 Till rising and gliding out I wander'd off by myself, In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars. Whitman Morning y'all, It's another beautiful, snowy day up top. The fresh snow is dazzling in the early morning light. The high yesterday reached 20 degrees. The low was negative 1 degree. It was 3 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received one inch of new snow, bringing the total up top to 3 inches. The trails are in good shape, as the powder is fresh and still has decent traction. Enjoy the trails!  Last night will stand out when I think back on this season. I needed to clear my head. There is only so much consolation the written word can offer. Everything was calm. The full moon was a floodlight amplified by the white carpet, her brother stars shone diamond like on the velvety sky. The wind swirled like dark sea, coming in waves. The trees towered above like giant dreamcatchers. My fellow nightcreatures padded softly through the night. Pure grace.
JanE
1/16/2014 12:56:39 am
Love the pictures! And thinking about what you wrote... to see what you see up there during a full moon has to be amazing. I've never thought about it. But to see that with no interruption from street lights, from house lights, from clouds, from air traffic, nothing between the moon and the ground. Has to be spectacular!!!! Especially with the white snow to light it up! Thanks for making me think about that!!! Good morning JP. Each day your photos of the lodge area draped in snow are most welcome and appreciated. They serve as a substitute for actually being up there. I was going to drive down to Gatlinburg and visit the NOC store this morning, but after having great difficulty getting my new wireless router to operate properly I am postponing that trip until tomorrow; I'll probably stay at least one night at my favorite place in town, the old Gatlinburg Inn. From its front porch there's a broad view of Mt. Leconte, and there's been many a time when I've sat there in a rocking chair that I have longingly gazed up at the mountain. But, I guess with advancing age I need a wee bit of comfort, or "decadence" if you prefer ! NOC will still be; I'm getting a another pair of ice spikes, the Katoolah (sp?) brand, and, several other "modern" goodies. Have a pleasant day up there !
Steve D
1/16/2014 02:51:55 am
JP-all I can say is "Amen to That"!
norman
1/16/2014 03:28:40 am
how come 1/2 the coments are removed??
???
1/16/2014 03:38:44 am
if you don't fit the narrative, they silence you
jnd
1/16/2014 04:09:06 am
Yes and well they should. We don't need negative, snide comments here! We need happy. Among all the beauty presented why not keep it positive?
jack
1/16/2014 04:34:38 am
Yeah, Norman, there have been some comments from earlier this morning I think that have been removed.
Danny G
1/16/2014 05:14:05 am
I'm thinking this whole message board has run its course. I'm signing off indefinitely. Seems to me that the proponents of the lodge and those who are in opposition to it are all immature and irrational.
Missy
1/16/2014 03:31:00 am
When the Hubs and I were driving home last night, I told him that I was wondering if JP could see this moon. As pretty and big as it was in this far corner of West TN, I was imagining how bright it would be high on LeConte with fresh snow reflecting it back into the night. Looks like it didn't disappoint.
darryl
1/16/2014 04:33:26 am
There was a comment from a Cindy this morning, but that's gone now; what is all this censorship ?
Big Brother
1/16/2014 05:16:20 am
We ask the questions here Darryl. Be careful or your post will "never have existed".
darryl
1/16/2014 09:58:42 am
I'm scared.
Melissa G
1/16/2014 04:34:42 am
Missy, I was thinking pretty much the same thing last night down here on the coast of NC. I was outside walking the dog and wondered what this big, bright, full moon looked like to JP. So glad he described that vision so eloquently. Thanks JP for your beautiful photos and words.
Missy
1/16/2014 08:32:00 am
=^)
norman [all know me]
1/16/2014 05:05:34 am
I think i'll go for a kike! hey Norman : Enjoy your hike if you go ! I just posted a second story on my website if you're interested, and in a bigger font. I'm thinking about another about a first visit to the lodge. Regarding negative comments, well, as some say, ignore them. Some odd happenings on here today I think. Looks like more snow on the way for many in the region. G'day
norman
1/16/2014 11:38:47 am
Doug Y, Had a good 5+ mile hike on the 'masion bridge trail ,Acworth, Ga. Just read "the Skunk" story. Good for you on the red necks! Enjoyed!! Norman
Elisabeth
1/16/2014 05:22:41 am
you really DO need to put these photos and written words into a book form....you are quite the author! The blog makes my day (especially ones in which I cannot hike!)
jean d
1/16/2014 07:09:03 am
I agree. JP, your descriptions are so poetic. Seems the consensus of opinion is that you should publish! How I look forward to checking this site each morning and several times during the day. The pictures bring to mind fond memories of hiking trips and camping trips through the years and reading the commenting gang's stories reminds us that those who did the work to make the Smokeys a Nat'l Park really saved something wonderful for all of us to enjoy. How thankful I am for it.
Tracy G
1/16/2014 08:38:51 am
Beautiful pics JP! Thanks so much! 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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