Hello Mr. Moon

9/18/2013

What an amazing sight to see. The big, bright, full moon rising up over the horizon. It was gorgeous last night. We were not so lucky with the sun this morning. Once again, we are socked in. The high yesterday was 60º with a low of 48º. They are calling for rain this weekend. I think our weekend is going to start a little early. Fall is definitely in the air on the mountain. Bonnie, from last season, brought me some pumpkin spice latte packets. They are perfect for this weather. Thanks, Bonnie! The crew is already starting to predict the first snow fall. My prediction is October 13th. We shall see.

Ronnie

9/18/2013 02:16:53 am

I think we will see an early snow on Leconte. I remember a few years back we had snow in late Sept. I will be on the trail next week. I love this time of year.

Patty Stevens

9/18/2013 02:23:19 am

I have only gotten to hike to the lodge 10 times. I have gotten to experience lots of things during those times. I remember it being socked in when we went to bed, up through the night for potty break and the moon was full, it was clear, I felt like I could reach up and touch it. A magical moment. That and hiking in the tail end of hurricane Jean, my first hike, later found out I hiked it with no pulse in the left leg a blockage that was repaired later, the super snow storm last fall that kept us on the mountain an extra day. This year a 14 mile hike up and back as we didn't get our reservation in. Why do I love it so much? Lots of reasons. It is truly one of God's works of art. A truly moving magical experience, it just keeps getting better and better. The lodge crew makes the experience worth every muscle ache, hospitality is top notch. See you next year.

Shari

9/18/2013 05:57:14 am

Amen and amen, Patty!

norman the airborne rebel

9/18/2013 02:38:30 am

from yesterdays blog, doug y's coment about paracnuting in to the lodge; hase any one done that??

Debi

9/18/2013 05:54:18 am

No, but wouldn't that be awesome Norman!!
Here's hoping you get no snow until after you get off that mountain Allyson. Ok, maybe a flake or 2 for Brian and family, lol.

norman the airborne reble

9/18/2013 06:42:54 am

Sure would be aweson Debi, would love to be the first to do that, but will never happen for me for several reason i don't need to go into! But would love to be on the mt..

Bonnie

9/18/2013 03:18:22 am

You're welcome. :)

Marilyn

9/18/2013 06:36:58 am

I just returned from spending the night at the Lodge with my 2 youngest grandkids. They were so awesome going up and down, no complaining, even helped carry Grams' backpack. They got to see 2 deer, the llamas, play games by lamplight and marvel at a couple snails on the trail. The crew as usual did an excellent job of making our stay memorable. I was able to connect with the other 3 families who were grandfathered in as far as reservations at the same time I was. My 72 year old knees and feet hurt powerful awful the next day and it may be my last trip unless or until I get some new knees but oh what a wonderful experience to share with the grandkids! Worth the pain, the memories I gained.

Vickie Kesley

9/18/2013 06:55:53 am

Ms Marilyn, Read you post about hiking Leconte. I have never done it. I would like to do as a day hike. Ballpark how long does roundtrip take. I know everyone is different but would appreciate your info

Ronnie-Tn

9/18/2013 07:48:36 am

Marilyn, how old are your grandkids? I love to see the younger generation out on the trails.

Marilyn

9/18/2013 07:56:15 am

Vickie, I haven't done a day hike up in a long time but when I did several years ago it usually took me 7 hours round trip. I'm not a fast walker so going up was usually around 4 hours and then 2 hours coming down Alum Cave Trail. That is the shortest route up. And then I'd spend maybe an hour on top. I'm sure there are those younger with better knees that can do it quicker than 7 hours but I'm never in a hurry...just like enjoying the scenery on the way. So I guess I'd say at least 7 hours. Let me know when and if you make the trip. Be interested in your comments on what you saw and how you enjoyed the hike. Happy Trails!

Marilyn

9/18/2013 08:00:26 am

Ronnie-Tn, Antonio will be 9 next Sunday and Carmen is 7. And they just returned from hiking in Arches National Park, Mesa Verde and Yellowstone in July so their parents really expose them to Mother Nature whenever they can. They are currently living in Florida so it is nice they get to see the mountainous parts of the USA.

Barbara

9/18/2013 11:11:21 am

WOW! What a picture! I'm sittin' here howling. Man, how beautiful that must have been in person!

Chasey Ray

9/18/2013 04:56:48 pm

Be up there at the shelter Oct. 11th, a little snow would be awesome, this will be my 3rd time up spending the night on top, love it!

doug y link

9/19/2013 04:14:32 am

Yes, I'd parachute in, but with the present condition of my knees, soon to be remedied, I'd probably renew my membership in the "Royal Order of the Crutch", and that I can do without. Besides, the hike up is a big part of the lodge experience. I've only been up on the mountain three times during a full moon, at least ones that I could see, and I loved the scene that the moonlight produced !

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