i'm not the man they think i am at home.

12/12/2011

Charlie's Bunion! Mount LeConte!

Morning,

It was a very mild night last night. The low was only 31. It was 34 and a bit hazy at observation. The high yesterday was 41. A good bit of the snow has melted away, but there are still some icy sections on the trails.

I hiked out to Charlie's Bunion yesterday with a few friends. We were able to watch sunrise at Myrtle Point, then hit the trail. We didn't see another person on the Boulevard trail. We had a great view out there and were able to enjoy lunch on the Bunion.

I'm hiking my friends down Bullhead today so that we can grab lunch in town. I'll head back up Alum this afternoon. Safe hiking!

Sunset at Cliff Tops.

Paul B

12/12/2011 12:44:39 am

Nice pics! I have never been to Charlie's Bunion. What is the best way to get there for a day hike. We usually do a shorter hike the day before we head up to the lodge.

randyb

12/12/2011 12:55:23 am

I am really enjoying your posts and your pics! Thank you for sharing and hope to meet you one day on the trail.

KriaMoose

12/12/2011 12:59:27 am

Paul....Charlie's Bunion is along the AT beyond the Boulevard turn off to LeConte....Keep going past Ice Water Springs. Leave from the New Found Gap parking area and in about 4 miles, tou'll be there. Great day hike along with The JumpOff.

Vicki T

12/12/2011 01:05:20 am

JP really enjoying your post and pics. I have been following this for several years and so far the most enjoyable! Thanks! Glad you had a good hike to Charlies Bunion yesterday. Have a great day and safe hiking!

Jacque J

12/12/2011 03:00:15 am

We love your pictures!!

Nancy J

12/12/2011 04:00:03 am

JP: I would like permission to use one of your sunset photos posted Dec. 11. I will give you credit with a link if you approve. Thanks. Look forward to your daily posts!!

Rod

12/12/2011 04:10:29 am

Cool new perspective of Mt LeConte I have not gotten to see before. Thanks for sharing this great view.

Debi link

12/12/2011 04:16:45 am

I guess I had my questions answered. I too was going to ask where Charles Bunion trail was. Looks like a beautiful place and someplace new to hike next trip down. JP you've been wonderful at writing this blog. I'd have to say your mom is quite proud of the man she raised.Enjoy Kiddo!!

Carol

12/12/2011 04:52:10 am

JP, love your blog! I read it every day & it partially satisfies my need for a Smokies fix. We are on waiting list for Sept. Living on the wrong end of the state (West TN)makes it tough to get up there as much as I'd like to. Your pictures are awe-inspiring. Stay safe.

sandee link

12/12/2011 06:25:12 am

What's being pointed to?

Marilyn

12/12/2011 06:29:36 am

Sandee, i believe he is pointing at LeConte. At least that is what I gather from his caption. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Sherry

12/12/2011 07:34:07 am

Marilyn you're right. He's pointing at MT. LeConte from Charlies Bunion on the Appalacian Trail.

james W

12/12/2011 08:22:42 am

Boulevard Trail to mt leconte is a great hike little over 8 miles past Charlies Bunion, and Jump off on the AT also! about 2. 4 miles along the AT , Park at Newfound Gap near Clingmans dome and hit the trail; did it Nov 1st!

Ron Adams

12/12/2011 08:51:39 am

JP, please share your thoughts. Is it wise to announce to anyone here when you will be off the mountain? I guess the LeConte Lodge folks are ok with it, but I was just thinking, if some idiot wanted to break into the Lodge and do some damage, they would know when the best time would be to do that. On the other hand, what fool would hike all the way up there to commit vandalism/thievery. Your thoughts on this?

Barbara

12/12/2011 09:27:54 am

No, you're not, you must be the Rocket Man! This is the first quote I've recognized without a little help from my friends ;o). The Charlie's Bunion shot is perfect.

Galen

12/12/2011 09:44:25 am

Hi JP, Are you keeping a log of all your hikes? It would be interesting to see how many miles you hike during your stay on the mountain.
I agree with so many others. You are doing a fantastic job with the blog and your pics.
Be safe, happy hiking.

Alan

12/12/2011 11:04:03 am

You're doing a good job JP, interesting pics and stories. Would like to see some of the photos you took from the bunion.

12/12/2011 11:56:58 am

Nancy,
Go ahead and use the photo! Let me know the link when you get a chance.
Ron,
That's a good point. I'll be more discrete in future postings. I like to think a 2800' climb is a lot of work for vandals, but it's worth taking precautions.

Devin R.

12/12/2011 12:07:38 pm

It was nice to run into you today JP. I was hoping to be able to put a face and name to your posts, so it was a pleasant surprise to see you walking up Rainbow instead of up Alum like your post said. You also sparked a conversation between Michelle and I about whether or not we would be able to do what you're doing this winter!

What a wonderful day to hike today! We guess that the temps were in the low 40s along the higher elevations of Rainbow, and it's so nice to be able to enjoy the trails during these colder and quiter seasons. There's something peaceful about having the trail virtually to yourself (just like how it can be somewhat disheartening to hike up Alum during the summer along with 100 other souls!)

Safe hiking this week. Maybe we'll catch you out on Bunion on Weds!

12/12/2011 12:23:49 pm

Devin,
Right back at ya. It's really nice to meet the folks who care so much about this mountain.

I agree, it was a fantastic day to be out. I hope you guys enjoy your last few days in the park!

Tom Welborn

12/12/2011 12:43:55 pm

Did you see the peacock on the trail to Charlie's Bunion? We hiked the trail last year and it came walking down the trail and seem to be looking for a handout.

edwinnia

12/12/2011 03:29:36 pm

JP,
I have not been on here since Friday morning; did I ever miss some beautiful pictures!!! Glad we have them on here to view over and over. I love this blog and love what you are doing. My boyfriend and I hiked up for my 50th birthday a few weeks ago. I absolutely think LeConte is one of the most beautiful places on earth! Thank you for all you do. Be safe, and enjoy!

Eddie

12/12/2011 09:48:35 pm

Excellent point Ron! Last winter some neighborhood kids broke into the lodge while the caretaker was away. They made off with an uncertain amount of firewood, 3 cans of apple pie filling, some pencils and paper, one red & white checkered tablecloth and a beand new 96" widescreen HD television. They had a get-away llama waiting outside and they were in-and-out in only moments.

Tony Ga

12/13/2011 12:00:12 am

LOL!!! Eddie, reckon those kids were staking out this blog to case their target?

Ron Adams

12/13/2011 02:18:15 am

To Tony and Eddie: thanks for making fun of me. Good job.

Tony Ga

12/13/2011 04:49:54 am

I'm sorry Ron. Eddie started it.

Comments are closed.

i'm not the man they think i am at home.

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