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.
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Pat N
11/20/2014 11:53:54 pm
Hurrah for The Grill Master!
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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
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storm
11/21/2014 01:05:17 am
hope everyone makes it safley. cant wait to hike up tomarrow
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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 :-)
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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joeblow
11/21/2014 08:28:12 am
Grillin and chillin is the only way to go!
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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!
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cgif
11/21/2014 11:21:44 am
have been following this sight for years
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cgif
11/21/2014 12:03:41 pm
Trust me i am no imposter on
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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.
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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.
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.
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LeConte LodgeWelcome to the official blog of LeConte Lodge. We hope you find the information provided here both helpful and enjoyable. Thank you for visiting the site, and we hope to see you on the mountain! Archives
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