i really wanna know you. i really wanna go with you.

12/19/2013

Your own space, man, it's so important. That's why we were doomed because we didn't have any. It is like monkeys in a zoo. They die. You know, everything needs to be left alone. George Harrison

Morning y'all,

It is yet another beautiful, clear morning up top. The high yesterday hit 39 degrees. The low was reached early in the morning at 13 degrees. It gradually warmed overnight and was 38 degrees at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation, but there is still patchy snow left up top. We may get some decent melt today. The trails are in pretty rough shape. We've had some tricky thaw refreeze cycles and there are some spectacular ice sheets near certain drainages. I would highly recommend Kahtoola Microspikes or some sort of ice traction if you intend to summit.

Top photo: Tennessee chapter of the Cloud Appreciation Society. Above: WOODS.

I had a wonderful hike yesterday and met up with an old friend. We grew close a few years ago and have drifted separate ways since then, twisting and turning in life's gentle course. Seeing her always brings me a transcendent smile above smiling. The kind of maniacal grin that makes your cheeks pain, a distinct giddiness typically follows. There's no way to see her without meditating on the pleasures of memory. We've shared so much together and she's been there for me during my most tumultuous times. As is the nature of life, we've grown apart since our initial bonding experience, but reliving old times on my mental memory wheel just makes me more determined to plan something BIG and renew our bond. Fortunately, we each have miles to go before we sleep...

doug y link

12/19/2013 01:12:27 am

Your comments above, JP, were touching and reminded me of a friend I once had; sadly, that relationship has long since evaporated; I feel that in today's society friends are simply not a part of life anymore, at least that seems to apply for me. I attempt to make new friends, like here on this website, and I sometimes offer to do helpful things for people I hardly even know; but in reality I believe that, for the most part, people just don't trust in others much anymore. I can understand and appreciate that yet it still saddens me. Perhaps I am imagining things, or maybe I'm the exception to this sort of thinking, but being the eternal optimist I will always have hope for the better parts of life, and especially nature. The Cloud Society, eh !? I've heard of that, but have yet to visit their website - - sounds rather interesting. G'day

Robin

12/19/2013 01:17:27 am

I know the feeling about someone you described above. Unfortunately, the person that made my face hurt smiling is the one that has hurt me the most. But I think I would still smile fr ear to ear if I came face to face with him today.

debnfl

12/19/2013 02:09:35 am

Good morning!

"Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of nature's darlings."
-- John Muir ( a famous American explorer, writer, naturalist- best known for defending species and wilderness regions against the destructive hands of modernity.)

Kent

12/19/2013 02:16:33 am

The quote of the day was from George, but the first photo reminds me of John. :)

DianneB

12/19/2013 02:23:07 am

Two people I miss, their voices silenced.

Dave

12/19/2013 02:44:15 am

JP, is there anything you need? I"m planning on swinging by Monday morning.

Susan B

12/19/2013 03:08:41 am

Last year when we had hiked up, there was an older gentleman there at the lodge. He started up a conversation with us "younger" people as he called us about the old days and why can't it be like it was and helping one another, trusting one another. The world is all about the "me" now, rushing every which way, not appreciating what we have at this moment. Our world has changed and it irritates me that people have become distant from one another, not wanting to help their fellow man or take the time to listen to one another.
Life is precious and every moment God has given us is a true blessing. For the future generation to come, I hope and pray things will change for the better .

doug y link

12/19/2013 03:23:33 am

Very, very well stated Susan B ! I could have been that older gentleman you met at the lodge, but I don't think that I was. Regardless, your comments are appreciated and added much to those I posted earlier; in fact, you may have said it better than I did. I am not optimistic about things changing for the better, although I always pray for just that, and I feel that this blog site is about as close as I come these days to having friends. I don't do Facebook, You Tube, Twitter, or any others like them, although I may eventually try to become at least a wee bit familiar with one or two, but this will be only to enhance my personal website and make it more efficient and worthwhile to not only myself, but also for visitors to it, etc. Yes, I'm always available to help others, assist them, offer my advice and experiences, and all anyone has to do is ask it of me. I enjoy this site very much and will daily be eager to read the thoughts and ides of all those who frequent this site. I ask you this: Just how do you convince someone else, a stranger perhaps, that you mean well and can be trusted !? Well, that's enough for now of my thoughts; it's time for some hot cocoa, then immerse myself into the user's guide for this new laptop, Great Galloping Gertie ! I think I'm a technological idiot sometimes !! Patience might be my best ally ! G'day friends

jean d

12/19/2013 03:41:02 am

doug y, I also have a new computer with built in program so very different from the programs I used all the years since I learned to use windows in 1990. I understand your frustration when things don't work like they did before. I have questioned why they have to "fix it when it ain't broke" Have been told it's to sell more computers. Oh yes, the almighty $.

About uncaring people--we all encounter them but maybe it seems as if no one cares because the media folks only report the unpleasant most of the time. There have been several reports lately, however, of people doing loving things for strangers, so there are a few of that type left. Maybe, more than we realize.

Have visited your "site" and hope you get it up like you want it so we can comment back to you on it. Meanwhile we'll comment to you here on High on LeConte.

Debi

12/19/2013 05:11:11 am

I so hear ya Doug. People now a days don't trust, because there's always that one person that you can't. Out of all the millions in the world there always has to be one. Keep your guard up at all times but, learn to entertain yourself and keep busy. Yep, I think a lot of walker/hikers are that way. My husband is always saying change, I hate change. Me too, but then we get used to it and its ok. But its just the thing of changing something. Whether it be a new phone, new hiking boots, the newspaper changes where they put the comics, etc. Boy, did JP open a can of worms today. :)

doug y link

12/19/2013 06:27:13 am

jean d & Debi: I thank you and appreciate your remarks; They were important to me; as for my own site, well, it will get "there" before too much longer I believe; Change !? Can't avoid it nor do much about it, only adapt to it, accept it as far as our inner fortitude will allow us, and perhaps use it positively and productively. I've lived a most fortunate and rewarding life with all kinds of experiences, etc. There aren't enough hours in a day for what I yet desire to do, but mostly all I really want and need is to hike and be in the mountains. I hiked through the Brooks Range in inner Alaska many years ago; If I ever get back to that place, well, I WILL NOT COME HOME !! The Smokies, however, serve me very, very well; actually, it is I who must serve them as far as my resources permit; I do love them so ! As far as JP opening a can of worms, so to speak, I think that today's "exchanges" have been enlightening, strengthening the bond we all share by simply coming here ! It's been a good day. So, when you place your boots on those first few feet of trail and the crunching sound they make echos around you, you'll know you're home ! G'day friends !

Debi

12/19/2013 08:53:23 pm

danni

12/19/2013 10:45:30 am

Well said my mountain brothers and sisters !

Mary F

12/19/2013 11:44:13 am

Wow, just by reading today's comments, I realize how much I miss the mountains and all the fine people I have had the pleasure of meeting on the trails. Although I am now ruined by Florida's awesome winters, I am always anxious to get back the Western North Carolina and begin exploring again. See you all in the spring

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