if only my eyes could see as high as the mountain or wherever your heart's gone.

1/14/2015

Someone has a great fire in his soul and nobody ever comes to warm themselves at it, and passers-by see nothing but a little smoke at the top of the chimney. Vincent van Gogh

Morning y'all,

It's a beautiful, clear morning up top. The high yesterday reached 42 degrees. The overnight low was 24 degrees. It was 24 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation last night. There is no snow remaining up top. However, there are still quite a few impressive ice sheets on Alum, so be prepared to slip and slide if you don't have traction devices. Get out and enjoy the day, it looks like it is bound to be a good one!

Top photo: The Ogle Place. Above: Dancing on Alum!

I was reminded this morning of my time spent working in Vermont for the Green Mountain Club two summers ago. I was a caretaker on Mount Mansfield and we were doing some early season summit coverage. My friend Kevin and I got up to the summit a bit early and were enjoying some quiet time before the crowds showed up. As we watched the ravens dive and twirl in the jet streams just above our heads, he casually remarked about how some things about this job never get old. I don't know why, but that stuck with me. Watching this morning's early fog burn off, revealing my beloved spruce fir forest after a day in the cloud likewise, never gets old.

Karen Howser

1/14/2015 01:09:33 am

Really appreciate your thoughts this morning. Thanks for sharing with us.

Susi Willis

1/14/2015 01:18:12 am

I am moved every day by your poetry and reflections. Most days, like today, the heading you give your post- knocks me to my knees (truthfully it's back to my heart). Looking forward to another trip up the mountain in 2015.

Mary Anne

1/14/2015 05:26:55 am

We have been in thick relentless fog for two days now here on the Cosby Plateau. It always surprises me when your weather is so different than the valley. Although, our weather here on the Cosby Plateau is always different than most. More rain, more snow, more fog. We call it the Mountain Effect. I expect to see Viking ships floating out of the haze at any moment. With Edgar Allen Poe at the mast and ravens yelling Nevermore!

Art

1/14/2015 10:34:34 am

Does anyone know where the cabin photo is? It is definitely not LeConte and I presume it is not the Green Mountains of Vermont.....way too many trees.

Mike

1/14/2015 10:56:37 am

The caption states that it's the Ogle place. Noah "Bud" Ogle's cabin is on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

1/14/2015 12:36:08 pm

Thank you! I overlooked it. I have been on that road before...should have recognized it.

HowardJustice

1/14/2015 12:45:21 pm

Jp. Thanks for great pics. Hope to meet you sometime this season. Borrowed a pic of yours for my insta account. Gave you all credits. Esp like your early AM pics Stay Strong!

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if only my eyes could see as high as the mountain or wherever your heart's gone.

LeConte Lodge

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