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January 07th, 2016

1/7/2016

17 Comments

 
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My answer is that it is thoroughly enjoyable... Dogs, birds, etc. seem to take a lot of exercise just for the joy there is in graceful motion. Why should not men and women get a thrill from using their strength just for the fun of it? There is an ecstasy in sustained motion among beautiful surroundings, in breezing over a mountain range seeing the whole gamut of views and lights and shadows in a single day, and coming in hungry and full of life at the end... There is an elemental joy in this struggle with the mountain, darkness and storm, spiced perhaps with just a dash of fear that weakens your pride in your strength just enough to make the battle interesting, a joy that lingers delightfully in your memory. Herbert Malcolm

Morning y'all,

It's another beautiful, wintry day up top. The high yesterday reached 42 degrees. The overnight low was 32 degrees. It was 36 degrees and partly cloudy at 7am observation. The mountain is in the fog right now, but it appears as though it will clear. The mountain received no new precipitation and there is still a trace of snow hanging around. There is still quite a bit of ice on the trails. I went down Alum and up Rainbow yesterday and there were some long, icy sections. I would definitely recommend Microspikes if you intend to reach the summit. It's looking like it'll be another beautiful day, get out and enjoy it!

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I had an awesome adventure yesterday. My friend Becca and I ran down Alum, then went up and down Chimney's and finally finished our day by cruising up Rainbow. The ice on Alum was sketchy for our first mile, but it was a beautiful, warm day and we had no business running around in shorts in January and complaining about a little bit of ice... We also noticed the new railing that the Park Service put on the Styx Branch bridge. Nice work! We then drove over to Chimney's and raced up there, earning our majestic view of LeConte. Finally, we stopped for snacks in town then came up Rainbow. I didn't see another person above the Falls, a welcome sight after how busy Alum and Chimney Tops felt. There's something about being left alone to struggle with your pain that makes it taste sweeter. After hours of movement, the flood of endorphins leaves an intoxicating residue. As I crossed the ridge towards Rocky Spur for my first view of LeConte, the sun was shining at a perfect angle, strong and firm, warming my bare arms for the final push. It's hard to single out moments in a day that full, but that was special.
17 Comments
Donna
1/7/2016 09:37:20 am

JP I wish you would write a book about your experiences as winter care taker at LeConte. I love your way of words!

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tgb link
1/7/2016 09:57:55 am

J.P.you should have made some pics.of Becca in her shorts in Jan.It wouldn't be as funny as the time you were in falls on a cold winter day.LOL I have been to Chimmney Tops,Rainbow and ALum and can't comprehend that in one day ,you have got to be an avid hiker and admire you because I love the outdoors and have hiked many trails in the Smokies and am so glad becaues I have reached my senior and have to take short ones.LOL

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Tammy ( Tx )
1/7/2016 10:25:20 am

Good grief, Charlie Brown! I'm just worn out from reading about your trail "running" yesterday, JP! It took me 8 1/2 hours just to make it up Rainbow in October, but I made it! It would have taken me at least 2 days to do what you and your friend Becca did yesterday!

Seriously, I want (make that NEED) to know what kind of shoes you two are wearing that don't cause damage to your toes with all that downhill travel in one day. Lost my old, comfy, well broken in, tried and trues in a lodge fire in Gatlinburg two years ago and haven't found a pair of hiking shoes that comfortable since! It's crazy, but I even abandoned my hiking boots for flip flops the last 3 miles down Bullhead in October, just to get some relief from the pain! I actually picked up the pace. Please, let me in on your secret!

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norman
1/7/2016 01:46:29 pm

Amen Tammy, I want to know the secret too!!

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AME
1/7/2016 07:05:58 pm

Tammy I agree with JW, Keens work for me, and after a days hiking especially downhill get at least 1/2 to 1 full size larger than what you normally wear. Your feet can swell a full size bigger. It will save a toenail on a long down hill hike.

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JP
1/8/2016 08:26:05 am

Tammy,

Unless it is deep snow or below 15 degrees, I typically hike in Altra or Montrail trail running shoes and a pair of lightweight running socks. I prefer the lightness and comfort compared to boots.

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JW link
1/7/2016 03:09:29 pm

Hello JP looking at your view from Chimneys back to leconte reminded me of my obsession with the point out in front of cliff tops i was wondering if you have ever ventured out there and was it worth it? I have decided my next overnight up i want to take a day and bushwack out there onthe point it has to have a great view! Oh and not to mention the ridge to the eye coming up alum!! lol Do you ever have these problems!! I love to climb!

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JP
1/8/2016 08:27:55 am

JW,

If you are talking about West Point, yes, I have ventured out there a little bit. I don't typically do any risky bushwacks by myself in the winter months, but that one is relatively mild... I've never done that ridge in front of Alum Cave. It's supposed to be rather sketchy and it's also Peregrine Falcon habitat...

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Kent
1/8/2016 11:54:39 am

Off-trail hiking is no longer allowed on Peregrine Ride, also known as Little Duck Hawk. I'm told in some places it's only about a foot wide! JennyB hiked it back in the day. I can't even imagine it!

JW
1/7/2016 03:12:07 pm

Tammy, all I can say is keens!! but for toe issues! I wear two pair of socks yr round!! usually low cuts and low cut keens! and lace them (as any boot or shoe) up almost to the point they feel too tight never had a blister in my life!!

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Tammy ( Tx )
1/7/2016 06:03:00 pm

Exactly, Norman! And JW, I've never tried doubling up on the socks, but that's an idea. My boots/shoes always feel tight and comfortable going uphill, but constantly going downhill is a killer! I was in the Dr's office today for another reason and decided to see what he thought about my totally black toenails. All he said was it could take 6 months for them to grow out. I plan on doing some hiking as soon as next weekend and I'm even considering hiring a guide to teach me how to rappell for my 58th birthday! I need some help soon! And JW, it sounds like you have a yearning for heights and edges like I do. But, sometimes when I see what's not under some cliffs, I'm glad I didn't venture out on the edge! You all have a good evening!

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tgb link
1/7/2016 08:30:16 pm

When I got to my condo.after coming down Hen Wallow Falls my husband and daughters calves were killing them and it was my toes,they were as blk.as smut and hurt so bad I had to soak in hot salty water and I lost both of them several mos.later.That happens nearly ever time coming down if it is steep.I bought a new pr.of Merrell hiking boots 1/2 size larger in April and in Nov .I had no problem,hope that was the key.

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Tammy ( Tx )
1/8/2016 10:44:18 am

Thanks everyone for the advice! I think I'm going to get two pair. One a half size or so bigger and use thicker socks or double up on the socks. And, I definitely want to see about getting some lightweight trail runners like JP suggested.

I have these lightweight Go Walks that don't hurt my toes and are extremely comfortable, but I'm not sure how practical they are for hiking and they're not waterproof. After our hike in October, my brother-in-law said I should have just cut the toes out of my shoes! If I had thought about that, I may have done it! Have a great day y'all!

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Vickey Bale
1/8/2016 12:08:01 pm

who is Herbert Malcolm that is quoted on Jan 7 under the picture

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JP
1/10/2016 11:48:49 am

Vickey,

He was an explorer and tramper in the Northeast. I believe that I found that quote in Laura and Guy Waterman's 'Forest and Crag'.

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Johtwcny.rr.comn L
1/8/2016 03:10:09 pm

I carry cotton balls for the toe of my boots for steep downhill hiking.

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Peppermint Pattie
1/8/2016 09:34:23 pm

I've found nothing better than Merino wool hiking socks.

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