Hike Your Own Hike

4/4/2014

"A man can climb a mountain in a hundred different ways"- P. Weiss

The quote above really spoke to me. I see so many people hiking up this mountain and they all have a different experience. Whether it takes you an hour or thirteen, everyone has a different goal on what they would like to get out of their journey. We don't judge people on what journey they choose. As the Appalachian Trail community says, "Hike your own hike".

Speaking of the Appalachian Trail, last years crew member,
Bethany Houghton, will be stopping by for a visit on her way to Maine. We are super excited to see her and hear about her journey on that life changing trail. This is one aspect of the job that I will miss. I cherish the relationships that have come to fruition over the years. It is such a joyful experience to gain new "family" members during each season.

Well, the sun is rising up over the mountain and it has the makings for another gorgeous day. The rain blew out early yesterday and we had a lovely spring day up top. The high was 64º with a low of 44º. I hope everyone has a great day. Happy Hiking.

David C.

4/4/2014 01:24:25 am

I understand what you are saying Allyson. I just retired from my dental practice after 35 plus years. You know when it's time to go but you miss the people. My patients become my friends.

Paulrom

4/4/2014 01:54:26 am

Not only do you have new family members in your crew each year but those of us who have had the pleasure of knowing you and Chris every year since y'all started at the lodge feel the same way.I have said it before I've been coming up and staying at the lodge since 1995 and really appreciate the changes y'all have made. Y'all will be missed by many. Stay dry bad weather coming today

Paul B

4/4/2014 02:58:14 am

Do you know what/if Bethany has a trail name and if she has a blog or using Trail Journals? I have become a Trail Journals junky the last couple of years since someone noted it here. Also, there was a great series posted this week on Facebook about the history of MtLeconte. I forget the actual site, "hikingthesmokymountains.com" maybe. I know the author's site is Twisted Ridge Photography. Awesome reads for anyone that is interested in the early years of hiking the mountain and the development of the lodge.

Missy

4/4/2014 05:10:40 am

Hi Paul - Would you mind sharing where you found the trail journals? I'd love to dream through their boot prints. Thanks!

Paul B

4/4/2014 03:21:21 pm

Missy, go to www.trailjournals.com. There are quite a few different trails to choose from. The AT has almost 400 people blogging. Some do it daily, others more sporadic. One guy I am following, "Hudson" is almost 900 miles already whereas several are just getting started.
Enjoy!

Gulf Coast Doug

4/5/2014 06:52:29 am

With all the AT talk...had to mention I'm currently immersed in a great book about a thru hiker named Paul Stutzman. Grew up a Mennonite in Ohio, lost his wife to cancer, quit his job and hiked the trail...life long dream. Feel like I'm hiking with him. It's called "Hiking Through."

Bob B

4/6/2014 03:16:38 am

Gulf Coast Doug - I am currently reading the same book (Hiking Through) - Excellent book. I was up late the past few nights reading it, I couldnt put it down last night. :)

Missy

4/6/2014 06:55:37 am

Thanks Gulf Coast Doug. I've been wanting to read some good first hand account books of hikers on the AT. PCT too if you know of any?

SHorner79

4/4/2014 02:55:42 pm

The series you're looking for is on this website: http://hikinginthesmokys.blogspot.com/

It's a great snapshot of some of the wonderful history of the mountain!

Missy

4/5/2014 05:20:56 am

Thanks Paul B & SHorner79. Wish I could spend all day reading the journals. =^)

Jay W

4/4/2014 03:17:12 am

I love the "Hike your own hike" quote. I have a hiking buddy who I refer to as Jessie Owens because he practically flies up the trail. I don't try to keep up with him because I prefer to hike my own hike at a slower pace. We both get plenty of enjoyment from our hikes, although he probably doesn't enjoy waiting by the truck while I finish "hiking my own hike." I enjoy the blog and hope to make my second trip to the top in May.

