Is It Ever Too Cold To Grill?

11/21/2014

I think I saw a tear in Chris's eye as he realized this was his last time to grill on the mountain. Yes, he was grilling in 24 degree weather, because that is how we roll. Chris always enjoyed grilling for the crew. Perfecting his grilling technique is a hobby for Chris. I was thankful he took on the cooking roll last night. Today is the beginning of prep for the crew mountain Thanksgiving. It will take me three days to have everything ready for us to sit down Sunday and enjoy our "family Thanksgiving". I look forward to it and I know this year is going to be bittersweet.

The trails leading to the lodge are still very slick. Henry Neel, who spent 15 years on this mountain, hiked up yesterday. He said Alum Cave trail had more ice then he had ever seen. That says something considering Henry spent a winter as winter caretaker. Every trail is icy and we have not had temperatures above freezing. The high yesterday was 27 with a low of 19. If you are hiking up today, YOU WILL NEED some sort of spikes for your boots. Please, do not attempt with out some sort of ice traction. It is too dangerous for my crew to have to carry someone up the trail in these conditions. I do not want my crew's safety put on the line because someone did not use better judgment. Please, be safe, take your time, dress properly, use ice traction, and drink plenty of water. We hope to see you at the top safe and happy.

23 Comments

Marilyn

11/20/2014 11:50:33 pm

Looks like Chris is thoroughly enjoying it! Glad to hear Henry is still around. Met him in 96 when my daughter crewed with him. He's a great guy! It is frigid here in Indiana too but we're headed for 50 degree weather on Sunday and rain. Probably turn cold and freeze up and the flat land here will look like those trails minus the rocks and roots and twists and turns and altitude. Pretty boring actually now that I think about it.

Chris and Allyson, enjoy your last few days on the mountain and good luck with your business adventure. Been a pleasure to see LeConte through your eyes and ears even though I've been there many times. Gives one a different perspective.

Happy Thanksgiving to the crew and all who visit this site. Safe Hiking.

Pat N

11/20/2014 11:53:54 pm

Hurrah for The Grill Master!

bill r

11/21/2014 01:00:39 am

never to cold-enjoy your last few days up in God's Country & thank you for the blogs

storm

11/21/2014 01:05:17 am

hope everyone makes it safley. cant wait to hike up tomarrow

Alan T

11/21/2014 01:09:56 am

Never too cold to grill! One time, a few years back, the deck was too icy to get to the grill. Since I got my Micro-spikes for hiking LeConte that is no longer a problem :-)

Paul B

11/21/2014 01:45:46 am

I saw a photo of the AT between NFG and Ice Water Springs yesterday. Solid ice for 1/2 mile or more they said. I would think JP recommended micro spikes a necessity over yak tracks in these conditions.

Missy

11/21/2014 02:19:30 am

Y'all have reached the no repeat days! Hopefully the trails will thaw some before everyone hikes down next week.

Allyson, Chris & Nathan - Thanks for taking such good care of Steve during our visit the last week of October. We enjoyed getting to chat with Ruthie, Leslie, Brad & Lisa too. In spite of his first night, we had a great visit on the mountain. Two days is certainly the way to go if you can snag the reservation.

Please let Nathan know that we rec'd and appreciated his note. First time we've ever gotten llama mail. :)

We wish you all continued success in your coming ventures and adventures. So exciting and we know you are ready!

Warm regards,
Missy & Steve

Rebecca

11/21/2014 03:27:24 am

Never a bad time for "grillin"! Anytime.....Any weather! Go Chris. Cannot wait to see a picture of the Thanksgiving spread. Bon Appetit

doug y link

11/21/2014 04:03:48 am

Excellent advice on the traction devices; I just hope people will read and follow it. I have my store-bought traction devices, but one can use bungee cords and several short links of small gauge chain, sort of like a dog chain, and improvise and make some in a pinch. It's cheap, too.

Jenny B. link

11/21/2014 06:48:07 am

There is a lot of garbage going on with this site. There are people impersonating regular contributors to the blog. It will get worse in the winter season if you administrators don't figure out a way to deal with it. Please, site administrators, do something about it, like requiring registration. You will regret it if you don't do something before this winter.

Jenny B.

11/21/2014 02:30:45 pm

That sounds kind of like a threat....maybe it's time to take the Internet a little less seriously.

Jarrett link

11/21/2014 07:47:56 am

I hope everyone is safe on their travels up and down the mountain in this cold weather. Oh and it is never to cold to grill!

joeblow

11/21/2014 08:28:12 am

Grillin and chillin is the only way to go!

Matilyn B link

11/21/2014 08:41:33 am

Hope your Thanksgiving feast is a good one. We had the pleasure of day hiking up Boulevard and down Bullhead back on October 20, when it was mid 50's and beautiful sunny views. Amazing how quickly the weather changed

Pat M. In Ohio

11/21/2014 09:45:56 am

We grill year around but draw the line at zero degrees. I have a picture of hubby grilling in the midst of a pretty decent snowstorm. For us 24 degrees would be quite balmy - LOL!

cgif

11/21/2014 11:21:44 am

have been following this sight for years
my first post on this site "so cool" ( 100% accurate )
was slammed for what? what is not cool about that place
chill out JB

cgif

11/21/2014 12:03:41 pm

Trust me i am no imposter on
Leconte. Was married to my wonderful wife on Cliff Tops April 5 2010, Archive picture in front of lodge same day Doug York was there ( I love that man )
I want to be your friend Jenny B especially knowing you carry a big machete!
Upmost respect for you and the Mountain

doug y

11/22/2014 12:46:19 am

Yes, I was at the lodge that weekend, but, I do not know you nor do I remember you. Most of us here use our real names.

Barbara

11/22/2014 08:58:59 am

Looked up April 5 and there is a picture of Curt and his new wife same day as Doug York was there. Said they got married at Cliff Tops that day.

Jenny B. link

11/22/2014 09:09:18 pm

I looked up 4/5/10 in the archives and I see no wedding picture. There was snow on the ground that day. Whatever.

Penny gifford

11/23/2014 01:48:28 pm

I actually had to get on and check to see if our picture was still up and there it was. You have to scroll down on the guest sightings to April 5, 2010. Our wedding picture is there - right above Doug. It's okay that Doug doesn't remember us. We are quiet people and enjoy our peace. We shy away from too much talk. I hope this is the "proof" you need Jenny that we are real people. Maybe it will bring peace to your heart. Happy safe trails to everyone. May the mountain refresh your soul this holiday season

David

11/21/2014 11:27:41 pm

Thanks for updates - what is high / low temp expected on mountain top this Monday & Tuesday? Precipitation? See you Monday.

Jenny B. link

11/23/2014 11:38:39 pm

Penny, I was looking at the archives at right. I went to the guest sightings and found the picture of you and Curt. You look like a very happy couple. Peace to you too.

Is It Ever Too Cold To Grill?

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