First Transmission!

11/18/2011

Hello loyal readers! JP signing in for my first post as Winter Caretaker. I look forward to keeping everyone updated on the trail conditions and life on the mountain this winter.

We had a low of 9 last night and a high of 47 yesterday. It was 22 this morning and conditions were clear and sunny. There is still about 1.5 inches of snow up top. The trail will be icy in spots, so consider taking along some kind of traction device (Microspikes, Icewalkers, etc.).

It's been a pleasure exploring the area and learning my responsibilities for the winter. I tried to familiarize myself with the area yesterday. I hiked out to Cliff Tops (twice) and Myrtle Point. Allyson taught me how to use the blog and Chris helped me out with weather this morning. I've been picking up all sorts of other tidbits about life on the mountain and what to expect this coming winter.

I'm looking forward to meeting the llamas today and continuing to scout out the area. Safe hiking, everyone!

The view outside my cabin as I woke up yesterday morning! Allyson is right - I brought some weather!

The view from Myrtle Point yesterday afternoon.

Tom D

11/18/2011 12:29:46 am

Welcome JP.Glad you are here and looking forward to your post this winter.Sitting at my desk looking at LeConte this morning.Great view.

Pat N.

11/18/2011 12:40:42 am

Welcome to LeConte, JP. Glad you made it to the top safely. Looking forward to your pics and comments and wishing you the very best as winter caretaker.

Devin R.

11/18/2011 12:54:48 am

Your first post and you're already treating us well with TWO pictures!

Will be looking forward to seeing your updates everyday and will definitely be helpful when we're planning our hike in December.

Yesterday I mentioned grabbing a cup of coffee with you at the top but I don't even know if you'll have coffee up there! Let me know if we need to hike up with some!

Rose

11/18/2011 12:55:53 am

Welcome to the top JP. Looking forward to getting to know you. Love the pics. Many of them become my wallpaper. Right now I have a snow blanketed Alum Cave trail pic on my desktop. Enjoy your stay.

Anthony W.

11/18/2011 12:56:58 am

Great to have you blogging on top of LeConte, JP.

Geoff Vargo

11/18/2011 01:11:51 am

JP,
Glad you made it to the top safely! Your Bloomington friends are looking forward to hearing about your experiences!

Tim @ Appalachia & Beyond link

11/18/2011 01:14:16 am

Welcome to the top JP. Looking forward to your posts throughout this winter season. Good luck and have fun up there.

whiteout

11/18/2011 01:23:47 am

JP,
Welcome up top JP.Thanks for the pics they always help, because the vistas and views are like no others. Hope your season is great.

Jon Roberson

11/18/2011 01:28:13 am

Welcome JP!

I look forward to reading your daily blog, its my escape from my daily drudge through suburbia.

Nichole Loehnert

11/18/2011 01:38:15 am

Welcome JP!! So excited to read your posts throughout the winter and can't wait to see what beautiful pictures you will bring us. Stay safe and try to stay warm!!

Becky M

11/18/2011 01:44:57 am

Welcome JP!!!! Looking forward to your winter updates and awesome pictures.

Diane F

11/18/2011 02:02:19 am

Welcome! Looks like you're a good photographer and will grace our weary lives with much needed scenery!

High On LeConte

11/18/2011 02:06:17 am

Hi Devin, we are closed the day before Thanksgiving until mid March. There are no day hiker services up top. If you would like coffee, your best bet is to bring your camp stove and your coffee supplies. Have a great hike.

Marilyn

11/18/2011 02:21:52 am

Wow, great first pictures and what a way to start your winter season up there. I remember when my daughter crewed up there it snowed the day after she arrived up top. Said it make for an awesome beginning on crew. Looking forward to your daily blogs and stories about you and life on the mountain.

Allyson, thanks for all you, Chris and your crew did this past season. As always I enjoyed the pics and daily blogs and following yours and Chris' marathons. Also enjoyed my overnighter in September and looking forward to next year. Have a good Christmas and New Year's and all the holidays in between before you'll be back up in March.

melissa

11/18/2011 02:38:05 am

Welcome JP!! You are the 3rd winter caretaker I've been lucky enough to follow. Love to live through you when I am not in those beloved mountains. May this be a wonderful adventure!

