February 25th, 2018

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Good morning,

It’s currently 43 degrees - socked in and raining. Yesterday’s high was 49 degrees, with an overnight low of 43 degrees. We received .55” inches of precipitation.

Please plan ahead if you’re planning to venture out. The combination of cool temperatures, wind and rain make for exceptionally tough conditions. I’ve run into a number of folks the last few days who were less than prepared for the conditions. Please, use good judgment out there.

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My legs moved swiftly beneath me. The serene and challenging Boulevard Trail kept me focused. The dark mass of clouds towering over Clingmans Dome reminded me to keep moving. Weather was coming. Looking back at my running partner, a wordless conversation ensued. Tired, sore, and happy - we both knew that one last hard climb lay between us and the lodge. The conversation ended in with a smile, followed by a mutual glance at the pending storm. We picked up the pace. The wind followed suit.

I woke to the mesmerizing sound of rain on cedar shingles. My preliminary alarm had woken me. Remaining still, I mentally prepared for the day. My annoying alarm followed thirty-minutes later. I popped up and got dressed. Minutes later…

I trudged into the wind and rain.

Onward,
Seth

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All was silent as before — All silent save the dripping rain.
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow