 When you have worn out your shoes, the strength of the shoe leather has passed into the fiber of your body. I measure your health by the number of shoes and hats and clothes you have worn out. He is the richest man who pays the largest debt to his shoemaker. Emerson Morning, Yesterday was incredibly cold for the majority of the day! It was -4 as I woke up and stayed close to zero until nightfall. A warm front pushed in overnight, which made it seem like yesterdays' high was actually 23 when in fact that occurred overnight. The low was -4. It was 23 and clear at observation. We still have about an inch of snow on the ground.  Top photo: Approaching sunset on the slopes of LeConte. Above: View up towards Cliff Tops. On my hike down to Alum, I was surprised to see much of the mountain was still coated in snow. This appears to be the first time that the entire mountain got blanketed, rather than the snow disappearing as you descend to lower elevations. Be prepared for the cold! We are CLOSED for the season, so make a reservation and be prepared (0 or near 0 degree sleeping bags! & warm pads!) to sleep in the shelter if you plan on overnighting!  Misty Mountain Hop. As I rested by the Cave Bluffs yesterday, the blissful combination of strenuous hiking, a respite from negative temperatures in the forgiving sun and a simple foam sleeping pad allowed me to slip in and out of consciousness. Looking towards the sun, I would close my eyes and let the transcendentally strange lightshow play out against my eyelids. Prehistoric TV. I have wondered what those floating specks of light are. Stardust? I entertain the thought for a few hours (As Abbey says, somebody's gotta do it) and hike back up to my -4 degree sanctuary.  There are worse places in the universe for a nap.  Pinching myself both to keep warm and to ensure that this isn't a beatific alternate reality.
Paula B.
1/4/2012 12:22:47 am
This first picture is probably your best. No wonder I like to start my day looking at your blog. I am so envious, but at least I can live vicariously through your words and pictures! I can't wait to get back on the mountain in warmer weather. Keep up the good work!
Nadine
1/4/2012 12:24:01 am
Amazing pictures and thoughts to start my day! Thanks so much.
Rosemary I would love to visit the mountain but there's no way I could hike that far. I'm 78 years old.
1/4/2012 01:02:19 am
Kat
1/4/2012 01:36:31 am
I hiked it in may for the 1st time and again in Aug. and I turned 65 in April. Take your time, start early, take plenty off food and water
Bob
1/4/2012 04:24:45 am
My 78 year old father, along with my 68 year old stepmother and myself made the trip 2 years ago.
Barbara
1/4/2012 02:19:36 pm
My father hiked Alum Cave Trail with us at age 87. Like Kat says, slow and easy wins the day.
Bill Witherspoon
1/4/2012 01:10:50 am
Email me, I'll send you a photo of Rainbow Falls completely frozen a few years ago, some of my friends took while up there.
Bill Klein
1/4/2012 01:14:32 am
JP your pictures are incredible. You are keeping me connected with a place I love and miss tremendously. Thanks for keeping me inspired.
JP
1/4/2012 03:13:56 am
Bill,
Carol in TN
1/4/2012 01:18:13 am
JP, all of your photos are outstanding, but I actually think the second is by far the best. It's like you're looking up and surveying the majesty of the mountain. If I had been in that position, I would have felt so tiny and inconsequential, but so fortunate to be there for the experience.
David
1/4/2012 01:21:36 am
Rosemary don't count yourself out yet. We went with a group of 26 in November which ranged in age from 7 to 76. It certainly is a tough hike and you need to be prepared for the conditions but it is truly spectacular.
KrisMoose - Wears Valley
1/4/2012 01:52:11 am
Whenever I enter the solitude and beauty of the the mountains....I know that I have entered an alternate reality! But what a reality it is. Great photos and great commentary JP! Looking at you from Wears Valley. I'll shine a light for you this evening!
Joyce R
1/4/2012 02:46:55 am
Great job, JP! I, too, love your pictures and thoughts for the day. Stay warm!
Cassie
1/4/2012 02:47:08 am
Rosemary, my folks hiked up with me for the first time in September of 2011 and they were 80 and 74 at the time.
Dee
1/4/2012 03:29:53 am
Thomas Jefferson said everybody has two doctors, your left foot and your right foot. Use them. I loved your Emerson quote!
Diane F
1/4/2012 03:40:42 am
That first pic is absolutely ALIVE! Thx for sharing.
Casey
1/4/2012 03:49:39 am
As always, wonderful pictures JP!
JP
1/5/2012 04:24:30 am
5:23pm.
Bob B
1/4/2012 04:06:37 am
Wow, again the pictures are fantastic. I know some picked their favorites, I cant decide. I love them all. Each picture has their own beauty about them. As I have said before, I look forward each and everyday to this site. Thank you JP!!!!
Sharon P
1/4/2012 04:12:18 am
Hi JP - Every weekday morning, I drive from Walland to Knoxville. As I fight Alcoa Hwy. traffic, I always look to my left to check out the status of Mt. LeConte. If it's socked in with clouds, I imagine your perspective, possibly on an island in a sea of clouds. If it's clear, like this morning, I imagine the sunrise from atop our beautiful mountains. Your blog is an inspiration to anyone lucky enough to discover it! Add my voice to the many who are grateful.
Sharon P
1/4/2012 04:13:02 am
p.s. Actually, I'm looking to my right each morning. Sheesh!
Jacob
1/4/2012 06:23:23 am
JP, with 5 pictures today you are beginning to spoil us. Even with the 5 awesome pictures, you still keep us wanting... needing more! Thanks for keeping an outstanding blog.
Lynn R
1/4/2012 06:31:24 am
Mt. Leconte is always on my mind and in my heart. I have been up 4 times and hope to come back up this year sometime. I could not make it through the day teaching without looking at the beautiful pictures and reading the blog. Once you climb this mountain you want to keep coming back. That Smoky Mountain mist is forever in my eyes. Thank you so much for letting us see the winter beauty through your eyes and heart.
Meg
1/4/2012 07:27:10 am
LeConte induced naps are the best. On nice days up there (when not hiking or working) I would leave my cabin door open and fall asleep looking at the view out my door. (Former crew)
Donnie R.
1/4/2012 07:30:32 am
What can I say that has not already been said JP ?? Kudos to you my friend ;)
Susan
1/4/2012 07:40:24 am
I absolutely love the first pic - beautitul! JP - you are doing an amazing job - absolutely love the quotes and pics. I cannot wait to check the site every morning and see what's on the blog. Stay warm, stay safe. My girls and I will be up to Leconte next July! Can not wait!
susan
1/4/2012 07:41:59 am
oh - forgot to mention that it is 50 degrees here in St. Louis. What's up with the weather!
Woody
1/4/2012 10:09:16 am
Yeah, JP, I know about cold kitchens at the Lodge. I recall eating supper in the kitchen on a cold night in 1975 when we had to keep the wine on top of the oven of the wood burning cook stove (the only heat in the kitchen) because it kept freezing on the kitchen table. Enjoy the winter on the only descent mountain in the East.
JP
1/5/2012 04:25:49 am
Woody, 1/4/2012 10:32:14 am
I've just recently discovered this delightful blog filled with pictures that jog my memory of visits to the area (mine were all in spring/summer/fall), interesting quotes (some of which are song lyrics--my fave!) and most of all the description of life on the mountain in winter. I've pestered the daylights out of my friends telling them about this blog. :) I may not be able to visit you on the mountain, but I'll definitely drop in on your blog--one of the best things about this winter. Thank you for allowing us to travel vicariously through your words.
Connie
1/4/2012 11:40:45 am
Wow! I always enjoy your pictures and reading your blog, but the pictures today are just stunning. I am so jealous.....going to try to find someone to hike with me on Sunday but it will probably be gone by then
Renee Ryan
1/4/2012 12:02:13 pm
JP..Your pictures today are absolutely breathtaking! You have outdone yourself!!! I look forward to reading your blog everyday and seeing what photos you will post.It's like my little escape from this hectic and busy world we live in...and I love it:) Keep up the good work and be safe up there. 1/4/2012 08:41:39 pm
I love your pics and reading your comments! Im hoping to make my first trip up the mtn. this coming season! Thank you so much for the daily inspiration! Comments are closed.
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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
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