i'll stand up and laugh at my own frightened heart.

2/20/2015

I was young and I thought I was tough and I knew it was beautiful and I was a little bit crazy but I hadn’t noticed it yet. Norman Maclean

Morning y'all,

It's another beautiful, clear, COLD morning. The high yesterday reached 0 degrees. The overnight low was negative 21 degrees, recorded shortly after observation yesterday. It was 0 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation yesterday. Our snowfall total is still around 10 inches. There are some deeper drifts along the trail. I would highly recommend MicroSpikes and a full winter kit if you intend to hike up. Enjoy the day!

A friendly reminder: THE LODGE IS CLOSED! There are no goods or services available. No cabins to warm up in, no place to buy tea or coffee, etc. Please be prepared to be self-sufficient if you intend to reach the summit. You will find every building except for one privy locked for the season.

chip saxton

2/19/2015 11:50:12 pm

JP.....thanks for your postings. I enjoy reading your commentary about the conditions up there. Take care and be warm. Do you have electric?

Terry

2/19/2015 11:59:36 pm

The lodge never has electricity. That is part of the magic of the place. An adventure back to a simpler time and escape from all that blinks.

Kent

2/20/2015 06:46:06 am

I agree with you for the most part. Still, I can't help but think that those satellite trackers on the mountain kind of punch a hole in that connection to the past -- even if they are completely necessary to the modern operation. ; )

Old Blevins

2/20/2015 09:36:10 am

The lodge has electricity. How do you think laptops and cell phones stay charged? How does the weather equipment work? Ever see those solar chargers or hear the roar of that generator?

Old Blevins

2/20/2015 09:37:07 am

There's also a huge propane tank! And supplies flown in by helicopter!

Paul B

2/19/2015 11:50:26 pm

I love multi picture days. Beautiful as always and love the ski slope down the "Grand Staircase". I would end up inside the dining hall if I tried that. Have you used the "saucer" (or was it a serving tray) that was seen in last years photo?

2/20/2015 12:16:44 pm

Paul,

I hope to get sledding once my rib fully heals!

Paula B.

2/20/2015 12:51:02 am

These are some of the prettiest pictures I've seen from LeConte. Thanks for sharing. Please post more. Stay warm!!

jeff

2/20/2015 01:08:10 am

JP, thanks for the beautiful photos!

Richard Childers

2/20/2015 02:22:51 am

I hate to be repetitive, but your photographs are absolutely beautiful. Thank you.

Kent

2/20/2015 02:31:07 am

"Full winter kit" indeed! It would be quite a challenging slog up that mountain today. but the rewards for the well-prepared hiker would be a cherished addition to the memory bank.

Rick link

2/20/2015 03:19:43 am

what are the tire tracks in today's pictures?

Steve

2/20/2015 03:27:03 am

I will be you they aren't tire tracks! Ski's I bet

Jenny B. link

2/20/2015 05:20:16 am

Yes, those are ski tracks. X-C skiing just isn't well-known in this part of the country, for good reasons. Usually you need to have snow in the valleys for good backcountry skiing. There are only two places in the Southern Appalachians where you can normally use X-C skis. Those are the Clingmans Dome Road and the crest of the Roan Highlands. Of course, no one has been able to get to the Clingmans Road for the past four days, and I doubt they will be able to get there anytime soon.

norman

2/20/2015 02:46:09 pm

Is there a road up there I don't know about?!

White Pine GA=ME 95

2/20/2015 04:16:10 am

Happy 30th Birthday (tomorrow) . . . .JP, Have you checked NOC in the last few days? C U a few days before airlift!

2/20/2015 12:19:27 pm

Thanks White Pine!

Can't wait to see you when I see you!

Lots of love,
JP

Matchesmon

2/20/2015 04:22:20 am

No services unless you happen to be a special friend of the caretaker.

Michael Patterson

2/20/2015 05:43:23 am

HEAVEN ON EARTH! I WOULD TRADE PLACES WITH YOU IF I COULD IN A HEARTBEAT!

Dispatch

2/20/2015 09:54:18 am

I hope your resupply went well. We are working 24 hours a day, so give us a call whenever you top out. We would happy to hear you are safely snugged in for the night. ~LJ

2/20/2015 11:34:41 am

LJ!

I am charging both my radios in the other room, but made it back safely at 6pm. The flurries just started as I was nearing the lodge! It was great meeting you today!

Best,
JP

Dispatch

2/20/2015 07:24:48 pm

I am glad you made it! I am just back into work for the 3am shift. Plow operators are keeping the spur open and good condition. Have a great day!

Val

2/20/2015 10:54:42 pm

JP & LeConte Lodge made the news again!
http://www.wbir.com/story/weather/2015/02/20/leconte-caretaker-negative-23-21-temperatures/23747909/

Comments are closed.

i'll stand up and laugh at my own frightened heart.

Ryn
R.

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i'll stand up and laugh at my own frightened heart.

RynR.

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Ryn
R.