/4 of a pint bottle of Jack Daniels ! I was anticipating enjoying the wine at dinner for a couple of nights, but I accepted that bottle so it wouldn't go to waste ! I even took a "sip" of it before I resumed my hike. After dinner that evening I "sampled" it again, just a wee bit for medicinal purposes mind you ! Two days later when I checked out I left the bottle with a good amount of J.D. remaining in it intending it for whichever members of the crew made up the cabin after I left. You know, I never really thought that maybe they thought that a drunk had forgotten that bottle !! Great Galloping Gertie ! That never crossed my mind at all ! I guess I should have finished off the bottle and discarded it, but I don't really drink a lot except for red wine. It's untelling what the cleanup crew thought about it ! Elisabeth: Over my lifetime I have been very fortunate to have hiked the entire A.T., in sections of course; I've never had nor taken the opportunity to do thru hike and I will never rule tht possibility out. These days I like to do the A.T. through the Smokies, usually from Davenport Gap to Fontana, 68 miles plus two or three more to get to a couple of slightly off-trail shelters. I've done this hike about every five years since 1969 and I'm now a year overdue and could possibly try it this summer; for sure next year one way or another. I certainly hope that you get your chance to complete it, one way or another. After 18 yrs as a civil/moining engineer I spent several years teaching middle school science and loved it. I miss it and sometimes now substitute and/or volunteer in schools locally. I was wondering if you have someone to hike with or do you hike alone ? I think I might like someone to do that A.T. portion thru the Park the next time I do it, but haven't made any definitive plans yet. Have a nice day Saturday ! From what you've said here about it I know you'll be well-prepared. Be safe, too. G'day.
Tony Ga
2/21/2013 06:58:03 am
doug y, do you have a facebook account?
Barbara "Mamaw B" Allen
2/22/2013 01:10:45 am
Doug, Thru hiked the AT 2012 and listed along Ms. Gowler as the oldest female to have done so. I would hike the Smokies with you. Attempting the CDT starting mid June. May not have the navigational skills to finish but will give it a try. Always looking for new hiking partners. Met JP in Vermont when I stayed at Little Rock Pond. Isn't he just the greatest?
Grier
2/21/2013 07:01:21 am
I am hiking the Alum Cave Trail on Monday staying in shelter Monday night for first time ever. Then taking Boulevard Trail to Ice Water Springs Shelter for Tuesday night How far up the trail does the ice pack/snow start? Have my spikes and gear ready with plenty of warm clothes and food...Keep those post coming and anything else you recommend for me and my two buddies
Steve D
2/22/2013 03:27:30 am
Grier-I just hiked Alum yesterday, I had to put my spikes on in the parking lot. It was very icy early on, and I ended up keeping them on the entire way up and back down. Each day is a bit different, but I have found that most of the time the spikes are absolutely necessary for the upper section and many times for the lower as well. Enjoy!
Elisabeth
2/21/2013 07:17:42 am
Doug Y: Yes I have a hiking partner..when I will be hiking the AT in GA the third week in April..and will hike the AT in the Smokies in Early June.. I will contact you for info..thanks a bunch
Elisabeth
2/21/2013 07:20:20 am
Doug Y: My boyfriend and I would like to complete the AT from GA all the way through Smokies..we have only hiked sections
Larry
2/21/2013 08:06:43 am
Happy Birthday JP, I've never talked to you, but I did see you the day before the lodge closed. I don't post a lot but really enjoy this site.
Susan B
2/21/2013 12:00:52 pm
Here in St Louis and we have about 7 - 8 inches of snow. School was called off and I so wish I could run away. I am tired of being cold!
Glenn TN
2/21/2013 12:49:18 pm
Since jeans and cotten pants are a no no for winter hiking , just curious what some of you recomend .Do you wear a rain pant ( goretex ,nylon etc.) over some type of thermal base layer or some kind of lined pants that are made for hiking .Any specific brands that are better than others ? Thanks for any advice that anyone has on this topic .Happy Hiking !
Steve D
2/22/2013 03:33:45 am
Glenn TN-everyone is different on this, but this winter I have worn 100% polyester sweat pants and they have been great. I find that my legs don't really get cold, though most of the time I am hiking in 30-40 degree temps. Occasionally, I wear 100% poly. long john pants underneath if the temp is going to be sustained in the 20-30 degree area. I also plan my day hikes away from rain, though I carry a poncho with me. If I was hiking backcountry, I would certainly have a rain jacket and pants.
Sherleen Cardwell
2/21/2013 01:38:50 pm
Sigh ! We were standing right beside you as you described what you were feeling and seeing . That is how true your writing is and how it effects YOUR FANS, like us. Hubby and I wish you a happy birthday and may you have many,more blessed birthdays to come.As Roy Rogers would say, " Happy Trails To You! "
greg d
2/21/2013 02:07:33 pm
Happy birthday.JP, hope you a great day.
Sharon
2/21/2013 11:46:36 pm
JP - that's one of the reasons why I love you - the way you share your blessed perspective. Those of us fighting the morning rush hour, glancing over our shoulders to catch a glimpse of the sunrise behind your striking mountain silhouette, can only dream about what you are experiencing. Thank you so much for giving us a glimpse!!
doug y
2/22/2013 12:01:21 am
Tony Ga: No, I don't have a facebook acct. as I'm not really a frequent internet user except to come here, play some international chess, and an occasional search effort. But I'm considering "branching out" a bit, etc. Elisabeth: Doing the A.T. from Springer Mtn. in GA through the Smokies is an excellent section to hike and I would think that you could certainly accomplish that in the summer months when not teaching school. Glad to hear you have a hiking companion; at my age I'm considering finding one, but I have always preferred to hike solo and I believe it'll actually be a while before I take on a companion, particularly on my backcountry trips. HIking to the lodge remains a different and unique experience which I become more fond of with each passing season. I think that if you get in touch with the Applachian Trail Conservancy that they can provide plenty of information for your A.T. hike, and, I'm sure there are other sources as well. Next week I'll be hiking in the Fontana Dam area, then the next week I want to do the Brushy Mtn. trail to the lodge and back. G'day. Comments are closed.
|
LeConte LodgeWelcome to the official blog of LeConte Lodge. We hope you find the information provided here both helpful and enjoyable. Thank you for visiting the site, and we hope to see you on the mountain! Archives
March 2024
|