Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. Haruki Murakami
Morning y'all, It's yet another stormy day up top. The high yesterday was 45 degrees. The low got down to 30 degrees. It was 35 degrees and cloudy at 7am observation. It sounds like the weather is supposed to clear sometime this afternoon and remain mellow until this weekend. The trails should be a bit wet, but I would still consider them totally passable. There should be no need for Microspikes. If you venture out today, you may be lucky enough to see a mind bending inversion like I did at sunset last night... 
Top photo: Cliff Tops. Above: Sun setting over inversion.
The view outside the window had hardly changed over the past 4 days. You do not account for what you have until it is gone. When the sun parted through the trees late yesterday afternoon, my heart skipped a beat. It is as biological a need that we can have, this craving for light. I do not know why it brings such joy to the heart, but it does. I believe it is simpler than I am making it sound, but these particular rays of UV light moved me to remember what I was grateful for. For that gentle reminder, I am thankful. 
Yes.
Crystal
12/10/2013 12:38:36 am
JP where is the first picture? I appreciate you being on the Mtn. and keeping us updated on the weather and the beautiful pictures. Have a great day.
Crystal
12/10/2013 12:45:30 am
I see now!! The Grandma Ramsey here in Cosby would say "If rain begins before 7am it will be gone by 11 am". Seems to hold true!
Paul B
12/10/2013 12:45:33 am
Beautiful pictures and equally beautiful wording for our need to see and feel the warmth of the sun. I completely understand and agree. My office is in the basement with only two small windows which are currently covered by snow. Need to strap on the 'trax and enjoy the winter wonderland!
Kent
12/10/2013 02:03:50 am
I rolled out of bed this morning chilled to the bone; then I felt the warmth coming off that first pic -- much better. It's more effective than a space heater.
Cindy
12/10/2013 04:09:03 am
Light and water. Two essentials for physical life and also for spiritual life.
cindy & norman the ABR
12/10/2013 04:25:52 am
right on!!
margaret
12/10/2013 05:08:26 am
Hello Mr JP. I'm looking forward to meeting you sometime next week; Bringing up around 30 high school students for an outing; Hope you have plenty of hot chocolate!
Crystal
12/10/2013 05:25:12 am
Margaret what day will you be going up next week? I think we will be hiking up Tuesday if the weather is good.
Pat
12/10/2013 05:32:06 am
Just wanted to let you know the Lodge is closed for the season. You will have to bring your own hot chocolate. Hope the weather holds for your outing :-)
elktonbrant
12/10/2013 06:57:21 am
Make sure your students are well prepared and have plenty of food and other supplies for the day long journey. December hiking in the Smokies (especially to LeConte) can go from a quiet walk to a sudden snowstorm in a matter of moments (trust me, I have experienced this in person on more than one occasion). There is no food or shelter available, and I think the only water source available in the winter is the spring near the shelter. Please make sure the students aren't stuck with inadequate supplies to survive a rapid change in the weather.
Barbara Burnet
12/10/2013 06:13:10 am
Beautiful ! enjoying the pictures and words during my lunch break
Debi
12/10/2013 11:20:02 am
I can feel the heat and sunshine off that first picture. :)
Ryan La
12/10/2013 01:39:52 pm
Evening Margaret this time of year Leconte is more than just an outing for one person let alone 30+ weather conditions or much different up top then they are at the trailhead in the parking lots. With these many people in mine Laurel Falls behind the sugar land ranger station would be a safer bet
BILL
12/11/2013 12:52:24 am
Just FYI...Laurel Falls Trailhead is 4 miles from Sugarlands Visitor Center and Park Headquarters Comments are closed.
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