such wild love - do you think there is anywhere, in any language, a word billowing enough for the pleasure that fills you, as the sun reaches out, as it warms you as you stand there, empty-handed - or have you too turned from this world - or have you too gone crazy for power, for things? Mary Oliver Morning y'all, It's a beautiful, clear and COLD morning up top. The high yesterday reached 18 degrees. The overnight low was negative 3 degrees. It was 5 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received an inch of snow yesterday afternoon, bringing our snowfall total to 3 inches. It looks like the next few days are bound to be frigid, so be sure to pack all sorts of layers, fresh socks and windproof gear if you intend to reach the summit. I'd recommend MicroSpikes if you intend to reach the summit, as well. The trails are still really slick! I had a great time wandering around the mountain yesterday afternoon. An unexpected burst of snowfall came through, showering the mountain with thick perfect flurries. Within an hour there was some feathery accumulation and the wind was raging and rearranging the new snowfall into sleek drifts with the beautiful deliberation of a kid making a sandcastle. There was a deep abiding silence, which always seems more real when the snow falls and you can confirm - no footprints. Just one man, one mountain. A perfect ratio.
Beverly
2/13/2015 01:34:04 am
A great picture---would be perfect as an official Mt Leconte Christmas card.
Cedar Lane
2/13/2015 01:45:29 am
I can only imagine what its like to listen to first aid kit while soaking in the wintery solitude up there man! Not to mention the fleet foxes ;) 2/13/2015 02:05:04 am
At my stage of life, I've had more than my share of most good things, but if I envied any friend of any one thing, it would be your solitude on that mountain. You already know how lucky you are, so I needn't say it.
Fred
2/13/2015 04:49:57 am
JP we know about micro spikes. What are some of your favorite other gear you would recomend for Leconte winter weather.
tomk in SC
2/13/2015 09:43:21 am
JP is not blathering on about microspikes. He is getting ahead of a frequently asked question: "Do I need microspikes TODAY" Those that have microspikes simply have them in their pack, those that don't will either buy some or choose to hike another day. So his comments are letting folks know what his recommendation is on that day. He does that when daily conditions more or less require special equipment for safety or comfort.
Fred
2/13/2015 02:28:57 pm
I know that. Never mind.
Vickie Kesley
2/14/2015 09:32:15 am
i absolutely love reading your posts daily. We love the beauty of the mountain through your words. 2/20/2015 12:40:24 pm
I've enjoyed reading your blog and would like to encourage my hiking buddies to do so. Could I share some of your marvelous photos on my facebook page? With attribution, of course. 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
June 2024
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