Kent

4/4/2014 04:29:35 am

I was just thinking about how much the definition of my own personal “hike” has changed over the years. The first time I ascended the Alum Cave Bluff trail in 2000, it was mostly about seeing how fast I could reach the summit. All I had with me were a couple of waterbottles and no food. I don't believe I even stopped at the Lodge and I passed people on the way down that I passed on the way up.

But 14 years later, I hardly recognize the guy whose only concern was to see how fast he could get up the trail – or road, if I was cycling. Not that I wasn't aware, or appreciated, my surroundings, mind you.; it's just that my primary focus has become almost entirely to take in what's around me fully experience the wonder of it all.

Missy

4/4/2014 05:35:04 am

Last year was our first trip up to the lodge. I knew it would be challenging, but it took several more HOURS than I had anticipated. What I thought would be a 5-6 hour hike, including plenty of stops for photos, turned into an 8 hour marathon. At times I swore the mountain was growing underfoot. We were passed by all of day hikers. We managed to make it before dark, with an hour to spare before dinner. The crew was warm & welcoming without judgement of our late arrival. I was exhausted. I thought it would be my first & last stay. Something shifted in me. I enjoyed the difficult adventure so much that we are staying two nights this fall so we will have more time to enjoy the mountain, the lodge and the efforts rewarded from hiking our hike.
Allyson, I hope to meet you this fall to thank you for all you do to make the lodge such an unique escape.

Shane S.

4/4/2014 06:45:32 am

I read a book by Bill Schuette called "White Blaze Fever" that refered to this "hike your own hike" over and over again. @Kent, I too used to hurry along the trail in order to see how fast I could ascend the mountain, but as I have grown older learned to slow down and take it all in. I live in Ohio, so I only get to come down 2 or 3 times a year. I can't wait to get to Mt. LeConte again and would encourage everyone to slow down and enjoy every second on the trail. Thanks for all you do up top!

Rebecca

4/4/2014 08:23:35 am

Hike you own hike. That says it all. We went out to the Glades and got our Olde Virden's! That's some good "spice"!

Mtn Rose

4/4/2014 08:55:08 am

Beautiful picture today. It looks an artist's painting.
Love it.

Jennifer

4/4/2014 04:00:46 pm

Our family wants so badly to hike up and stay at Mt. LeConte Lodge! It sounds SOOO awesome. It is on my "Bucket List". However, my children are 10 & 12. They've hiked plenty of trails and absolutely love it. They even made it atop Chimney Tops a year ago. Do you think they can make this hike?
Hoping to meet you two someday!
Hugs from Wauconda, IL.

tomk in SC

4/5/2014 01:44:48 am

@Jennifer. Kids a lot younger than 10/12 have been successful on this hike including all three of my own younger than that. Don't take them uo Boulevard or Brushy Mountain the first time. Those are long trails. If your kids are undisciplined, stay off Alum Cave. There are places to fall there. If they listen well, Alum Cave is fine. Otherwise they will love Rainbow Falls/Trillium/Bullhead in that order.

Missy

4/5/2014 05:15:24 am

Hi Jennifer - With their experience, I don't think you boys would have any problems hiking LeConte. Staying at the lodge would be an awesome family adventure. =^)

Steve D

4/6/2014 01:00:37 am

Jennifer,
To answer your question-Yes! Your kids at that age can certainly make it up the Mtn. I have seen plenty of kids younger than that go up. In fact my parents took me and my brothers up years ago at ages 8, 10, and 12. Just take your time, and have plenty of water and snacks/food. I assume you have good shoes for them if you have hiked with them before. So go for it and have fun!

Elisabeth

4/5/2014 05:06:35 am

if your kids made it up chimney tops, they will certainly make this hike. take your time and enjoy the scenery! I saw LITTLE kids going up and down on Alum the other day (maybe 5-6 years old) and was amazed! GO FOR IT! you wont regret it!

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