Jacque J

11/18/2011 02:44:52 am

Welcome JP! What a exciting winter job!Looking so forward to the winter seasons daily pics and posts! Great first pics!

Mamabug link

11/18/2011 02:48:02 am

Welcome JP! I view this blog first thing every morning from my home in NW Florida. Beautiful snowy shots this morning! Be safe and warm. Looking forward to your posts from beautiful Le Conte this winter. Have a great weekend!

Guy R

11/18/2011 03:08:58 am

Welcome JP from Northeast Georgia!

Carol

11/18/2011 04:00:26 am

Hi JP and welcome I am a new B to this site. I have spent a lot of time in the Smokies and love it. I am planing a girls hike up next summer can't wait. If you get any bear picts post them.

Carol.
Springfield IL

Scott

11/18/2011 04:57:00 am

Welcome JP. I can tell you are going to be a great caretaker and blogger. Hope you have a blast up top.

Debbie Hendrix link

11/18/2011 05:05:01 am

Looking forward to your stories and beautiful photos!

sandee link

11/18/2011 05:15:40 am

Welcome JP...so looking forward to your blogging with us over the winter!! Stay warm up there and be safe!

Mike Hicks

11/18/2011 06:14:41 am

Welcome. I think you pick up the art of the blog faster than most

Marrie

11/18/2011 06:19:10 am

Welcome!! I can already tell you are a great blogger and photographer. God speed through the winter. Take care!!

Jim

11/18/2011 07:17:51 am

Welcome to the world of snow and ice on LeConte. I hope you enjoy your winter stay. I enjoy checking the site each and every day.

John K Carter link

11/18/2011 08:34:18 am

Those are great shots JP! I day hiked up to the lodge yesterday but the weather didn't clear until I was on my way back down. :( Thanks for a glimpse of what I missed.

Teresa

11/18/2011 09:27:01 am

Welcome JP, looking forward to your posts and pictures. Hope the coming winter is nice for you. Be safe and take care!!

Candy W. link

11/18/2011 09:29:01 am

Hi JP, I am new to the site and love it already. You are a brave dude and we will enjoy your posts from our mundane lives down in Halls, TN :-)

I am going to come up this coming week solo. Haven't been to the top since Thanksgiving 1996. I wondered if anyone would be around next Wednesday?

kelly

11/18/2011 10:23:06 am

Welcome to you J.P. I echo Jon's comment earlier, this blog is also my daily escape and I look forward to your updates and photos. To Allyson, Chris and crew, I hope you have a lovely vacation and enjoy your time off.

High On LeConte

11/18/2011 10:35:40 am

Hi Candy, the lodge closes on that Wednesday. The crew usually hikes down around 11 am. You might run into someone up top, just don't count on it. It is very possible you will run into other day hikers.

Louise Bales link

11/18/2011 11:56:03 am

Welcome to the mountain JP. You are my coffee break in the morning. Look forward to the posts and have a wonderful experience on LeConte. With Allyson as a teacher, you can't go wrong! Love LeConte and love you guys! See you in May!

hannah J

11/18/2011 01:32:15 pm

so glad to welcome you to the mountain and the LeConte family... we hike up every Sept. and have our reservations for 2012... be sure to have someone tell you the story about the snowshoes hanging in the dining hall... thanks for the great pics... have a fun and safe winter

edwinnia

11/18/2011 03:45:46 pm

JP,
Glad you're getting settled in so quickly. I, like the rest, enjoy this site each and every day. It is such a nice break from the rat race down in Knoxville! Looking forward to getting to know you. Take care!

Tom Clemmons

11/18/2011 10:43:32 pm

Welcome JP!

I, like so many of your responders, really enjoy reading the daily postings. Looking forward to reading your "take" on life on the mountain. When you get a chance, could you tell us your food menu through the week? Just curious what those Llamas bring you!

Best of luck!

Tom and Jean

11/18/2011 11:59:50 pm

Glad your the new caretaker! Love yr pics already. Look forward to more. Stay warm and safe. We are planning to do a 2012 hike up there.

Tom and Jean

Wanda

11/19/2011 12:55:25 am

Welcome! Looking forward to your blogs& photos. Enjoy while you are working!

Norm

11/19/2011 02:51:24 am

JP You were learning how to blog as I was drinking Hot Choc thurs morn, nice meeting you, look fwd to your posts!

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